ANSONIA — Rick Lee, a lifelong resident of Ansonia, said he has always aspired to do his civic duty.

That’s why he ran for mayor of Ansonia in the last General Election.

Jerry Koverman, who served as Ansonia mayor for 19 years and is a retired FFA adviser and vo-ag teacher, announced his retirement last year.

Lee will be officially sworn in at the first meeting of village council in January.

Does he plan on making any changes in the village?

“It’s too soon to tell,” Lee replied. “Jerry did a great job and I want to keep moving it that way. We’ll see what happens.”

By becoming mayor, Lee’s seat on council will have to be filled. His successor has yet to be named.

A 1974 graduate of Ansonia High School, he earned two two-year degrees at Sinclair Community College; one in industrial engineering and the other in fire science technology.

Lee served on the fire department for 33 years and was chief 12 of those years. He also served on council the first time in the 1980s as well as for the last two years.

The oldest of three sons of Robert E. and Pat Lee, he is married to the former Denise Mayo.

They have two children, Erin of Greenville and Justin, who recently received and honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.

Lee said he and wife Denise like to ride his Harley, take walks and be active in their church, the EUM in Greenville.

He has worked at BASF for four years and is its maintenance supervisor.