By Elle Wood

MILFORD — Nadia Zychal was sworn in Monday to the Ward 2 City Council seat left vacant by the election of Todd Culotta as mayor.

She was chosen by council members May 6 to fill the position, after losing the other Ward 2 seat to Lori Connor on April 27.

She will serve on council for a year, the remainder of the two-year term.

“(Council) felt that I was ready for the job,” Ms. Zychal said. “There is only a day short of a year left in the term, so the beautiful thing is that I can prove myself and have a record for myself the next time an election comes around.”

This is her first political role. She is best known around Milford as a local artist, specializing in murals.

Regardless, she is ready to take on the position and make changes in the city.

“I am looking forward to working with the new council people, as well as the incumbents, and helping move our town forward in a positive direction,” Ms. Zychal said.

She went on to say that she feels there has been an added degree of tension in Milford of late.

“There was a lot of controversy,” she noted. “I always felt that I wanted to give back to my community, and I care deeply for my community. I did not really like the tone of division going on.”

The 10-year city resident said she loves the area, especially the relationships she has made.

“I love the small-town feel,” Ms. Zychal said. “Even though it’s growing, it’s almost impossible to run an errand without running into people you know. Even when you run into people you don’t know, you still end up in wonderful conversation.”

She credits that atmosphere for her more sociable attitude recently.

“I have always been an introvert, but the warmth and the friendliness of this town helped break me out of that shell,” she said.

And, because of those connections, Ms. Zychal hopes to help Milford in the best way possible.

“‘Service’ is the word,” she added. “I want to be a voice for my ward and help make positive, impactful decisions that benefit everybody in the city of Milford.”