? Woodbridge got a new First Selectman Thursday to take the outgoing leader?s place, and town lawmakers say they are ready to move forward.

The Board of Selectmen voted 3-2 Thursday along party lines in favor of Democrat Ed Sheehy, who served on the board for 27 years. He replaces Republican Amey Marella, who stepped down to take a position at the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Sheehy will serve through the remainder of Marella?s term in July 2007. According to the town?s charter, someone from the same party should have filled the vacancy. However, Woodbridge Republican lawmakers say they will abide by an overriding state law and feel the town can still conduct business.

The position of First Selectman is equivalent to a mayor, which Woodbridge does not have. The Board of Selectmen acts as a city council.