Democratic Selectman Maureen Crick Owen, who stepped up to serve as First Selectman Dan Rosenthal’s running mate for his three terms in office, has announced similarly to Rosenthal, that she will not be seeking reelection this fall.

Crick Owen made the formal announcement to the community in a note published in The Newtown Bee’s “Letter Hive” April 14.

“I have decided it is time to take a break after many years of service having previously served on Parks & Recreation Commission, Newtown Community Center Advisory Board and Board of Assessment Appeals,” Crick Owen writes.

The Democratic selectman said when Rosenthal first discussed the prospect of seeking the first selectman’s seat in early 2017 and asked her to be his running mate, “I knew we would make a good team.”

“We have similar standards and principles,” Crick Owen stated, “We share a love for Newtown.”

She also acknowledged her pleasure serving with former Republican Selectman Jeff Capeci — who now chairs the Legislative Council — and current Republican Selectman Ed Shierloh.

“We always worked together for the best results for our community,” she writes. “I am very proud of our accomplishments.”

Rosenthal reflected on Crick Owen’s span of elected service telling The Bee, “One of the best decisions I made was asking Maureen to run with me six years ago.”

“She loves the town as much as I do and she was invested in serving it long before she ran for selectman,” Rosenthal said. “I’ve always appreciated her support on the Board of Selectmen but never once did I feel it was a given. She has always impressed me with her preparation and thoughtful questioning.”

The first selectman recalled teasing Crick Owen about some of the things she would bring to his attention in some of the more obscure minutes she would read.

“It would be tough to slip anything by her, for sure,” Rosenthal added. “I’m happy that she will have time to travel with [her husband] Cramer and I know that she will still be involved in supporting the town in many ways. More than anything I am grateful for her and her friendship.”

Responding to a query about his future political plans, Shierloh said, he is still considering his options. But he shared his reflection on his selectman colleague, saying “Maureen’s hard work and ability to do what was in the best interest of Newtown on the Board of Selectmen will be missed. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Alex Villamil said Crick Owen’s decision to step down as selectman at the end of her term “is a tremendous loss to the town as well as the Newtown Democratic Town Committee.”

“Her dedication to our community is evident in everything that she does,” Villamil added. “The Newtown DTC will miss her energy and commitment; however, after three terms as town selectman, we completely understand her wish to take a break and spend time with her family. We wish her the very best during her well-earned break.”

Crick Owen, who is also chairing a town administrator advisory panel, said she plans to continue working hard through the end of her elected term.

“Serving my community has been an honor and a privilege,” Crick Owen concluded.

Reach Editor John Voket at john@thebee.com