Stonington — First Selectman Ed Haberek has submitted a letter to the town saying he will not resign until Dec. 5 — a week later than he originally announced.

Haberek could not  be reached for comment Tuesday about the reason for the change.

Selectmen George Crouse and Rob Simmons both said Tuesday they had been informed of the delay but did not know the reason for it. Simmons said Haberek had submitted a letter to Town Clerk Cindy Ladwig informing her of the new resignation date.

“I don’t know why. I haven’t been able to find out why,” Simmons said. “It begs the question, for what purpose?”

Simmons said that, with two-thirds of the Board of Selectmen not knowing the reason for the change, he plans to raise the issue at the board’s 7 p.m. meeting tonight at the police station.

Simmons questioned whether the change will become a pattern or if Haberek is doing it to capitalize on some sort of benefit.

Because of the confusion and uncertainty surrounding Haberek's departure and filling his position, Simmons suggested the Charter Revision Commission should look at clarifying the charter language regarding the situation. 

Crouse, who will be serving as acting first selectman until someone is appointed to serve the remainder of Haberek’s term or a special election is held, said he plans to be in the first selectman’s office in the days leading up to the resignation date to work on the transition.

Crouse said he was not concerned about the change in dates but in serving the town as acting first selectman.

“I’m more concerned about the transition, getting my feet on the ground and taking over the reins,” he said.

Haberek announced last month that he would be stepping down Nov. 30 to pursue an opportunity he described as too good to pass up. He has not said what that opportunity is.

Because both Crouse and Simmons have expressed interest in serving out Haberek’s term, which ends in November 2015, a special election is likely.

Haberek, meanwhile, has criticized Simmons for his interest in serving out his term.

Two weeks ago on Face­book, Haberek wrote, “George Crouse deserves to take over as first selectman. He has served admirably with me for five years. For Selectman Simmons to force an election and cost to town for his own gain possibly is disrespectful. He has only been serving for months. Very sad.”

Later, in response to comments posted on his Face­book page, he wrote, “I admire George for his dedication and sacrifice also. Unfortunately Selectman Simmons didn’t check his ‘ego at the door.’”

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas