New London ― Almost a month after winning a state senate seat, City Councilor Martha Marx is stepping down.

The City Council Monday night unanimously appointed and swore-in Democrat Alma Nartatez, a former councilor to fill the Marx’s vacancy until her term ends next fall.

Nartatez served two terms on the City Council from 2016-2020 and was president pro tempore all of 2020. Nartatez works as an environmental, health and safety leader for BD, a global medical technology company.

“I’m excited that Martha and the current council had faith in my ability to lead and collaborate,” Nartatez said, vouching to be a voice for those often not represented.

Reona Dyess, newly-elected council president, said Nartatez is an outstanding councilor. Dyess served on the council with Nartatez when she first joined in 2019.

“She’s very professional and does her due diligence,” Dyess said.

A Democrat and registered nurse of more than 30 years, Marx was in her second term on the city council when she ran for state Senate this year. She beat Republican challenger Jerry Labriola Jr. in November after four-term state Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, retired from public service.

Marx said it would’ve been too much to serve as a state senator and a city councilor.

Describing her time on the city council, Marx said a lot was accomplished with COVID-19 relief funds and she is proud of the direction New London is going in. She said she’s enjoyed serving with the rest of the council, city staff and mayor.

Marx was the chair for the public welfare committee. She said her biggest accomplishments was using her platform to educate the community about topics such as the stigma of opioid addiction and COVID-19 as well as extending the fare-free program with SmartRide, an on-demand public transportation service in the city.

Marx said she is proud Nartatez will take her place on the council. She said Nartatez has experience and will “get right in and start serving the community without a learning curve.”

Nartatez said she is confident and excited to “be apart of the continued progress with the city.”

Editor’s note: This version corrects Reona Dyess’ title to newly-elected City Council President.