East Lyme — Board of Finance Chairman Camille Alberti announced Friday she has switched parties to become a Democrat. 

The switch means that Democrats will hold a majority on the six-member board rather than membership being evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

"My views on individual issues aren’t neatly aligned with any one party," Alberti said in a statement. "I'm an independent thinker, and will consider all sides of an issue before I make a decision."

"I’m extremely proud of working on a nonpartisan Board of Finance whose primary concern is serving all our constituents," she said. "When I say I am willing to 'reach across the aisle' to deliver the best solutions, you can be assured that is exactly what I have done, and will continue to do.

"I made a run for the Board of Finance years ago, because I wanted to help formulate the most fiscally responsible budget for our Town. I had no idea at the time that I would develop such a passion to serve our community. I want to continue to serve our community in the best way I know how, and I chose a path that would help me do just that."

Republicans had held a majority on the finance board until November, when Peter DeRosa, a Democrat, was elected during a special board meeting that followed the resignation of former board Chairman Stephen Harney, a Republican. The board then comprised three Republicans and three Democrats.

As the board heads into a series of budget review meetings next week, board members said Friday they work in a bipartisan manner.

"I think she will be equally successful no matter which hat she wears," Jason Pazzaglia, a Republican board member, said of Alberti's decision.

Lisa Picarazzi, the board's vice chairman and a Democrat, said Alberti has made great contributions to the board, works hard, does her homework, is prepared at meetings and asks tough questions. She said she doesn't think it will matter much whether Alberti is a registered Republican or Democrat.

William Weber, a Republican board member, said the announcement didn't come as a surprise. He said if Alberti feels more in line with Democrats than Republicans, she has that freedom of choice.

"I think East Lyme being such a small town and everybody being one big happy family, I don't see it being a big deal," he said.

DeRosa, the newest member of the board and a Democrat, said he has enjoyed working with Alberti and looks forward to continuing to work with her. He said he hasn't seen any partisanship on the board, and as they begin budget season, board members will be "working shoulder to shoulder" to meet the challenges of balancing the town budget with whatever state budget cuts the town will face. 

"I just think were all working towards the same goal which is to keep the taxes low and keep all the services going forward," he said.

k.drelich@theday.com