Others Weigh Options—

Rosenthal Won’t Run Again

By John Voket

Democratic Selectman Herb Rosenthal has resolved to make 2009 his last year in elected service, at least for now. The former five-term first selectman who narrowly lost to Republican Joe Borst in 2007, told The Bee this week that he is planning to turn his full attention to private sector work.

“I share the fate of many people here in Newtown,” Mr Rosenthal said. “My savings and investments took a big hit over the last year, so I need to go back to work for the next few years.”

Even during the decade he served as first selectman, Mr Rosenthal maintained all the credentials required for a financial and securities professional.

The selectman said he wanted to establish early-on in the year that he will neither seek nor entertain an endorsement for any elected office come November.

“I’m not stepping aside for anyone, but I hope we see some new people with some new energy stepping forward to run this fall,” Mr Rosenthal said.

Among those being talked as possible candidates in local political circles are former town finance director Ben Spragg and former Democratic selectman Gary Fetzer.

While he told The Bee this week he has not made any decisions yet about running for Newtown’s top seat come November, Mr Fetzer is preparing to teach a March class at the University of New Haven titled, “How to Run for Political Office and Win.” He explained that the course is open to those of any political party, as well as independents, and is designed for those who are thinking about becoming more involved in politics.

In a press release promoting the class, Mr Fetzer notes five mistakes commonly made in local political campaigns including, “Not making a compelling, concise case for the candidate.” He also promises to cover points about dealing with the media.

When asked about his future political aspirations, Mr Fetzer responded by reading from a prepared statement, which he subsequently forwarded to the newspaper. In it, he says that some leaders in the community approached him to determine if he had any interest in a position on the Board of Selectman.

Saying that it is not the time for partisan politics, Mr Fetzer instead outlined two challenges the town must face and deal with in the coming weeks and months: “Developing and passing a workable budget in light of today’s economic climate, and getting the high school addition back on track so that we can meet our future obligations to the children of this town.

“Once those two tasks are met, it will be time for me to [decide] how best I can help the residents of Newtown on an ongoing basis,” his statement concludes.

Mr Spragg told The Bee this week that several representatives of the local GOP have expressed an interest in Newtown’s top elected seat. He added that he might consider running, but only if current Republican First Selectman Joe Borst decides to not seek reelection for a second term.

“I haven’t made a decision,” Mr Spragg said. “I need some more time to think about it.”

Sources who were not authorized to speak on behalf of the Republican Town Committee have said Mr Borst is expressing a desire to seek a second term. RTC chairman and former selectman William Brimmer said the RTC was scheduled to meet after the newspaper went to press January 22, to begin formulating plans for the upcoming local elections.

Mr Borst was not immediately available for comment Thursday morning.

Mr Rosenthal said he would enthusiastically support Mr Spragg if he chose to run, saying the former town finance official possesses the skills and nonpartisan persuasion to excel in the post. Mr Rosenthal said depending on how the candidate selection process shakes out in the end, he also might end up supporting his fellow Democrat, Mr Fetzer.

“I’m not endorsing anyone yet,” Mr Rosenthal said.