Democrats Rally Around Rosenthal At Caucus

By Jan Howard

There were no surprises July 17 when Democrats unanimously nominated incumbent First Selectman Herb Rosenthal and incumbent Selectman Joe Bojnowski to run for a fourth term in November.

The Democratic caucus, conducted in the Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall, also backed the entire Democratic Town Committee-endorsed slate, including Republican incumbent Town Clerk Cindy Simon.

In nominating Mr Rosenthal, Michael Kelley said, “Everything he said he would do he has done.” He pointed to some of Mr Rosenthal’s achievements, including tax relief for senior citizens and new open space acquisitions.

Mr Rosenthal said it was his “great pleasure” to nominate Mr Bojnowski, “my running mate for the last three terms. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the advice of Joe Bojnowski.”

In asking the caucus to endorse Ms Simon, Mr Rosenthal pointed to the fairness with which she performs her duties as town clerk and elections official. “It’s a privilege to work with her,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Rosenthal said he was honored to receive the endorsement of his party, which has always supported him in running the town in an even-handed manner, with no pressure to favor one side over another. Because of that, he said, “I could always do what’s in the best interest of the town.”

Mr Rosenthal added that his main goal is “always to preserve the character of the community and its quality of life.” He said he has always acted in the best interests of the people of Newtown and the community, “and I will make that same effort in the future.”

He thanked departing members of the Legislative Council –– Amy Dent, Don Studley, Brian White, and Bill Meyer –– who, he said, “served the council well.”

Mr Bojnowski, in his acceptance speech, pointed to Mr Rosenthal’s thoughtfulness on the budget and his efforts on other major issues, such as the Fairfield Hills property. “Is Newtown better off today? It’s definitely better off today than six years ago because of the leadership of Herb Rosenthal.”

For the Legislative Council, the caucus elected Francis G. Pennarola, Martin Gersten, and Mary Ruffles in District 1; Peggy Baiad, Joseph Hemingway, and Timothy Holian in District 2; and James A. Shpunt, Daniel Amaral, and Kim Danziger in District 3.

Other candidates backed by the caucus are:

Board of Finance, James Gaston, Michael Portnoy, and Peter Giarratano.

Board of Education, David K. Nanavaty.

Board of Assessment Appeals, Charles Framularo.

Planning and Zoning Commission, Robert Poulin.

Planning and Zoning Commission Alternates, Richard Eigen and Edward Kelleher.

Zoning Board of Appeals, Steven Berg.

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate, Michael Daubert.

Police Commission, Gerald Finnegan.

Board of Managers Edmond Town Hall, Edgar Beers.

Mr Rosenthal was first elected in 1997 when he soundly defeated Republican Russ Melita. The GOP failed to put up a first selectman candidate in 1999, and Mr Rosenthal ran unopposed. In 2001, he defeated Republican Owen Carney, who was endorsed again this year by the Republican Town Committee but was defeated in the caucus last week by challenger William Sheluck, Jr. Mr Carney has decided not to seek a primary vote (see story).

Mr Rosenthal has been a resident of Newtown since 1953. Prior to becoming first selectman, he had been employed in the insurance, investment, and financial planning field since 1971. He was a longtime member of the Board of Education, serving as chairman for much of that time.