Cascella Says He’s Interested In A Return To Politics

By Steve Bigham

Is Bob Cascella thinking about making another run at the first selectman’s seat?

That’s what a lot of people were wondering following his letter to the editor in last week’s Newtown Bee, which criticized First Selectman Herb Rosenthal over his handling of the Fairfield Hills issue.

On Wednesday, Mr Cascella confirmed that he was very interested in returning to the job that he held from 1993 to 1997.

“Is it a possibility? Yes it is. It’s definitely a possibility,” Mr Cascella said. “I’ve been away from the political arena for a while now and I can honestly say I miss it.”

In his letter, Mr Cascella accused the Rosenthal administration of keeping citizens “in the dark” through its “clandestine” approach to government.

The letter even takes a shot at Mr Rosenthal’s father, Jack, a first selectman from 1976-88, who was in office during the town’s discussions with the state over the proposed Garner Correctional Facility.

“I was surprised when I read that letter. I see Bob all the time and he’s never said anything like that,” Mr Rosenthal said, who said the letter contained no accurate information. “My first thought was he must be running for first selectman.”

Mr Rosenthal was first elected in 1997 and was returned to his office last November after running unopposed. The Republicans vowed to run a candidate in 2001. However, Bob Cascella was probably not the person they intended.

This week, Republican Town Committee Chair Marie Sturdevant said she has had no contact with Mr Cascella and, therefore, was unaware of his intentions to run. She declined to comment as to whether or not she would endorse the former first selectman. Mr Cascella did quip this week that he has received the endorsement of his wife, Sue. However, he remains unsure whether or not he will receive the backing of his fellow party members.

Mr Cascella became a real estate agent after leaving office but has since become involved in management consulting as an independent contractor.

The former first selectman said the current administration is not getting the job done. He felt compelled to speak out and wondered “what the big secret” is about Fairfield Hills.

“I’ve gotten lots of feedback since that letter came out,” Mr Cascella said. “There were a number of people who said they felt they needed to call up and say, “you’re right.”

Mr Cascella was an electrician for 15 years before defeating Zita McMahon for the first selectman’s seat in November, 1993.