Date: Fri 12-Mar-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

selectman-Rosenthal-Brimmer

Full Text:

Possible Candidates Ponder First Selectman's Job

BY STEVE BIGHAM

With snow still on the ground, the spring and summer election campaigns still

seem a long way off. But the race for the first selectman's seat is expected

to heat up in the coming months.

As of Tuesday, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal said he still had not made up

his mind about whether he will seek a second term, although sources close to

the town's leader expect he'll run again. After all, his father Jack Rosenthal

was in office for 12 years.

"I honestly have not made up my mind. I've enjoyed the job. I just have to

weigh my personal and financial issues," Mr Rosenthal said.

The first selectman said he will announce his decision within the next couple

of months -- after the budget season is complete.

Mr Rosenthal said he was surprised that no one else has announced their

candidacy. Those announcements may not be that far off. Former first selectman

Republican Bob Cascella has indicated he may seek a return to his chair,

however, he has made no formal announcement yet. Mr Cascella opted not to seek

a third term two years ago -- paving the way for Mr Rosenthal to take office.

"I enjoyed that job. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed it until I left it,"

said Mr Cascella, who is now a real estate agent with William Pitt. He plans

to make an announcement in May.

One thing is for sure, Mr Cascella said, "The pot is definitely going to be

stirred."

Other possible Republican candidates include Republican Selectman Bill

Brimmer. However, he has declined to state his intentions one way or the

other.

Republican Town Committee Chairperson Marie Sturdevant said her party will

have a better feel for who is running in April. Right now, the GOPs are

working to fill the seat on the Board of Education, which became vacant with

the sudden departure of Susan Hills.

Other candidates are also expected to step forward, especially if Mr Rosenthal

opts not to run again. Two years ago, nearly a dozen potential candidates came

forward after Mr Cascella announced he would step down.

Stay tuned.