Date: Fri 16-Oct-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

politics-Charles-Noe-

Full Text:

Independent Party Strategy In The 106th: Noe Campaign

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Is Julia Wasserman running unopposed in her bid for a fourth term as Newtown's

state representative in Hartford? Well, sort of.

With less than a month until the election, Charles Noe of the Independent

party still has not made up his mind. Asked if he is running, Mr Noe gave a

non-committal reply.

"Sort of, sort of not," he said Monday.

According to Town Clerk Cindy Simon, Mr Noe is on the ballot in the 106th

District. That came as a surprise to the Bethel resident, who has not talked

to any of his supporters from the Independent Party of Connecticut in more

than a month.

"I'm not sure what I want to do," he said. "It's probably too late anyway."

Dr Robert Fand, Bethel's Independent Party leader, appears more sure.

"He is on the ballot. Our party has endorsed him," Dr Fand said.

Mr Noe, a virtual unknown, ran unsuccessfully two years ago, polling less than

10 percent of the vote. He received 434 votes to Mrs Wasserman's 4,478.

According to Dr Fand, the Independent Party works to represent people who are

having a hard time paying their bills.

"We support those trying to get the biggest bang for their buck," he said.

"We're looking for honest, trustworthy and efficient government."

Mr Noe was asked if it is time for a change in the 106th District.

"I think it is time for a change in everything," he said. "The fish stinks at

the head."

One thing is for sure, if Mr Noe were to be elected he would fight for the

rights of children and senior citizens. But he is not sure that he even wants

to try to unseat Mrs Wasserman.

"Julia has been in there for a long time. She is a very nice lady," he said.

Asked whether he thought Mr Noe had a chance to unseat Julia Wasserman, Dr

Fand said it is win-win either way.

"I have a plan that whether he wins or loses, we're going to win because he is

going to bring out issues that are not normally addressed," he said.

Mr Noe is a self-employed automotive repair and body work specialist. In 1994,

he ran for first selectman on the Independent Party line.

The Independent Party has endorsed 12 candidates statewide.