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RTC Looks To Fill Key Positions For Upcoming Political Race

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The Republican Town Committee has a handful of key positions to fill as the

1999 political season begins to take shape.

Topping the list is the GOP's need to find a candidate for first selectman. At

Monday's Republican Town Committee meeting, an unnamed Republican did come

forward. However, a relative political neophyte, the person must still go

through an interview process before being submitted at a July caucus.

"We're not sure if it's a fit, yet," noted town committee chairperson Marie

Sturdevant.

The Republicans are also looking for a viable candidate to replace Karen

Blawie, who recently announced she would not seek re-election to the

Legislative Council. Republicans say replacing Mrs Blawie will not be easy.

She has been a strong, outspoken leader among council members.

On Monday, Bill Meyer of the Police Commission announced he will not seek

re-election to a third four-year term. The commission's former chairman, Mr

Meyer has been a key figure in the recent controversy over Chief James Lysaght

and the negative evaluation the chief received from the commission.

After five years on the Board of Education, Charles Nanavaty announced Monday

that he will not run again in November. He said the move will help free up

some time, allowing him to spend more time with his 15-month-old daughter,

Alexis, and his wife, Joanne.

A return to politics? Mr Nanavaty says he's not sure. Fifteen years ago, he

joined the Legislative Council at age 24. He is believed to have been the

youngest member ever to serve on the board. After two terms, he moved on to

the Zoning Board of Appeals and finally to the Board of Education.

The shortage of first selectman candidates on the Republican side is a far cry

from two years ago when interested party members were lining up at the door. A

political vacuum swept through town after then first selectman Bob Cascella

announced he would not seek a third term. Cordalie Benoit, Joe Borst, Bill

Brimmer and Russ Melita all indicated an interest in the job.

Today, however, the Republicans are notably less motivated to step forward.

Bill Brimmer will seek a second term as selectman, but many others believe

incumbent Herb Rosenthal may be too tough to beat this time around.

Republicans do not expect this to be a highly charged political year. Many

have commended Mr Rosenthal for his "non-partisan" manner over the first 18

months.

The Republican Town Committee is slated to meet again July 12. Both the

Democratic and Republican caucuses must be held between July 20-27.