Independents Win Council Seats—

Borst Upsets Rosenthal In Close Vote

Republican challenger Joseph Borst unseated five-term Democratic incumbent Herb Rosenthal in local voting, giving Mr Borst a big victory over his main rival and two other petitioning candidates for the town’s top administrative post. The margin between the two main rivals was 82 votes, according ballot totals tabulated by the town clerk’s office.

There were other close races for council seats, most notably a one-vote margin for Republican incumbent Jeff Capeci in Council District 3 over Independent Party of Newtown candidate Robert Murray, Jr, and a two-vote margin for Republican John Aurelia over Democrat Frank Scalzo in Council District 1. At press time a recount was under way. (See separate story.)

On election night, the overall trend at the top of the ticket was clear by 9 pm, an hour after the polls closed, and Mr Rosenthal was ready to concede defeat.

Faces reflected the surprise of both victory and defeat as political candidates and supporters crowded toward black marker tallies on paper taped to headquarters’ walls.

Mr Borst, the Republican who was also endorsed by the newly established Independent Party of Newtown (IPN), gathered with fellow Republicans in their headquarters above Flag Pole Realty on Main Street. As the totals came in from Newtown’s four polling stations, murmurs of, “You did it Joe…” reached the winner from the hallway.

Amid back slapping and shouts to quiet down, other calls came in from the polls. Board of Finance Chair John Kortze stood with a calculator and noted that the rough tallies continued to favor Mr Borst with 2,756 votes to Mr Rosenthal’s 2,665.

Shortly after 9 pm, Mr Rosenthal stood in the doorway.

“You win sometimes and you lose sometimes,” he said. Mr Rosenthal continued, “I congratulate all the winners tonight.” With the Republicans’ full attention, Mr Rosenthal conceded the first selectman’s race. “I have had a good ten years, and I respect the voters’ decision.” Several more handshakes, a nod of his head, and Mr Rosenthal left the headquarters for the VFW Post 308, Democratic headquarters where the mood was quieter than in either the Republican crowd or with the independents gathered at St Rose hall.

Republican State Representative Julia Wasserman remained in the cramped rooms above the real estate office. She was not alone in wondering if the as yet unknown absentee ballot totals could change the election back in Mr Rosenthal’s favor. “Don’t jump yet,” she warned Mr Borst. “We’re still waiting for the absentees,” she told him.

With a nod, he said, “I’m cool.”

Within the hour, however, Mr Borst’s maintained a lead of 82 votes, including the absentee ballots.

At the VFW, Mr Rosenthal walked in front of the paper pinned to his headquarters’ walls as the counts revealed a mix of victories and upsets for the town races for public office. With his wife, son, and supporters around him, Mr Rosenthal waited for the final voters’ counts Tuesday evening.

Unofficial figures were also showing wins for candidates of the Independent Party of Newtown (IPN) for seats on the Legislative Council, the Board of Education, and the Police Commission.

Just down the hill at St Rose hall, the IPN candidates shared pizza and sparkling wine.

Despite mixed results for its full slate of candidates, the party itself succeeded overall in establishing itself as a political presence in Newtown.

The two founders of the party, Gary Davis and Po Murray, each won election to the Legislative Council in District 2. School board member David Nanavaty, who was also running on the IPN line, won reelection to the board, and Bruce Walczak, the IPN candidate for the Police Commission, easily won a seat on that board.

Write-in board of Education candidate Donna Arline Montaleone, who was endorse and supported by IPN, fell short in her bid to beat Democrat Anna Wiedemann. She was upbeat, nonetheless, saying “It’s been wonderful. Our spirits are high and we’re helping bring a brighter future to town.” Referring to the traditional Democratic and Republican parties, Newtown now has an official independent representation. “There is a choice,” she said. “Things won’t be the same after this.”

Per the percentage of voters filling in the independent spaces this election, party treasurer Gianine Crowell said, “We’re legit.”

If the vote totals hold after Thursday’s recount, the membership breakdown on the Legislative Council will be five Republicans, five Democrats, and two IPN members.

Four members of the Board of Education were selected by voters Tuesday. Incumbents Lillian Bitman (D) and David Nanavaty (IPN) were reelected. Kathryn Fetchick (R) and Anna Wiedemann (D) were also elected to the school board.

(See vote totals below)