Rosenthal Accepts Open Selectman’s Seat

By John Voket

Herbert Rosenthal settled any immediate questions about who might or might not be considered for the remaining selectman’s seat in the November 6 election after being sworn in as the Democratic minority selectman effective December 1.

The outgoing five-term first selectman was unseated by his Republican challenger, Councilman Joseph Borst, in local balloting by a margin of 82 votes. Mr Rosenthal was the top qualifying Democratic vote-getter, and as such, was entitled to first right of refusal on the seat.

In the hours following the five-term incumbent’s defeat, he was reticent to say whether or not he would accept the open board seat. But by Friday, Mr Rosenthal said he would accept the seat into which he was voted.

Just after noon on Friday, November 9, he took the oath of office for the position of selectman. Although he will continue to perform his duties as first selectman until November 30, he told The Newtown Bee his swearing in Friday was a matter of administrative courtesy.

On Wednesday following the election, Mr Rosenthal said if he accepted the two-year selectman’s position, he would be doing it for the good of the community.

“After all, it was the voters who gave me the opportunity,” Mr Rosenthal said.

The Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Office confirmed Friday morning that in the event Mr Rosenthal declined the selectman’s position, the incoming Republican majority of the Board of Selectmen appoints the third selectmen.

That person may not be a Republican but does not necessarily have to be a Democrat.

Mr Rosenthal told The Bee he was unsure whether he would be able to complete the two-year term. But as of Friday, Mr Rosenthal was set to step into the minority selectman’s role alongside his challenger, Mr Borst, and Republican Selectman Paul Mangiafico effective December 1.