Newtown’s Attention Turns Back To Local Politics

By Steve Bigham

The Labor Day Parade always seems to be the unofficial kickoff to the local election season here in Newtown and this year’s march appeared to be no exception.

Then everything came to a halt eight days later as terrorists steered two commercial jets into the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon. A fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers are believed to have fought hijackers for control of the plane.

The events stunned the United States and the world. Suddenly, the upcoming municipal election in Newtown didn’t seem so important. But with the election less than six weeks away, the Republicans and Democrats appear to have dusted themselves off in preparation for a final campaign push.

“I think the tragedy that occurred certainly put things on hold, but we’re getting down to the wire,” noted Republican first selectman candidate Owen Carney. “We have to make up for lost time.”

Mr Carney, a retired captain from the Newtown Police Department, has been working hard to be seen around town. He realizes beating a two-term incumbent like Herb Rosenthal will not be easy. On weekends, Mr Carney can be seen down at the landfill or at local events. During the week, he often attends town meetings in an effort to educate himself on all the issues.

Still, Mr Carney has largely remained silent, preferring to take a more subdued approach. He has, however, been outspoken in his support of the proposed changes to the town charter as proposed by the Charter Revision Commission, of which he was a member prior to announcing his candidacy.

“I’m not one to cause controversy, but I’m serious about this [campaign for first selectman]. I’m not going away. I remember way back in March, there was something written in The Bee where someone was wondering what I’ve got up my sleeve. I’ve got nothing up my sleeve, but I was in public service for more than 25 years. You don’t just get rid of it,” said Mr Carney. He is now Mr Rosenthal’s only challenger following the withdrawal of first selectman candidate Barry Piesner of the NICE Party earlier this month.

Republican Bill Brimmer is looking to return to his seat on the Board of Selectmen. Mr Brimmer was first elected four years ago and has worked closely with Mr Rosenthal and Democratic selectman Joe Bojnowski ever since.

Meanwhile, Mr Rosenthal has got his eyes set on a third term, and, should he get elected, will become the first first selectman to get elected to a third term since his father, Jack, who ended up serving for 12 years.

Mr Rosenthal, who scored a major victory when the town approved the purchase of Fairfield Hills in June, has pledged to continue his efforts to preserve the character of Newtown and to protect the quality of life that residents enjoy. Mr Rosenthal said whenever an incumbent is running, the election is more or less a referendum on the job that the incumbent has done.

“I believe my administration has done a good job and we have a long list of accomplishments, but it’s up to the voters to make that determination. You can never be over-confident,” Mr Rosenthal said.

The race for Legislative Council seats appears to be wide open as 19 candidates from three parties look to fill 12 seats. And, for the first time in many years, only seven incumbents are seeking reelection. Pierre Rochman, Melissa Pilchard, John Kortze, Doug Brennan, and Ruby Johnson are not up for reelection.

In District 1, the Democrats have nominated incumbent Dan Rosenthal and newcomer Francis Pennarola. The Democrats did not nominate a third candidate in the first district. The Republicans will counter with Joseph DiCandido, Michael J. Iassogna, and William F. Meyer. Mr Meyer is currently serving as a member of the council, having filled the vacancy left by Pierre Rochman’s recent resignation. That term runs out at the end of the year.

In District 2, the Democrats are represented by incumbents Peggy Baiad and Tim Holian, along with Joe Hemingway, who seeks a seat on the council for the first time. The Republican ticket in District 2 features incumbent Joseph Borst, as well as Patrick Mullins and Andrew Buzzi.

The NICE Party, which withdrew eight of its candidates from the race as the result of state election law violations, still has two candidates in the race. Both will run in District 2. They are Richard Dunseith and Robert Hennessey.

In District 3, the Democrats have put up Amy Dent, Jim Shpunt. and Eugene Vetrano. The Republican ticket is made up of three incumbents, Will Rodgers, Don Studley, and Brian White.