Democrats Hope For Gains In This Election Year

By Steve Bigham

A charged-up Democratic Party announced its slate of candidates at a caucus Tuesday night at Edmond Town Hall. The list includes several new faces, especially on the Legislative Council, where the Democrats hope to gain another seat at the November election.

But not all the faces are new. At the top of the ticket, incumbent First Selectman Herb Rosenthal stands ready to win reelection to a third term, along with his running mate, Joe Bojnowski. Both were nominated without opposition.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Rosenthal pledged to continue his efforts to preserve the character of Newtown and to protect the quality of life that residents now enjoy.

“But we have to get our message out. That will take money and a big effort from all of us, candidates and supporters alike,” he said.

Mr Rosenthal hailed Joe Bojnowski for his work the past four years. Mr Bojnowski then returned the favor, crediting the first selectman for his leadership in negotiating with the state over the sale of Fairfield Hills.

“A lesser man would have crumbled,” Mr Bojnowski said.

Also seeking a return to their seats are incumbent Legislative Council members Peggy Baiad and Tim Holian (District 2) and Dan Rosenthal (District 1). They were all nominated this week. Melissa Pilchard and Ruby Johnson say they will both step down from the council. Mrs Pilchard does so after more than 20 years.

Also nominated to the council are Francis Pennarola (District 1), Joe Hemingway (District 2), and Amy Dent, Eugene Vetrano and Jim Shpunt (District 3). The Democrats are still looking to fill one last slot in District 3.

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Earl J. Smith believes his party has a great opportunity to pick up another seat on the council. After going with the minimum three seats, the Democrats have picked up two seats over the last four years. By picking up another seat this time, the Democrats would successfully divide the council, 6-6, among Republicans and Democrats.

“Our intention is to take control of the council. That’s what we’re really aiming for. We feel we have the good candidates who will actively campaign for us,” Mr Smith said. “All of our new people are already well-known in town. They would be new to the council, but not new in town.”

Mr Pennarola is a partner in the Danbury law firm of Chipman, Mazzucco, Land and Pennarola. Mr Hemingway is a manager for a large construction company. Both have been actively involved in parent-teacher organizations in town. Amy Dent, an ex-school board chairman, is part owner of Dent Electric in Danbury.

Mr Vetrano, a former Republican, is an engineer and has been active in local sports organizations. Mr Shpunt, a lifelong Newtown resident, is a Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Company member, Youth Services volunteer, and is employed by the state at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown.

Dan Rosenthal, seeking his second term on the council, works for Pequot Capital in Westport as an investor services representative. Mrs Baiad, a well known volunteer, particularly at St Rose Church, is seeking her third term. Tim Holian, a local attorney, also seeks his third term on the council.

Others nominated were incumbents Lisa Schwartz and Margaret Hull for the Board of Education; Lilla Dean, Richard Eigen, and Bob Poulin for the Planning & Zoning Commission; and Bob Connor for the Police Commission. P&Z alternates nominated are Anthony Klabonski and Margaret Maurer.

Alan Clavette was backed for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) with Michael Daubert nominated as the ZBA alternate.

In a rare move, the Democrats also nominated Republican Town Clerk Cindy Simon, whom Mr Rosenthal praised for her non-partisan approach to the position.

“I think it’s fitting that we show our appreciation and respect for the fact that she has always been non-partisan,” Mr Rosenthal said.

Anne Crane was nominated to run for the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers, a position previously held by Bill Honan, who chose not to seek reelection.

The incumbent first selectman is the early favorite in the race and received a big boost last month when the town voted overwhelmingly in favor of purchasing Fairfield Hills from the state. The town’s development options for the 189-acre campus are expected to be a key issue during the campaign.

Mr Rosenthal, 54, will need to defeat Republican challenger Owen Carney, a former member of the Newtown Police Department, and outspoken opponent Barry Piesner of the newly formed NICE Party in order to return to the first selectman’s office. Mr Piesner announced the creation of the NICE Party Wednesday morning.

Mr Rosenthal alluded to Mr Piesner in his speech.

“This year, we will face a challenge from not only our loyal Republican opposition, but apparently from a new party, whose leader has thus far demonstrated a propensity for the negative, the attack, and the distortion. We have to do our best to stay positive and resist the temptation to respond in kind,” Mr Rosenthal said.

A Newtown resident since 1953, Mr Rosenthal is the father of four children. Prior to becoming first selectman four years ago, Mr Rosenthal had been in the business of insurance, investments, and financial planning since 1971. He was also a longtime member of the Board of Education, serving as chairman for much of that time.

Mr Rosenthal’s father, Jack, was first selectman in Newtown from 1976 to 1988.