Rosenthal Dispels A Rumor About His Future

By Steve Bigham

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal this week was working to dispel rumors that he had decided not to seek a third term in office next year.

“Like Mark Twain, the rumors of my decision not to run again have been greatly exaggerated,” Mr Rosenthal said Tuesday. “I haven’t made up my mind yet. I also haven’t had any thoughts that I won’t run again. If the election was this November, I would be running again.”

The first selectman says he is not sure where the rumors started, but figured it was simply one of his detractors trying to stir the pot.

Of course, Mr Rosenthal will have to make up his mind about running again sometime over the next year and both Democrats and Republicans will be listening carefully when an announcement is made. Newtown’s Republican Party did not run a candidate against Mr Rosenthal last year, but all signs indicate that will not happen again.

“We will definitely be running a candidate. There are a couple of people who have expressed interest,” noted GOP leader Marie Sturdevant.

Republicans, including Mrs Sturdevant, say they too have heard the rumors of Mr Rosenthal’s decision not to run again.

“But I don’t believe them. I heard something a month ago. People are always floating that kind of stuff around,” Mrs Sturdevant said.

One year ago this week, Mr Rosenthal was assured of a second term in office when the Republicans opted not to challenge him in the November election.