Forum Offers A Glimpse Of Political Challengers’ Views

By Kendra Bobowick

Meandering through the crowd and listening in on friends’ conversations, Conservation Commission Chairman Joe Hovious smiled. “I need to know who to vote for,” he said while making his way to a table Monday night, October 26, during Pizza and Politics at Reed Intermediate School.

Carrie Swan had already cleared her plate and sat looking at the guests gathered. Candidates for the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, Legislative Council districts, and other elected offices filled the room. Ms Swan, like many others out that night, said, “I am here to support my friends.” More specifically, as the Black Swan Home, Hearth & Gift shop owner, she said, “I am listening for how this affects business.”

Municipal elections that will see a completely new Board of Selectmen, for one, are just a few days away. Like Ms Swan, voters’ thoughts this week were decisive.

She wants to see a town government that can encourage “good businesses,” that beckons people to “get out and shop.” Considering future development including Fairfield Hills, she added, “We need to even out the business base.” Her husband, Tom Swan, is critical of spending, and offered: “It’s a good idea to save” considering a recession. The town spends too much on some of its equipment, he feels. Town trucks, for one, are expensive.

Watching the line of people winding through tables as Newtown Woman’s Club GFWC members served pizza and salads, other voters voiced opinions. Seniors worried about rising taxes, being unable to afford their homes, and facing the necessity to sell. Could the local government freeze senior taxes, they asked?

Some registered voters vowed to vote straight party lines, unwilling to take chances. Joan Salbo noted, “This is an important year for Newtown.” While “some things can’t be fixed” by one candidate or another, she said, “I love living in Newtown, it’s a wonderful place to be and be a part of the community.” Take part in the election process, she urges. “We as citizens need not drop the ball,” she said.”

As dinner, provided by My Place Restaurant and the Newtown Pizza Palace, came to an end, the evening’s formal discussion, hosted by the Newtown Chamber of Commerce, the Newtown Lions Club, the Rotary Club of Newtown, and the Newtown Woman’s Club GFWC, began. Janet Woycik co-chaired the event.

Political hopefuls took the stage. Of significance this year is the replacement of all three members of the Board of Selectmen, led by a new first selectman. First selectman candidates from the traditional Democratic and Republican parties see challenge from the emerging Independent Party of Newtown. This year’s race also fields a petitioning candidate. Each of the three party candidates spoke of their team, in additional to their individual goals and intentions. Candidates spoke of vision, promoting economic growth, and future planning. “We must consider our qualities,” said Republican first selectman contender Pat Llodra.

Petitioner for the first selectman’s seat, Patrick Heigel, is concerned about what he sees. “If we keep heading on this path, we’ll be a town we don’t want to be.” Independent Party candidate Bruce Walczak insisted, “We need to be reenergized … [the Independent team] is consistently calling for a better government, transparency of decisions.” He touted a “voter-driven, long-term plan,” for Newtown.

Democrat Gary Fetzer promoted his Team Newtown. “I believe we all should use our talents, expertise, and strengths for a better community.” He admitted, “I don’t have all the answers, but I can get them.”

Adding to the political teams were running mates Democrat Joe Hemingway, IPN candidate William Furrier, and Republican Will Rodgers; all had several minutes to speak. With only two minutes to declare their reasons for running, Mr Hemingway, bypassed specifics and offered a more personal glimpse of himself: “If you have family, you’ll understand to vote for me — I can’t let them down,” he said, referring earlier to his wife and daughter who strongly drove his campaign and provided their support.

Mr Furrier first said, “Spending is out of control.” Like Mr Walczak, he calls for improvements. “Why can’t we make a better plan and implement it in a way we can afford …” again reinforcing premises of his party, he said, “The IPN’s success is its ability to connect” to residents and voters.

Mr Rodgers noted that among his main reasons for running was to support Pat Llodra and continue what he sees as a “good fit.” He said, “We have worked together on the Legislative Council and I am confident we can do a good job for Newtown.” He argued against other thoughts expressed during the campaign, saying, “The number one overused word is planning: Pat and I don’t feel we should start [town planning] over.” The problem is not with the plan, but its implementation, he said.

Judge Of Probate

Also addressing the crowd at Reed this week were three contenders for the Judge of Probate, Democrat Tim Holian, Republican Moira Rodgers, and current probate clerk Margaret “Peggy” Jepsen. Each challenger offered background experience and brief resumes. Mr Holian offered, “Being a judge is an important position. Do I have the morals deep enough to make life-changing decisions?” He answered that he brings “morality, honesty, and humor” to this position.

Past years’ circumstances have “compelled me” to run, Ms Rodgers said. Personal events offered her a deeper appreciation for a probate court judge. She is prepared to serve full-time, for a long time, she said.

Ms Jepsen has experience with Newtown’s probate office. Already this week, she was at work in the new Newtown Municipal Office.

Seeking reelection is Republican Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia, who faces newcomer and Democrat Sara Frampton. Among Ms Aurelia’s priorities is “planning for the future,” she said. Ms Frampton next reminded voters of the important decisions they faced on Election Day. “I want to make Newtown proud as the town clerk,” she said, also noting her ideas for running the office, its technology, and the background she would bring to the position.

Board of Education candidates soon faced the crowd. Among them were IPN members Richard Gaines and William Hart, Democrats Frank Scalzo and Eric Paradis, Republicans Debbie Leidlein, George Caracciolo, and Christopher Lagana.

Questions posed by the public included: What is the board’s most pressing issue? Where can the town and education board find cost efficiencies? How will the board members better communicate with the public regarding the school calendar and holidays, for example? How has each person been involved with the board to date?

Soon, the Legislative Council candidates running for one of three districts broke into groups, fielding questions and discussing topics such as Fairfield Hills, small business growth, town management, addressing school needs, and balancing operating expenses for Newtown.

What could they do to mitigate the impact of taxes? What boards or commissions have they served on? Have they been in a position of leadership? What are their feelings about making Newtown greener? What are their thoughts on conservation and renewable energy?