Piesner Gets Into The Race, And Brings A New Party With Him

By Steve Bigham

Newtown resident Barry Piesner stepped into the spotlight this week and announced the formation of a third political party during a press conference at Hot Shots Sports Bar.

The “NICE” Party, as organizers call it, is meant to provide the people of Newtown with a choice; and Mr Piesner is hoping the voters will choose him to be their first selectman in November.

Mr Piesner says he is a long shot to win, but is quick to add that his latest effort is not just a publicity stunt. It’s an honest effort and he’s got the candidates to prove it. At least he plans to have the candidates.

The NICE Party is still in its nascent stages, and Mr Piesner says he welcomes all those unaffiliated voters (or disgruntled Republicans and Democrats) to join his ticket. NICE (Newtown Independent Coalition for Excellence) is all about making Newtown a better place by improving the way the government operates, according to its organizers.

“This is a new party. We’re starting from scratch. We don’t even have a bank account. We’re starting from ground zero,” Mr Piesner said Wednesday.

The 63-year-old mortgage broker came on the scene in Newtown nearly two years ago as an outspoken opponent to the town’s upzoning plan. Since then, he has served as something of a watchdog, particularly on the Fairfield Hills issue. Known for his suspenders and an intense yet jovial manner, Mr Piesner had worked hard to gain notice, even hosting his own TV show on channel 21.

Last month, Mr Piesner made an 11th hour attempt to lower the amount of money the town was about to approve for Fairfield Hills at a town meeting. There appeared to be some support for his effort, but the majority of those in attendance overwhelmingly shot him down. Since then, Mr Piesner has accused Mr Rosenthal of orchestrating the meeting for his own political benefit.

“Since the town meeting a lot of people have come up to me to say how unhappy they are with what is going on,” he said. “I believe there are enough people in town that are unhappy. I think we have a chance to win.”

The first order of business for the new party and its candidates will be to get names on the ballot. State law requires that Mr Piesner and everyone on his slate of candidates each acquire 35 names on a petition to secure a place on the ballot.

Mr Piesner believes Newtown’s political structure has developed into a quasi-one party system in which the electorate has few choices and leaders are able to slide by in mediocrity.

“The reality of local elections is that they have been largely made up of unopposed, hand-picked candidates or a strong incumbent versus a weak challenger, giving the town no real choices,” he said.

Among those on hand for the conference were local surveyor Paul Brautigam, builder Kim Danziger, and Legislative Council member Doug Brennan. Mr Brennan is not seeking reelection on the Republican ticket.

NICE is reportedly putting up candidates for first selectman, Legislative Council, Board of Education, and Planning & Zoning.

“We’re not an exclusionary club like we have now. If you’re not a Democrat or Republican, or you just don’t meet the mustard, then you don’t get on the ballot,” Mr Piesner said. “We are appealing to those who are independent who have been excluded by the parties.”

The NICE Party also plans to cross-endorse candidates on both the Republican and Democratic tickets who it feels are going to be good for Newtown.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Mr Piesner attacked the current administration for its failure to eliminate eyesores, diversify the tax base through economic development, and facilitate efficient government.

“The budget has soared to $75 million and yet our technology is in the dark ages. The land use department is still using 3x5 index cards. No computers,” he said.

The formation of the NICE Party has given Mr Piesner a base from which he intends to try to pull off an upset.

About 40 percent of Newtown’s voters are unaffiliated.

“The current party system has excluded those people from participating in their town government,” Mr Piesner said. “We will be a true party of the people.”