Date: Fri 07-May-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Rosenthal-politics

Full Text:

Rosenthal Says He's "Inclined To Run" Again

BY STEVE BIGHAM

To date, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal has made no official announcement, but

it looks like he will seek reelection to a second term in office.

Mr Rosenthal said a final decision will be made later this month, although he

is "more inclined to run" than not to run.

"I enjoy the job. It's just that I have to be sensible to my own personal

situation," he said.

Mr Rosenthal, 52, said his insurance, investments and financial planning

business has suffered significantly since he took office 18 months ago. His

busy schedule has allowed him to devote almost no time to the business.

Nevertheless, the first selectman says he enjoys his job as the town's top

official and will probably seek reelection.

Only time will tell if Mr Rosenthal will last as long as his father, Jack, who

spent 12 years at the helm from 1976-88. As Herb pointed out two years ago,

public service is viewed as an obligation in the Rosenthal family.

Herb Rosenthal took office in late 1997 after defeating Republican Russ Melita

in the November election that year. Bob Cascella had served for the two

previous terms, but opted not to run a third time.

Republican Town Committee chairman Marie Sturdevant said this week that no one

from the GOP has come forward as a possible first selectman candidate. Local

political caucuses are not scheduled until July, but prospective candidates

usually start declaring their intentions in May.

There had been talk that Bill Brimmer, a Republican selectmen, might seek the

town's top seat as he had two years ago. However, Mrs Sturdevant said he will

seek reelection to the Board of Selectmen only.

Mrs Sturdevant's husband, Richard, has been mentioned as a possible Republican

candidate, but he only recently retired from the retail photography businesses

and says he wants to enjoy his retirement on the golf course.

Others have mentioned that Legislative Council member John Kortze would make a

strong first selectman candidate. However, it is not likely to happen since he

would have difficulty leaving his position with Prudential Securities.

"Times have changed so much. It's hard for people to give up a career to take

on public office," Mrs Sturdevant said.

However, the GOP chairman said her party will have a viable candidate by the

summer.

Mrs Sturdevant said local Republicans were disappointed to hear that Karen

Blawie has decided not to seek reelection to the Legislative Council so she

can devote more time to her young family. The GOP chairman predicted, however,

that she will be back.