Upcoming Political Season Will Bring Changes To The Council

By Steve Bigham

Pierre Rochman, Melissa Pilchard, and John Kortze have all said they will not seek reelection to the Legislative Council November 6. Three council members are still weighing their options, and six others say they will run again.

An announcement that he will run for a third term is expected at any time from First Selectman Herb Rosenthal. Republican challenger Owen Carney waits quietly in the wings.

Meanwhile, the Legislative Council is engaged in a sharp debate with the Charter Revision Commission, which is seeking to make sweeping changes to the town government. They are changes that could also make their way on to the November 6 ballot.

It all adds up to what should be an exciting political season in Newtown.

This week Mr Rochman announced he would not seek an 8th term on the council. He also suggested that it was very possible that the council may not succeed in resolving the controversial charter revision issue in time for the November 6 referendum (see related story).

As far as not running again, Mr Rochman, the council’s chairman, said after 14 years it is simply time to step down in favor of his golf game. He plans on exiting the realm of politics altogether. Mr Rochman said he left his blood, sweat, and tears on the council table and admits he paid a heavy price.

“It was very stressful at times,” Mr Rochman said, adding that it has also been a very rewarding job.

Mr Rochman said he would remember this particular council more than any other because it made so many monumental decisions, particularly on Fairfield Hills. The current council has had its share of harsh exchanges, which Mr Rochman attributes partly to the magnitude of the issues. Numerous “strong personalities” also played a role in the occasional tension, he said.

Mrs Pilchard also plans to call it quits after what has been a wild ride for nearly three decades. The longtime council member drew criticism for being outspoken, but Mr Rochman said the council would miss her more than it would think. She has long been the heart and soul of the council, he said.

Mr Kortze, whose wife, Tara, just gave birth to the couple’s second child, is also stepping down. Mr Kortze has been an invaluable member, particularly while serving as the council’s finance chairman. Many have said his financial background and attention to detail helped position the town for financial health for many years to come.

As for the rest of the council, Doug Brennan, Dan Rosenthal, and Ruby Johnson are still undecided on whether they’ll run again. Peggy Baiad, Joe Borst, Tim Holian, Will Rodgers, Don Studley, Brian White, and Joe Borst are all expected to run again.

Mr Rosenthal says his announcement will probably come sometime after July 4, somewhere closer to the July 14 Democratic Town Committee picnic at Treadwell Park. The first selectman admits he sees no advantage in announcing anytime sooner.

Mr Carney says he will kick his campaign into high gear once Mr Rosenthal enters the race.