GOP Picks Balance Of Slate For Local Elections

By John Voket

“Ladies and gentlemen — we have your slate,” Republican Town Committee Chairman William Brimmer, Jr, announced to a round of applause at party headquarters Wednesday evening as the GOP announced its full lineup of candidates for November’s local elections.

Giving special thanks to all those who interviewed and did not get selected for the ballot, Mr Brimmer proceeded to call the names of the remaining Republican contenders who were not previously announced.

The GOP already put forth its top of ticket challengers for the Board of Selectmen, as have the local Democrats. Councilwoman Patricia Llodra will challenge former selectman Gary Fetzer for first selectman, while current council chairman Will Rodgers will challenge council colleague Joseph Hemingway for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

The GOP also previously endorsed incumbent Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia for another term, and Mr Rodgers wife, Moira, for Judge of Probate.

The Republican slate will be rounded out by the following nominees:

Current interim nominee Deborah Leidlein, George Caracciolo, and Chris Lagana for the Board of Education.

Incumbents John Kortze, Joseph Kearney, and Harrison Waterbury for Board of Finance.

Incumbent John Aurelia, Jan Andras, and George Ferguson for Legislative Council District 1.

Newcomers Richard Woycik, Christopher Laroque, and Mary Ann Jacob for council District 2.

Incumbent Jeff Capeci, former Newtown finance director Benjamin Spragg, and Ethics Commissioner Mitchell Bolinsky for council District 3.

B. Jane Brymer for the Planning & Zoning Commission, as well as incumbents Dan Cruson and James Belden as P&Z alternates.

Republican candidates committee chair Barbara O’Connor for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

Roy Meadows and Brian O’Connor (no relation to Barbara) for ZBA alternates.

Bridgeport Police Lt James Viadero for Police Commission.

Incumbent Marianne Brown for the Board of Assessment Appeals, and incumbent Marie Smith for the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers.

Mr Brimmer told fellow Republicans that it was an “extra difficult year” for choosing candidates for the ballot because so many “really great people came out this year.

The Independent Party of Newtown has yet to announce any intentions. The minor party’s representatives Po Murray and Gary Davis have not formally declared whether they will either seek reelection to the council, or possibly other offices on the ballot. The IPN’s other elected members, school board member David Nanavaty, as well as police commissioner and party chairman Bruce Walczak, have not made any announcements in connection with the fall elections.

Kevin Fitzgerald, a staunch opponent of the town hall development project at Fairfield Hills, is exploring a possible run for the council, and resident Patrick Heigel recently revealed his intention to petition for the first selectman seat as an unaffiliated voter.

Current Republican Selectman Paul Mangiafico, who did not receive a GOP endorsement, said previously he had not ruled out the possibility of seeking elected office this fall, but provided no further details.

Democrats Support Lundqust

Democratic Town Committee Chair LeReine Frampton told The Bee that Paul Lundquist was unanimously supported this week as the replacement for John Torok, who resigned the council last week because he is relocating to Southbury.

“We’re very fortunate Paul stepped forward,” Ms Frampton said, “because he is already very familiar with the town’s needs through his work in 2007 and 2008 producing a comprehensive local survey that he designed and completed through his company at no cost to the taxpayers.”

Ms Frampton offered kudos to the departing Mr Torok on behalf of the DTC as well.

“John Torok’s service to the council was greatly appreciated, especially this past budget season. His experience as our former school business manager was extremely valuable during budget deliberations,” Ms Frampton said. She additionally cited Mr Torok’s service to an ad-hoc committee exploring the possibility of merging town and school facilities management.

She also said this week that her committee is busy completing interviews with individuals volunteering to come forward, and expects to announce a number of endorsed as candidates for the November ballot soon.

According to RTC Secretary Jeff Capeci, the town committee plans to caucus on Tuesday, July 28 at 7 pm in the gym at Edmond Town Hall. All registered Republicans are encouraged to participate.