Sheluck Upsets RTC-Backed Carney At GOP Caucus

By Jan Howard

William Sheluck, Jr, outpolled Republican Town Committee (RTC) endorsed candidate Owen Carney during a standing room only caucus July 16 in the Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall.

Republicans voted 82-52 in a paper ballot to endorse Mr Sheluck as their candidate to oppose incumbent Democratic First Selectman Herb Rosenthal in the November election.

Incumbent William Brimmer was elected unanimously to seek another term as selectman.

Following the caucus, Mr Carney indicated that he has not made a decision on whether to petition for a primary in September, but would make that determination in the coming week.

Mr Rosenthal announced his candidacy for a third term last week and was endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee. Mr Rosenthal’s running mate is incumbent Joseph Bojnowski. The Democratic caucus was scheduled for Thursday, July 17, after press time in the Alexandria Room.

The Republicans also unanimously endorsed Cindy Simon to seek reelection as town clerk.

In a race where there were more endorsed candidates than positions open, Andrew Buzzi, George Caracciolo, and Paul Mangrafico outpolled incumbent Earl Gordon in a paper ballot for the Board of Education.

Other Republicans endorsed unanimously by the caucus, which was moderated by Robert Hall, included several incumbents and some new faces. They were:

Legislative Council, District 1: Joseph DiCandido and Michael Iassogna, incumbents, and Richard Recht; District 2, Joseph Borst, incumbent, and Barbara Bloom and Patrick Mullins; District 3, William Rodgers, incumbent, and Marie Smith.

Board of Finance: Joseph W. Kearney, and incumbents John Kortze and Harrison Waterbury.

Planning and Zoning Commission: incumbents Sten Wilson and William O’Neil.

Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate: incumbent Barbara Jane Brymer.

Board of Town Hall Managers: incumbent Marie Sturdevant.

Board of Assessment Appeals: Lillian Strickler.

Police Commission: incumbent Richard Simon and Duane Giannini.

Zoning Board of Appeals: incumbents Charles Annett and Richard H. Kessler.

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate: incumbents Timothy Cronin and Laurie Wrabel.

In remarks before the caucus vote, Mr Sheluck said he was amazed that, at this stage of his life, he is in a position to be “active in the political process and running for public office.

“For some of us, the word politics can sometimes be construed in a negative fashion. But politics is really doing the people’s business,” he said. “I recently read the following quote: ‘What is politics if not the making of hard choices, and what is leadership if not the forming of concrete choice for the public and then urging one over another?’”

Mr Sheluck pointed to his commitment to Newtown. “It’s time for someone to step up to the plate and provide leadership and vision. I promise you that if I am your first selectman, I will work endlessly to not only present you with considered, concrete choices, but also ask your support for what I believe will be the right choices.”

He noted that in two years, the town would be celebrating its tercentennial, 300 years of history. “But right now we have a chance to make our own history because our future is even more exciting than our past – of course, not without challenges.”

Mr Sheluck said the most important of these challenges is to manage assets efficiently. “The key word here is manage,” he noted. “I assure you that I will look at the way every decision is made in town government.”

He said he would carefully study the town budget, and find out what is behind every line item and look at things in new ways.

“And, most important, I will work with the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council to project our future – not just one year, but several years out,” he said. “We need to manage our fiscal future, not just decide it on a yearly basis.”

Mr Sheluck said he would also work closely with the Planning and Zoning Commission to encourage effective use of land.

“We must become a friendlier place to attract new business,” he said. “I will work diligently to make that happen while maintaining the very special character of our town. I will meet with our largest taxpayers regularly to know their needs, ensure their happiness and encourage them to remain and grow with us.”

He said he would aggressively pursue acquisition of open space in a fiscally prudent manner.

“All of these initiatives require strong leadership,” he said, “and I can provide that leadership with your help.

“I want to create a new people partnership in Newtown where we all work together to provide the highest quality town services, a strong voice for our senior citizens, the best education for our children, and a quality of life that continues to support our contention that it is Nicer in Newtown.”

Mr Sheluck concluded, “I need your votes, your commitment, and your efforts. Together we can bring a renewed vitality to our town and a collective energy to create a new force for action.”

In nominating Mr Sheluck, Jane Sharpe pointed to his skills as an administrator, commitment to the town, and will to win. She pointed to his efforts in the community, particularly his chairmanship of the 2001 Charter Revision Commission.

Mr Sheluck is a retired bank CEO. He and his wife, Amy, moved to Newtown seven years ago from New York City. They have three daughters who attend Head O’ Meadow School.