Police Called To The Polls

In Sandy Hook

By Steve Bigham

Members of the NICE Party caused a bit of a stir Tuesday as they campaigned outside the District 2 polling place at the Sandy Hook firehouse.

Police were called to the scene after voters complained that the party members were blocking traffic as they handed out flyers. There were also concerns that party chairman Barry Piesner and candidate Richard Dunseith were campaigning within the 75-foot restricted area, which had been marked off with chalk earlier that morning. Mr Piesner denied the allegations, saying construction vehicles were doing most of the blocking.

A policeman remained at the scene for most of the day to ensure order.

The NICE Party began the campaign season with nearly a full slate of candidates. Most of the candidates were disqualified by state election officials when a petition was ruled invalid by the state Elections Commission.

Two Legislative Council candidates – Mr Dunseith and Robert Hennessey – did manage to successfully petition their way onto the ballot in District 2, however. Neither ended up winning, but their presence as the polls created tension among election officials.

Registrar of Voters Loraine Frampton said she contacted the office of the secretary of state’s office after she received several complaints from voters. The state officials informed her to have the first selectman’s office contact the police. She was also concerned that voters were carrying the NICE Party literature into the polling place, which she said is not allowed under state voting laws.

Mr Piesner said his party’s presence has posed a threat to the established Republican and Democratic parties. He vowed to be back in two years.

The NICE Party is now a legal minor party in District 2 after its two candidates garnered 391 and 374 votes, respectively.