New London Democrats, Republicans name slate
New London — The city’s Democratic and Republican town committees on Tuesday nominated candidates for the upcoming election — a blend of familiar faces and newcomers to the political arena.
Democrats chose a full slate of “incredibly talented, driven and diverse candidates” for the seven-member school board and City Council, Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Martha Marx said. Democrats unanimously endorsed incumbent Mayor Michael Passero.
Marx said her goal is a full Democratic sweep on Nov. 5. “We have a really strong slate. We’re formidable,” she said.
Republican Town Committee Chairman Robert Pero, who accepted a nomination as a Board of Education candidate, promised a group of candidates that would challenge the Democratic stronghold in the city, reach new voters and attract a following of people interested in bringing a “healthy balance” to the political debate.
City Councilor Marty Olsen was endorsed to challenge Passero for mayor.
Republican candidates for council are: Adam Sprecace, Alexis Major, Karen Paul and Michael Fred Hudson. Democratic candidates for City Council are: John Satti, Kevin Booker Jr., James Burke, Efrain Dominguez Jr., Curtis Goodwin, Alma Nartatez and Reona Dyess.
For the Board of Education, Democrats endorsed are: Jason Catala, Jefferey Hart, Bryan Doughty, Elizabeth Reyes, Lee Cornish-Muller, Queenie Diaz and Regina Mosley. The Republicans nominated are: Pero, Frank Homets, Susan Tierney and Tommie Major.
Tommie Major and Alexis Major are the son and daughter of Recreation Director Tommie Major and the late Barbara Major, a former school board member and Republican registrar of voters.
Diaz stands out as the youngest candidate in the entire field. She is 20 and a rising junior at the University of Connecticut.
Passero, in a statement released after his nomination, said he was “honored and humbled” to win the endorsement for his second term.
“We have worked hard to spur economic development and improve social services while lowering the tax rate, and our party is proud to say the Passero administration kept its promises and is building a New London on the rise,” he said in the statement.
Olsen said he was looking forward to a series of forums or debates where candidates could exchange thoughts and ideas on how each candidate would lead the city.
“I’m very excited to be the newly nominated candidate for the Republican Party this year,” Olsen said. “I’m looking forward to a spirited campaign and ultimately achieving success on Nov. 5.”
This year’s mayoral race is expected to include a third candidate: Green Party member Frida Berrigan. She is slated to earn a nomination at the party’s nominating meeting on Aug. 4.
Democratic Registrar of Voters William Giesing and Republican Registrar Rob Pero each have earned endorsements to continue in their positions.