Redding readies for primary
Democrats Pemberton, D’Agostino to face off in first selectman’s race
REDDING — For the first time in a long time, a Democratic primary will be held next Tuesday in Redding, with a local school board member and a four-term incumbent running against each other for the first selectman ticket.
Julia Pemberton, who has been first selectman for eight years and ran unopposed in 2017 and 2019, is set to face Mike D’Agostino, Democratic Town Committee chair and Region 9 board member.
“This is very unusual,” said Margi Esten,
acting chair of the Redding DTC, who stepped into the leadership role after D’Agostino announced his run. In her more than 20 years, she doesn’t recall a Democratic primary for first selectman. Other positions on the finance or education boards, yes. But a first selectman primary, no.
“There certainly hasn’t been anything like that in my tenure,” she said.
The primary will dictate which Democrat will be on the ballot during the Nov. 2 election.
Voting will be open for registered Democrats from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the local community center, with at least one tent set up outside representing the Redding DTC.
Dividing issues
In Esten’s view, the issue most likely to divide voters was the Gilbert and Bennett wire mill project. The town gained ownership of the brownfield site early this year after a long legal battle over unpaid taxes, and now hopes to redevelop the property.
Pemberton’s critics say she’s been dragging her feet, while supporters say bureaucratic hold-ups have been out of her control, Esten explained.
D’Agostino said residents are concerned the development is moving so slowly that they may never see it finalized.
“Most people feel like there hasn’t been enough planning and vision in preparation for us taking over the property and most are frustrated that the project moves so slowly, incrementally, one step at a time,” he said.
Pemberton countered that site work is “moving along the way it should” and that she’s proud of the work on the site.
“Doing Gilbert and Bennett right is more important than doing Gilbert and Bennett quickly,” she added.
D’Agostino cited the recent division at the schools, which was heightened by a contentious diversity, equity and inclusion survey and a new superintendent’s unexpected departure.
“I do feel that our town leadership has not shown the type of support and advocacy that many Democrats expect and hope for, and I do think this is something that is in the front of the minds for most
Democrats in our town,” D’Agostino said.
Esten suggested the diversity and inclusion debates in Redding schools were less of a dividing line than D’Agostino seemed to think for this particular election.
“That’s more of a partisan situation,” she said. Pemberton agreed.
“I think that the voters in this primary understand that all of us, as Democrats, believe that our schools and our community should be a safe, welcoming place for all individuals,” she said. “This needs to be a warm, welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.”
Getting out the vote
Since this race is the only primary this year, results are expected to come in a little after 8:30 p.m.
In preparation, Pemberton and D’Agostino have continued to walk door-to-door, connecting with neighbors and potential voters ahead of the vote.
The town traditionally doesn’t have a high voter turnout for primaries, according to board members of the DTC. However, with the primary in September instead of August like last year, Esten said she hopes voters are back from vacation and settled into their normal routines.
She recognizes many Redding residents probably wouldn’t be aware of the significance of this particular primary, but is “hoping to see a larger turnout particularly because of the buzz about this for those of us in the know.”
The DTC is posting signs and sending out a mailer later this week to local Democrats who have voted in previous elections. The group has already been posting about the primary on its social media channels and website.
Even though Pemberton was officially endorsed by the DTC, D’Agostino said he feels like he has strong support from the community.
“I think that my proven record is something that people have taken note of,” D’Agostino said, referencing his many years of public service.
Pemberton described this unusual primary as a “sprint.” She’s feeling optimistic about the results and has been encouraged by what she’s hearing from voters.
“I’m really focused on next week,” she said. “I’m going to do everything I can to make sure I’m victorious when the polls close.”