The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Democrats name candidates at caucus
TORRINGTON » The Democratic Town Committee nominated a series of candidates to run for municipal office Wednesday — but no one stepped forward to run for mayor.
Former DTC Chairman Jack Dillon, head of the nominating committee, said a number of individuals had considered the idea in recent days, but no one threw their hat into the ring.
The Republican Town Commit-
tee is expected to endorse its slate of candidates this evening.
Robert Crovo, the former city tax collector, previously entertained the idea of running for mayor on the Democratic ticket. He ultimately decided against becoming a candidate, he said Wednesday, and informed the DTC of his decision in recent days.
The Democrats are still opposed to the candidacy of Mayor Elinor Carbone, he said, who recently announced plans to seek a second term in office.
“This does not mean, in any way, that we are satisfied with the current administration of this city,” said Dillon. “There’s just problems in this city that have not been adequately addressed, and I’m so sad that the managerial people, these bright business people that we talked to — it wasn’t the right time for them.”
The Rev. Peter Aduba is also running for the mayor’s seat as a petitioning candidate. At the caucus, he asked for the Democrats’ support.
The Democrats may still put forward a candidate for mayor, DTC Chairman Danielle Palladino said, as they have until July 24.
“It’s something we take very seriously,” said Palladino. “We believe there should be options on the ballot.”
Beyond mayor, and the position of treasurer, the committee nominated a full slate of candidates.
Palladino and Sharon Waagner were endorsed for City Council, as were incumbents Paul Cavagnero and Luisa Noujaim.
“I think that our City Council needs a millennial perspective, so I’m happy to provide that. I think it’s important that my generation has a voice, and I really care about moving our city forward.” said Palladino, a former member of the Board of Selectmen. “I really want us to focus on continuing to economically develop our city, and I also want to see us celebrate and embrace our diversity more.”
“I think we need to get some ideas in, some more bipartisanship going. I’m really interested in our city — I love our city, we have a lot going for us. I think there’s a lot more we can do together, working together,” said Waagner, who ran for the council in 2015 and lost by just 29 votes, noted the budget, education, and dealing with state constraints as important issues Wednesday.
Byron Francis, Ed Corey and incumbent Ellen Hoehne were nominated to run for the Board of Education.
“I have three kids in the Torrington school system right now, and I’ve been playing on the sidelines for a very, very long time, complaining about things that I haven’t been entirely happy with, obviously as a parent, and also as a city resident,” said Francis. “So I figure — why be on the sidelines for the entire process? Why not get involved?”
Francis said he had been involved in education as an adjunct professor at Naugatuck Valley and Northwestern Connecticut community colleges, and that he hoped to help parents deal with the Common Core, and promoting community dialogue about the standards.
“(Education) has always been a passion of mine,” said Francis. “It’s the ultimate equalizer for everything possible, essentially.”
“(I) can’t let it go. There’s a lot of stuff not done,” said Hoehne, who was elected to the board in 2009, according to the district website. “We’re very optimistic with the new superintendent. The issue is, continues to be ... the money — so (we) just have to be frugal and get things back; make the education system so other families want to come to Torrington, and I think we’re heading there.”
Hoehne, a Torrington native, said she would seek to continue to bring dedication, hard work and honesty to the board. She hopes to spur greater involvement in the city schools to aid students as they seek to navigate the varied demands of modern life.
Keri Hoehne, Bob Schuyler, Ruth Dwyer and Tom Slaiby were put forward to run for constable, and Joe Gioia and Leslie Tapia were endorsed as candidates for the Board of Selectmen.
Incumbent Glenn McLeod and Mike Whittaker were endorsed to run for the Board of Public Safety.