The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Republicans endorse Carbone for mayor
GOP committee selects candidates
TORRINGTON » As crowds strolled past during the Main Street Marketplace, the Torrington Republicans convened put forward a slate of candidates they hope will guide the next few years in the city on Thursday, culminating with the endorsement of Mayor Elinor Carbone for a second term in office.
The assembled party members offered Carbone a round of applause as she stepped to the podium to offer remarks.
“Four years ago, I asked you for your support, your help. However I never anticipated how many times you would step up to the plate, and how many ways I would have to say thank you to all of you for being there to sup-
port me,” said Carbone. “Together, we have made a difference in Torrington.”
Carbone cited her record of economic development in the city, including the move by Bicron Electronics into the city, the Keystone at Newberry Brook project, efforts to revitalize downtown, and the opening of shops and restaurants, as well as her work to address tax collection, city roads, and the culture of the Street Department, among other initiatives.
“We are capitalizing on opportunities to improve our city operations, and bring forward an open, honest government that exerts due diligence, listens to its constituents, and fights for the changes that our taxpayers need and deserve,” said Carbone. “All this, without raising taxes in the past three years.”
One nomination was contested Thursday evening, as both Assistant Clerk Carol Anderson and current City Council member Drake Waldron put their names forward to become City Clerk.
Anderson cited her experience in the role and her ability to hit the ground running as she sought to persuade her fellow Republicans to offer their support.
“I have proven that I am a hard worker, and that I can do the job well. I am the one who knows exactly what needs to be done at 8:30 tomorrow morning, and every day thereafter,” said Carol Anderson. “Torrington voters will surely agree that experience matters, and I’m simply the best choice for this position.”
She was nominated by her son, Christopher Anderson, a member of the Board of Finance.
Waldron noted his political experience as a selling point during his remarks, saying that he had the wherewithal to win in the general election after being nominated by former Mayor Ryan Bingham.
“Because of my political experience, and my experience with the rest of the town, I have had very good results in elections, and because of my education, I’m an excellent candidate for the position also,” said Waldron. “The bottom line is, we need to win this election.”
Anderson won the support of the town committee membership, prevailing 23 to 18.
The city Republicans also put forward a full slate of candidates for other races Thursday.
Incumbents Gregg Cogswell and Anne Ruwet will run again for City Council, joined by Board of Finance member and former Board of Education Chairman Frank Rubino and Fred Simon.
Dan Farley was nominated to run for treasurer; Molly Spino, John Giansanti, and John Kissko — a former member — for the Board of Education; Darlene Battle and Robert Conforti Jr. for the Board of Public Safety.
Dustin Bingham and Bruce Harrison Jr. were put forward to run for the Board of Selectmen, and Donna Isely, Jim Reginatto, Ron Raymond Jr., and Rick Dalla Valle will run for constable.
Carbone’s nomination capped the evening.
“Over the next four years, you can expect more of the same — dedication, innovation, communication, focus and progress. The groundwork we’ve laid these past four years will catapult us into the next phase of revitalizing our hometown,” said Carbone, who thanked her family for their support. “I am looking forward to the next leg of our journey, and sincerely thank all of you for the faith and the confidence that you’ve placed in me, and my ability to lead this city.”
The Democratic Town Committee did not put forward a candidate for Mayor at its caucus Wednesday, although Chairman Danielle Palladino said they might in the coming days.
The Rev. Peter Aduba will also seek the chief elected office in the city as a petitioning candidate.
Thus far, Carol Anderson said Thursday, he is the only petitioner to do so. Candidates have until Aug. 9 to submit the necessary paperwork, she said.