The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Committees announce candidates for fall elections
NEW HARTFORD » Town Republicans and Democrats have put forward candidates vying for elected positions in New Hartford in November’s elections.
First Selectman Daniel Jerram, first elected to the position in 2009, has been nominated for another term in office by the Republican Town Committee.
Earlier this month, Jerram said that the most pressing issue facing New Hartford was the financial situation at the state level, including a cut to Education Cost Sharing funding proposed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
“It’s really turning budgets upside down in many small communities,” said Jerram.
The effect on the community may be even more dramatic than expected. If the state fails to pass a budget, Malloy announced Friday, the amount of state funding for New Hartford would decrease from $3.3 million to $2,845.
Republicans also endorsed Selectman Alicia Kennerson and Treasurer Gordon Ross for another term in their respective positions. Jerram said they were a team with a proven track records, and interested in continuing to guide New Hartford.
“We love the job. We love helping people in town, trying to move the town forward,” said Jerram. “We are still excited to run and motivated.”
Democrats endorsed incumbent Selectman Laura Garay as a candidate for first selectman, according to town election documents, and Eric B. Claman Sr. to run for the Board of Selectmen.
Democratic Town Committee Chairman David Rosengren said Friday that Jerram had not shown adequate leadership in addressing lingering issues facing the community, such as the rates set by the Water Pollution Control Authority and the future of town schools, including the Bakerville School.
“There are a host of issues,” said Rosengren. “All of them need creative solutions and leadership.”
The Democratic slate features individuals who have devoted themselves to serving the community, Rosengren said, and would seek to provide such solutions and leadership if elected.
Republicans did not put forward opposition for Donna LaPlante and Linda Sheffield as candidates for Town Clerk and Tax Collector respectively, while Ross was not faced with a Democratic opponent for treasurer.
For the Board of Finance, Democrats nominated Daniel Charest, Regina Wexler, and, as alternates, W. Bart Baxter and Robert Krzys. Republicans put forward Bernard J. Witte and, as alternates, Kerry Guilfoyle and Paul Leclair.
For seats on the Board of Education, Republicans endorsed Eleanor “Penny” Miller, Timothy S. Goff, Thomas Buzzi, and Tim Klepps. Democrats endorsed Karl Hermonat, Kelly O’Dell Longhi, Mary Misiorski, and Kerry Hurley.
John H. Casey and Laura White were nominated for the Board of Assessment Appeals by town Republicans and Democrats respectively.
Republicans endorsed Robert Jerram for the Regional Board of Education and Theodore J. Stoutenberg for the Planning and Zoning Commission, while Democrats endorsed David Rosengren and James Steadman for those respective bodies.
Thomas McLoughlin was also endorsed by Democrats for an alternate role on the Planning and Zoning Commission, while Mary Lou Rayno and Paul Griffin were put forward for seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Rosengren, the chairman of the Democratic Town Committee, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Friday.