Democrats can vote in primary Tuesday

TORRINGTON — A primary election for Democrats is being held Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Democratic Town Committee secretary Paul Summers reminded all registered Democrats that they were eligible to vote in Tuesday’s primary, which is a challenge by petitioning candidate Jeremy Kincade to get on the Election Day slate to run for a seat on the Board of Education.

The committee’s endorsed candidates are incumbents Edward Corey, Ellen G. Hoehne and newcomer Travis Tanuis. Kincade decided to petition for a primary after he was not endorsed by the committee.

“All polling places in the city will be open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.,” Summers said. “Only registered Democrats are permitted to vote in the primary, and voters are permitted to vote by absentee ballot as they did last November. The primary is for the purpose of nominating three Democratic candidates for Board of Education in this November’s municipal election.”

Voters can learn more about the candidates at torringtondems.com, email torringtondems@gmail.com or by calling 860-419-5819. Voters who need a ride to the polls on Tuesday can call or email.

Kincaid was hoping to have a candidates debate last week, but the committee did not respond. “I reached out to (committeeendorsed) school board candidates Travis Tunais and Ellen Hoenhe,” he said at the time. “I had wanted to have a informative and constructive conversation on Torrington’s educational system, but I can’t debate myself or have a conversation with myself.”

Summer said Kincaid didn’t follow the usual course of action to initiate a debate.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Kincaid did not reach out to all of our candidates, did not offer to work with us to find a suitable and unbiased moderator, and appears to be pulling a desperate political stunt,” Summer said. “Our candidates are focused on engaging directly with the voters of Torrington, not on last minute political games.”

Summer said the endorsed candidates represent “a diverse, forwardthinking slate with new ideas and we look forward to moving Torrington in a positive direction in November.”

Kincaid, who has been critical of the Board of Education, said his fellow party members don’t want to talk about the schools.

“I say, have an open Board of Education and let all the parents vent their frustrations about everything and anything,” he said at the time.