The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
⏩ Robert McGarry wins first selectman race in Haddam.
HADDAM — Republicans proclaimed an overwhelming victory Tuesday in this small rural town, as a majority of their candidates swept into office.
Republican Robert McGarry, 65, retired from both the state Department of Motor Vehicles and U.S. Coast Guard, is owner of Cold Goats Farm in Haddam Neck. He took home 1,790 votes to the 1,079 earned by his Democratic opponent, Regional School District 17 Board of Education member Brenda Buzzi .
“I can’t overemphasize the fact of how surprised I was as I looked across (the spreadsheet of results) and they were circling the winners. They were almost all Republicans. It was really a shock,” he said.
“The Republican Party put up a slate of pretty wellqualified candidates, and apparently the voters felt that way, too,” he added.
McGarry never anticipated Republicans would be so successful.
“I was surprised it was as wide a victory as it was. I expected and hoped there would be a mix of both (party) candidates so we can start working together and move the town forward a little bit,” he said.
The first thing he plans to do is start looking at options for Higganum village, considering Haddam Elementary School’s recent closure and the town’s purchase of the facility. Last week, hosted held sessions with citizens to gather input on possibilities for its reuse.
“I want to sit down with our town planner and review what the results were on that, and start to get something moving on that as quickly as we reasonably can,” McGarry said.
Republican First Selectwoman Lizz Milardo did not seek reelection.
Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Melissa Schlag, who was unsuccessful in her bid for Board of Finance, said she was very proud of her party members’ efforts leading up to Election Day.
“We ran a clean campaign and our slate was full of energetic public servants who want to give back to the community. We’re not going to give up on open government and doing what’s best for all residents,” Schlag said.
Independent candidate Kate Anderson (1,747), who was endorsed by the Republican party, and retired Middletown police officer, Democrat Sean Moriarty (1,157), both won selectmen seats.
Democrat Joe Rizzo (1,115) and petitioning candidate Mark P. Lundgren (681) lost their selectmen bids.
Republican Town Clerk Kristin Battistoni, who ran unopposed, garnered 2,286 votes.
Board of Finance winners are: Republicans Wayne Rutty (1,625), Mark Adelberg (1,586) and David Challenger (1,560), and Democrats Tim Teran (1,643) and Robin Spencer-Klimaszewski (1,655).
Democrats Schlag (1,069), Moriarty (1,189), who ran for two posts; and David Carini (1,145) were unsuccessful in their bids.
Board of Finance alternates are: GOP member Audrey Brooks (1,661), and
Democrat Peter Baird (1,107), who will take office to fulfill the town’s minority party representation. Democrat Michelle Burr Caron (1,041) and Republican Prem Aithal (1,621) lost their bids.
Board of Assessment Appeals: The winner was Republican David Beckman (1,441), beating Democrat Jo Ann Woickleman (1,292)
Planning and Zoning Commission: Republicans Steve Bull (1,636), Jamin Laurenza (1,543) and Dan Luisi (1,485); Democrats: Liz Bazazi (1,191), Peter Baird (1,249), Garin Greenhold (979)
Planning and Zoning alternates are Republicans Alan Chadwick (1,599), and Larry Maggi (1,498). They beat out Dems Patrick Reardon (1,185) and Marie Lippencott (1,091).
Zoning Board of Appeals winners are: Democrat Marge DeBold (1,457) and Republicans Ken Wendt (1,499), and Joe Laurenza (1,374). Margo Chase Wells (1,317), and Democrats Erik Hesselberg (1,106) and Susan DeCarli (1,297) were unsuccessful.
Zoning Board of Appeals alternates: GOP member Anthony Matterazzo (1,487) won over Democrat Rachel Greenholt (1,156).
Board of Education winners were Republicans Peter Sonski (1,460), Jennifer Favalora (1,658), and Shawna Goldfarb (1,525). Democrats Katie Packtor (1,253), Edith Hanson Pawlicki (1,003) and Jane Baird (1,157) did not win.