⏩ Knickerbocker wins in Bethel.
BETHEL — Democrat Matt Knickerbocker was elected to a sixth term as first selectman, defeating a Republican and a petitioning candidate.
Knickerbocker earned 2,236 votes to Republican Pat Rist’s 1,946 votes and petitioning candidate Bill Och’s 312 votes. He will be joined at the Board of Selectmen by Republican Paul Szatkowski, who received 2,650 votes, and Democrat Richard Straiton, who received 2,299 votes.
“I feel great,” Knickerbocker said. “This was a very hard fought campaign for all involved.”
Throughout the campaign, Knickerbocker emphasized his managerial experience thanks to his 10 years running the town. He aims to improve parks and recreation facilities, address the need for senior housing, and handle the debt from projects like the new police station and $65.8 million elementary school renovations.
Rist said she was not immediately available to talk when reached Tuesday night.
Ochs congratulated Knickerbocker.
“I want to thank all the residents of Bethel who came out to support me over the last few months and who voted for me today,” Ochs said. “I truly appreciate it and I look forward to helping the town out like I’ve always done and we’ll see what happens in a couple years.”
Taxes, school funding, and residential and commercial development were among the top issues in the race. Knickerbocker has said increasing the grand list through development will help pay for the school renovations and police station, in addition to town and school services.
The candidates had said they aimed to support the school district, which is seeing a rise in enrollment, as well as the number of special education students and English language learners.
Rist is chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, which she has sat on for 21 years. She is also president of the Bethel Historical Society. She ran for first selectman in 2015, earning the Republican Town Committee’s endorsement, but lost in a primary to Will Duff, who was later defeated by Knickerbocker.
Ochs is a former member of the Police Commission and a lifelong resident.
Knickerbocker praised Rist and Ochs for running strong campaigns. He said both congratulated him and Straiton.
“They’re dedicated Bethel citizens,” Knickerbocker said.