⏩ DelMonaco defeats Hodge in New Fairfield.
NEW FAIRFIELD — Democrat Pat Del Monaco will be sworn in for a second term after defeating Republican John Hodge in the race for first selectman.
Del Monaco received 2,357 votes and Hodge received 1,353, according to unofficial election results Tuesday night.
“I’m very, very pleased,” Del Monaco said after winning her second consecutive term in office Tuesday night. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to continue the initiatives we’ve started.”
Del Monaco was elected New Fairfield’s first selectman in 2017. One of the issues she ran on at the time was protecting Candlewood Lake — something she said is still important to her.
In her second term, Del Monaco said some of her other priorities will be to “remain focused on improving the economic climate” in town and continue working with the Economic Development Commission and Business Advisory Council to “attract new businesses that match the needs of residents while supporting current business owners.”
Hodge — who served as New Fairfield’s first selectman from 2005 to 2013 — said his priorities would have included attracting businesses and people to the center of town and the creation of Candlewood Lake’s management plan.
Although he was “disappointed” with the results, Hodge said Tuesday night, he wishes the Board of Selectmen “all the best moving forward.”
“To bet against them would be to root against the town,” he said.
Democrat Khris Hall and Republican Kim Hanson will keep their seats on the Board of Selectmen. Hall received 2,285 votes and Hanson got 1,399 Tuesday night.
Ed Sbordone — a registered
Unaffiliated voter endorsed by the Democrats — will remain town treasurer after defeating Republican Al Mardis in the race. Sbordone received 2,013 votes, while Mardis received 1,599.