Bass reelected for third term in New Milford
NEW MILFORD — To chants of “Re-Pete, Re-Pete,” Pete Bass was declared the projected winner for a third term in the New Milford mayoral election by 8:40 p.m. Tuesday. By that time, he had an overwhelming majority in five voting districts.
He defeated Ted Hine, a Democrat.
In unofficial votes at 10 p.m Tuesday, Bass had defeated Hine by more than 70 percent of the votes: Bass received 5,453 votes while Hine received 1,969. This number includes absentee ballots and same-day voter registration.
Bass led all seven voting districts in a large majority. The only area where Hine came in ahead was in absentee ballots — 459 to Bass’ 309 votes.
In his speech, Bass, a Republican, who learned the news of his win at The Abbey Restaurant & Bar on Danbury Road, thanked both the public and his team for the win.
“I cannot thank everybody in this room who played a role and a
part in us winning tonight,” said Bass. “I’d also like to thank our public who came out and definitely told us where they want us to go for the next two years.”
Voter numbers were not finalized as of 9:30 p.m., but Bass held a significant lead.
Bass said the job of mayor “is the best job” he’s ever had in “the best town in the USA — New Milford.”
Former New Milford Mayor Liba Furhman said, “As the former mayor and someone who cares about New Milford, I am so proud of Pete for all the work he’s done and this wonderfully deserved victory. It’s no surprise to me.”
Bass was first elected mayor of New Milford in 2017 after he defeated former mayor David Gronbach, a Democrat. Bass was reelected for a second term in 2019 after defeating Democrat Tom O’Brien.
During Bass’ time as mayor, he was involved in many initiatives, one of which is a new position within the town’s social services department called a domestic violence and family advocate. This position works in tandem with the police department and social services to be a point of contact for the victims.
Additionally, two years ago, the town created the position of community care coordinator. This position connects vulnerable populations — homeless people, those suffering from addiction or violence — to the assistance they need.
Most recently, Bass worked with The New Milford Youth Agency to increase its social worker services as an effort to help young people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Bass’ new term, in partnership with the Board of Education and town’s energy program, he will continue working on a $15 million project for new energy equipment — “whether it be solar, whether it be new chillers and HVAC equipment” — for many of the town’s schools, Bass said.
Additionally, Bass hopes to complete up to 62 miles of road improvements by year-end, as well as a major renovation to the New Milford Public Library, by January 2022.