Bongiolatti endorsed by Morris Democrats

Incumbent Barbara Bongiolatti has been endorsed by the Morris Democratic Town Committee following a 32 to 15 paper ballot vote Tuesday night. Lisa Harrison, who currently serves as selectman, was the other nominee.

Bongiolatti is seeking her second term in Morris. Though unaffiliated, Bongiolatti was endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee in 2011.

Harrison said that she will likely not run in primary. According to Bongiolatti and others Democrats, there has never been a Democratic primary for first selectman in Morris

For two years I have continued to improve this community, taking care of things that weren’t done before, fixing them, getting them done,” Bongiolatti said.

The rest of the slate was endorsed without opposition, including Vincent Aiello for selectman. Resident Natalie Bram said that Aiello has been devoted for 23 years to helping people in the town.

“I’m a newcomer to town, I’ve only been here about 25 years,” Aiello said. “I’m currently vice president of the fire department and hopefully I can get elected for selectman.”

Scott Pottbecker was endorsed for the board of finance, as was Jessica MacDonald as an alternate. MaryAnn Orzell and David Wigg were endorsed for the planning and zoning board, as was James Orzell as an alternate.

For the zoning board of appeals Jamie Keppler, Allan Bernardini got the nod, as did Barbara Brown as an alternate. Mary Delahunty and Rose Buckens were both endorsed to run for the library board.

After receiving the endorsement, Bongiolatti announced that she had received good news from the fiscal clerk.

“We’re going to be turning back in almost 120,000 to our budget, showing how fiscally responsible we have been this past year with all my boards and commissions.”

The money will go back into the general fund, she said.

Also of note, a Republican attended the caucus and attempted to vote, but was not allowed to.

Ronald Burch was endorsed by the Republican committee Monday night without opposition. Burch, a first time candidate, worked in pharmaceutical research and development for 25 years, and moved to Warren in 2007.