Stein, running unopposed in Barkhamsted, comments: ‘I have a great job’

By Kate Hartman khartman@registercitizen.com @HartmanRegister on Twitter

Current First Selectman Donald Stein, a Democrat, will run unopposed as he seeks his fourth term in office this November.

The Republican Town Committee did not put anyone up to challenge the incumbent. When asked if that takes some of the pressure off, Stein laughed and said, absolutely.

“I have a great job,” said Stein. “I enjoy what I do. I’m dealing with this as a job where I do anything I can to help. I believe in running an open office. My door is always open. I try to deal with small issues the same way I deal with large issues.”

During his time in office, Stein said he’s proud of the capital proj- ects that have made improvements to the town including the construction of the town garage and strengthening of the emergency preparedness team.

“We’re a lot more ready now than we were,” said Stein. “We have a great director and team. There are a lot of people willing to help out.”

Stein said there is still a lot to be done in Barkhamsted and he’s hop- ing to focus on economic development in the next few years, a platform he ran on when he was first elected. The town has been in discussions with Torrington’s Charlotte Hungerford Hospital about opening an emergency room on the west end of town along Route 44. Stein said last he heard the plans were still working through the state, but hospital representa- tives are confident they will break ground in the fall. If that happens, it could be a major boost to the town, said Stein. Barkhamsted and Winsted already have agreements to run water and sewer lines to support the new emergency room. The hospital currently operates a similar facility in Winsted, which would move to Barkhamsted if the plans go through.