Bethel Democrats Nominate Strong Slate for November
Rich Straiton (left) and Matt Knickerbocker are excited to lead Bethel for another term.
At a caucus on July 19, Bethel Democrats unanimously nominated First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker and Selectman Richard Straiton for a fifth term. In addition, a highly qualified slate of candidates was chosen for the rest of the ticket for this November’s municipal election.
“Rich and I are delighted to be a part of a dynamic team of candidates who are eager to serve our town,” Knickerbocker said after the caucus. “We have a blend of experienced public servants with terrific track records as well as newcomers who bring fresh ideas to help further strengthen this wonderful community. ”
This election is a chance to build on the progress in Bethel that Matt and Rich have led since their election in 2009. Recent accomplishments include starting construction on a voter-approved plan to replace Bethel’s outdated police station, breaking ground on the area’s first municipal solar farm, launching a much-needed renovation of the town’s aging water works to improve fire safety and water quality, and completion of the revamped Plumtrees-Whittlesey intersection.
The Democratic candidates are as follows. Those currently serving in these positions and seeking reelection are marked with an (I) for “incumbent”:
- First Selectman: Matthew S. Knickerbocker (I)
- Selectman: Richard C. Straiton (I)
- Town Clerk: Lisa Bergh (I)
- Treasurer: Pat Smithwick
- Board of Finance: Bob Manfreda (I), Robert J. Palmer, Wendy Smith, and Dalene Masi Foster
- Board of Finance (Two-Year Vacancy): Claudia Stephan
- Board of Education: Jen Ackerman (I), Rick Magee, Jenn Larsen, and Lawrence Bocchiere III
- Board of Assessment Appeals: Gary Passineau (I) and Fern Blair Hart
- Planning and Zoning: Tom Borysiewicz, Silvano Senzamici, and Robert Stowell
- Planning and Zoning (Alternate): Penny Kessler
- Zoning Board of Appeals: Richard E. Lawlor Jr. (I), Rebecca Hussey, and Eileen Freebairn
- Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate): Cynthia Behrens McGuire
- Inland Wetlands: Laura V. Collins
- Inland Wetlands (Alternate): Lou David (I)
- Police Commission: Patrick M. Perrefort and Christopher C. McCollam
- Police Commission (Two-Year Vacancy): Sandi Richards Forman
Bethel Democrats will be campaigning hard for these candidates in coming months. Please contact BDTC chairman Nick Vitti (nvitti@lawcts.com) if you’d like to join us!
Local elections determine the money budgeted for our kids’ schools, how much we pay in property taxes, and whether our town can afford enough snowplows to dig us out of winter storms. Presidential elections are important, but local elections determine whether potholes get fixed and the quality of the water coming out of our taps. They’re about the kind of community we want to be. Come be a part of the process! This Wednesday, Bethel Democrats will choose the candidates who will run for election this fall at the Democratic Caucus.