Bethel Democrats Nominate Strong Slate for November

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 Recent accomplishments include starting construction on a voter-approved plan to replace Bethel’s outdated police station, breaking ground on the area’s first municipal solar farm, launching a much-needed renovation of the town’s aging water works to improve fire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!