Dozens Expected To Represent More Than A Thousand At Borough Election

By John Voket

The Borough of Newtown will be among 15 communities holding elections May 4. According to Newtown Registrars of Voters LeReine Frampton and Karin Aurelia, there are about 1,300 eligible voters in this town within a town, but typically the slate of elected officials is endorsed by just a few dozen voters every two years.

“One election a few years ago where there was a challenger for the warden’s seat, we had around 250 voters,” Ms Aurelia said. “But generally it’s a pretty light turnout.”

Connecticut’s last borough was incorporated in 1915, and there are fewer than a dozen of these governments left in the state, including the one occupying a roughly two-square-mile jurisdiction encompassing most of Newtown center.

For better or worse, the Borough of Newtown operates with its own limited governmental staff that includes its warden or municipal leader, a Board of Burgesses, a clerk, an assessor, tax collector, building inspector, engineer, attorney, auditor, historic commission, tree warden, zoning commission and board of appeals, as well as a zoning enforcement officer.

While many daily operations within the borough depend on town agencies and employees like planning, probate, health, and police services for example, the borough still assesses residents annual borough taxes and fees to help sustain its independent operations. These charges are in addition to any other taxes and fees payable to the town.

Polls in the old courtroom at Edmond Town Hall will be open from 6 am until 8 pm for the borough elections Monday May 4. Its top elected official, Warden James Gaston, also serves as vice chair of the Newtown Board of Finance.

During a recent nomination session, Mr Gaston told The Bee that George Schmidt had indicated that he wanted to run for Board of Burgess so accordingly he nominated himself under his own slate. That position is the only contest on the ballot, with every other candidate running unopposed.

“One of the burgesses or myself had agreed to second George’s nomination if no one from the public had, not that such would be an endorsement but certainly he should have right to run if he chooses,” Mr Gaston said. “I am not aware of any other contests except that the four candidates are running for three Board of Burgess seats.”

Former longtime warden Joan Crick and incumbents Marie Walker and Betsy Kenyon are listed as running for burgess seats with Mr Schmidt. Ms Walker is also candidate for treasurer

Mr Gaston said he agreed to run again as warden. Darlene Spencer is candidate for clerk; Jodie Enriquez is candidate for tax collector and assessor; John Madzula is a candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals, along with Janet Woycik who is also on the ballot for Zoning Board of Appeals; Linda Shepard and David Francis are candidates for Zoning Commission; Palmer Chiapetta is running for Zoning Commission alternate; and Robert Taylor rounds out the ticket as the second candidate for ZBA.

The cutoff for borough residents to register to vote in the borough election is Monday, April 27. Those eligible may also register Saturday, April 25, during special weekend hours at the Newtown town clerk’s office at Edmond Town Hall from 9 am to noon.