Lyddy, Rodgers Nominated—

Party Caucuses Affirm Recent Endorsements For 106 District Seat

There were no surprises as caucuses held by both the Republican and Democratic Town Committees Tuesday resulted in the nominations of candidates who were already endorsed by their respective parties to compete for the 106th District seat being vacated by State Reprehensive Julia Wasserman.

According to a release by the RTC, about 40 members and party supporters gathered at the Senior Center to nominate candidates for the legislative seat, the Registrar of Voters, as well as five Justices of the Peace. The caucus was called to order by Republican Town Committee Chairman Bill Brimmer, after which he requested nominations for the 106th District State Representative.

Current Representative Julia Wasserman stood up and gave a nomination speech for local attorney and chairman of the Legislative Council, Will Rodgers.

“To be effective, a representative of the people must be outstanding and honest,” Rep Wasserman said. “He must have integrity, be mature, have good judgment and he must know the issues. Will Rodgers exhibits all of these traits along with being focused, knowledgeable, and determined.”

Selectman Paul Mangiafico seconded Rep Wasserman’s nomination.

“Will is very smart, well educated, and knows what the town needs and does not need,” Mr Mangiafico said. “As Ms Wasserman said, not only is he is mature enough for the job, but he is battle hardened locally, serving 11 years on the council, and in Iraq, when he answered the call of duty to serve his country.”

After Mr Mangiafico’s speech, Mr Rodgers, 47, thanked his supporters, saying he would campaign hard to win the seat and to “fill the big shoes of Julia Wasserman.”

Karin Aurelia, the current Republican Registrar of Voters, was nominated for another term. Peggy Jepsen, Barbara O’Connor, and Lillian Strickler, all incumbents, were renominated for Justice of the Peace, as were new candidates Mitch Bolinsky and Robin Buchanan.

Prior to adjourning the Republican caucus, Mr Brimmer said Mr Rodgers will be missed on the council.

“But his talents will be put to better use in Hartford continuing the hard work of Julia,” Mr Brimmer said. “We’ve just nominated seven candidates who will not only work hard to win in November, but will serve the people of Newtown long after their victories are realized.”

Democrats Back Lyddy

At about the same time, Democrats gathered in the Alexandria Room at Edmond Town Hall to officially nominate Chris Lyddy for the 106th assembly district seat.

Two weeks ago, Mr Lyddy received the unanimous endorsement of 35 DTC members. Chairman Jim Juliano, who led Tuesday’s Democratic caucus, called for nominations and was answered by Legislative Council member Joe Hemingway who nominated Mr Lyddy.

Mr Hemingway noted that he has been sitting next to Mr Lyddy at Legislative Council meetings for the past six months.

“It is an honor and a privilege to nominate Chris for the 106th district seat,” Mr Hemingway said. “His youth and enthusiasm is not only inspiring, it’s contagious. When you talk to Chris, you walk away knowing that what you care about, he cares about.”

Michael Kelley seconded the nomination.

Following the caucus, Mr Kelley described Mr Lyddy as a “very strong and committed young man who intends to make a difference.”

Following the unanimous vote, Mr Lyddy confirmed that he is “committed to amplifying the voices of our community so that we are able to create and maintain the basic safety net that fosters a healthy, productive and prosperous state and community.”

“Newtown needs and deserves a representative who will work hard on the frontlines of the state legislature,” the nominee added.

Mr Lyddy said that he will work for “education, strengthening families, and developing a responsive government that embraces accountable budgeting and responsible tax policies.”

The DTC caucus also nominated LeReine Frampton to be the Democratic Registrar of Voters. Ms Frampton is an incumbent to the position, and thanked the Democrats for supporting her for another term.