The Democratic Town Committee announced its slate of candidates, including it candidate for first selectman and running mate, at its caucus on July 22.

DTC selected Bruce Walczak, who last ran for Board of Education as an independent in 2023 and is currently serving as a member of the Economic Development Commission, as its candidate for first selectman. Walczak’s running mate will be Paul Lundquist, who was Legislative Council chairman for four years until he stepped away from public service in 2021.

Walczak has lived in Newtown for 34 years, and said he is running because he cares “deeply about this town and the people in it.”

“Newtown deserves bold leadership rooted in experience, compassion, and a bold, shared vision,” said Walczak. “Throughout my career in business and public service, I’ve focused on helping organizations through change — with clear and transparent communication, practical problem solving, and a commitment to listening to all voices.”

Walczak said the community “faces real pressures” such as “rising housing costs, taxes, and utilities; growing demands for educational and social services, aging infrastructure, and traffic patterns that make everyday life more stressful.”

“These issues affect all of us,” said Walczak. “I believe we can tackle them together with thoughtful planning, creativity, and unity of action.”

In addition to the EDC, Walczak has served as an elected member of the Police Commission, as part of the Borough Historic Commission, and on the First Selectman’s Business Advisory Group.

Lundquist said in 2021 he “made the decision to step away a bit.”

“For me, ten years on one board felt like the right moment to pause and give others the opportunity to lead,” said Lundquist. “And I’ve been truly excited by what we’ve seen over these past four years: an impressive group of both new and seasoned Democrats stepping up, taking on key roles, and helping move our town forward. Today, they hold majorities on several boards and commissions, and they’ve brought great energy and effort to our town government.”

Now, Lundquist says he’s “excited to return to public service.”

“I’m ready to leverage my experience and perspective, and I’m ready to bring a steady, reasoned point of view to the Board of Selectmen,” said Lundquist. “I want to help ensure clarity, transparency, and public understanding around all the important issues facing our town.”

Republican Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead will not be running unopposed this election, as the Democrats nominated Assistant Town Clerk Renee Weimann as their candidate.

Democratic Registrar LeReine Frampton, in nominating Weimann, said “The Town Clerk’s office is the office of vital statistics. Accuracy is extremely important. As a town office, commitment to serving the public should be a priority. As a Department Head, leading the department and keeping up with training is important. Treating the staff properly to maintain consistency is important to ensure the accuracy of the office.

“If there is a question Renee seems to be the go to for correct answers,” said Frampton. “If there is a new member of the staff Renee is the one training that new member. If Renee does not know the answer to an election item she will ask rather than just guess. Accuracy and the pursuit of accuracy is her strong point. If a mistake is made, she notifies the person that needs to correct the error. If she makes a mistake, she corrects it and ensures that it does not have a domino effect.”

DTC Chairman Alex Villamil said that for the past six months, the DTC has been “diligently interviewing and sifting through the best possible candidates to represent not only our party but our town.”

“As a ‘big umbrella’ party we have literally left no stone unturned,” said Villamil. “We have not only interviewed Democrats, but have also reached out to unaffiliateds, and Independents. Our criteria did not revolve around party affiliation but knowledge, experience and a commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our town in not only the present but also for years to come.”

Also nominated were, for Board of Finance, John Fletcher, Jim Gaston, Jeannette Lamoreaux, and Beth Young.

For Board of Education, Doria Linnetz.

For Legislative Council, District 1, Chris Eide, Chris Gardner, and Laura Miller; District 2, Jordana Bloom, Eric Paradis, and Keith Alexander; and District 3, Michelle Embree Ku, Arnie Berman, and Lily MacHugh.

For Planning & Zoning, Peter Schwarz and Don Mitchell; and Planning & Zoning Alternate, Jill Soderholm.

For Edmond Town Hall, Herb Rosenthal.

For Police Commission, Dan Cruson.

For Zoning Board of Appeals, Alan Clavette, and ZBA alternate, Betsy Paynter.

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.