Date: Fri 01-Aug-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

politics-Fetzer-primary

Full Text:

Fetzer Is Collecting Signatures For A Primary

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Gary Fetzer still believes he has enough support to continue his run for first

selectman.

The Democrat, who lost to Herb Rosenthal in a caucus earlier this month,

announced this week that he has begun seeking the required 151 signatures in

order to force a September primary. However, he hasn't made up his mind on

whether he will actually carry through with the plan.

"I'm still talking to supporters. No final decision has been made, yet. I've

gotten lots of calls from people suggesting I run. If I do run, it's going to

be what's good for Newtown, not what's good for Gary Fetzer," he said.

Earl J. Smith, the Democratic Town Committee chairman, said he is confused by

Mr Fetzer's actions, saying the candidate is playing games. He claims Mr

Fetzer pledged that he would not primary way back when he first threw his hat

in the ring.

"There's an unwritten rule in politics that says a man is as good as his

word," Mr Smith said Wednesday.

Nevertheless, the Democrats' party chairman said he would support whomever

comes out on top at the primary.

Mr Fetzer, who continues to have the support of the Newtown Neighborhood

Coalition, said Monday that he had not spoken with his running mate, Ann

Krane, since the July 17 caucus. He did not know if she was still interested

in running. Mrs Krane was out of town this week and unavailable for comment.

Mr Fetzer said those people he's talked to have indicated that they want to

make sure that the issues are debated. The candidate said he wants to ensure

that the position of first selectman is one that is earned, not inherited. Mr

Fetzer was a bit irked at comments made earlier this month by Mr Rosenthal,

who said he hoped to continue the "political dynasty" his family had created.

"I've been on Board of Selectmen for eight years. I feel I have the best

qualifications," Mr Fetzer said.

Mr Rosenthal, who has been out of town, said the "political dynasty" comment

was simply a referral to statements made in Fetzer's letters of endorsement in

The Newtown Bee which insinuated that Mr Rosenthal was simply running to carry

on a family tradition.

The Rosenthal camp appeared disappointed in Mr Fetzer's decision, believing Mr

Fetzer had already seen all the support he was going to get at the caucus,

where he received about 40 percent of the vote. Melissa Pilchard, a supporter

of Mr Rosenthal, and his running mate, Joe Bojnowski, said the Democrats were

hoping to use the rest of the summer to plan a strategy to beat Republicans

Russ Melita and Bill Brimmer - not Gary Fetzer.

Mr Rosenthal is still on his honeymoon in the Caribbean and won't return to

Newtown until early next week.

Mr Melita and Mr Brimmer are also left in limbo. Despite receiving the GOP

endorsement July 17, they still don't know who they'll be running against.

(See related story.)

Mr Fetzer must submit his petition for a local primary by August 6.