Date: Fri 20-Mar-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Cascella-real-estate-Pitt

Full Text:

Cascella Takes On A New Career

(with cut)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Bob Cascella had a plan when he ran against incumbent first selectman Zita

McMahon back in 1993. If he won, he'd take office. If he lost, he'd try to

make it in the real estate business.

As it turned out, Mr Cascella won the election, then, two years later, he won

again. After four years at Town Hall, Mr Cascella finally stepped down in

November. Four months later, he's selling houses with William Pitt Realtors on

Church Hill Road.

"Who better to market Newtown? There are few people who know the ins and outs

of Newtown like I do," he said earlier this week in his first interview since

leaving office.

The former first selectman said he looked into other careers that would have

forced him to travel, but when January hit, he decided he wouldn't be happy

commuting to Stamford or Norwalk every day. Two weeks later, he went back to

school to earn his real estate license. The six-week course teaches the

principles of real estate and Connecticut real estate laws. Soon after, he met

with William Pitt sales manager Beth Danziger, who invited him to join her

team.

Mr Cascella, an electrician for 15 years before being elected, said his

experience in contracting will allow him to answer the important questions as

he leads potential buyers through homes. Also, as the former first selectman,

he expects his contacts around town will serve him well as a realtor.

"I absolutely love working in town still," he said. "Right now, the real

estate market is very hot here."

The former first selectman said buying a home can be an emotional venture for

people. "Helping them find a home that fits their needs is very satisfying,"

he said.