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Fetzer Throws His Support To Rosenthal

B Y S TEVE B IGHAM

Gary Fetzer congratulated Herb Rosenthal on his September 9 primary victory

last Thursday and, in doing so, urged his supporters on the Democratic Town

Committee to turn their support toward Mr Rosenthal and his bid for the town's

top seat.

At a regular meeting of the party's town committee, Mr Fetzer also offered to

help the Democrats, in any way he could, win the November 4 election, an offer

graciously accepted by Mr Rosenthal.

Last week, Mr Fetzer lost in a primary election, 666-589, ending his pursuit

to become the town's next first selectman. Mr Rosenthal will now face

Republican Russ Melita in a town-wide referendum, just over six weeks away.

Mr Fetzer said the Democratic candidate for first selectman now has the

opportunity to reach out to the Fetzer supporters, including members of the

Newtown Neighborhood Coalition, a group of residents who have united over

their frustration at the town's apparent inability to slow the rate of

residential growth.

"My comment to Herb was, to a large extent, that people weren't supporting me

as Gary Fetzer as much as they were supporting the common vision that we

shared, which was that the first selectman does have a say in how Newtown is

developed," he said.

Mr Fetzer said the major difference between Mr Rosenthal and himself was in

how much control the first selectman has in shaping the town's development. Mr

Rosenthal said there may be some confusion over where he stands on the issues

of residential development. He said he agrees with the neighborhood groups

that controlled growth is necessary.

"If their concern is on the growth of residential development in Newtown then

we certainly agree," he said. "We may not agree on every issue, but I'd be

happy to meet with them to discuss their concerns."

Members of the NNC, many of whom are Republicans, said it's still too early to

tell who they'll support in November. It all depends on which candidate best

address their concerns.

Down, But Not Out

Mr Fetzer went all out in his efforts to win last week's primary, so the

defeat did not come easily for him or his supporters. However, Mr Fetzer said

he has no plans to slip away into the night, adding that comments made by some

Rosenthal supporters that his political career was "through" were off base.

"The rumors about my demise have been greatly exaggerated," he said earlier

this week.

As for losing - Mr Fetzer said he really doesn't feel that badly.

"I guess you always feel bad when you lose, but not for myself, I feel bad for

the issues that I brought out," he said.

Mr Fetzer said he's had several Republicans urge him to switch parties, a move

he is not considering.