Forum Offered Listeners A Taste Of Politics

By Kendra Bobowick

A taste for both pizza and political issues drew residents to a question-and-answer forum Monday evening where they met the candidates over a slice or two of pizza.

The 15-year-old Pizza & Politics tradition of bringing voters and political hopefuls together has not taken place in the last several elections, but was back again this week as more than 110 found a seat at the Reed Intermediate School cafeteria between 6 and 9 pm Monday.

Explaining the lapse, Newtown Chamber of Commerce representative Alan Clavette said, “No excitement, no forum.” Past years saw several uncontested seats, which is far from this year’s four-way race for the first selectman’s seat, as well as other highly contested town council and board positions.

“This year is the opposite, so we revived the pizza and politics,” Mr Clavette said.

He explained the evening’s dinner and conversation as a chance for people to see and hear the candidates.

“I think this was meant to give candidates and people a chance to meet in one place and for the public to ask questions,” he said.

Also representing the chamber, Janet Woycik shared her thoughts that an in-person forum brings voters a step closer to candidates.

“I think people have read what [candidates] have to say, but I think it’s better to hear it for themselves,” she said. While a recent debate hosted by The Newtown Bee and coverage in this newspaper has offered insights to this year’s campaigns, Monday offered a different opportunity for voters.

“They may learn a little more,” Ms Woycik said. Listening to the candidates as they interact face to face creates another link to the men and women running for office. “They can get a feeling about them,” Ms Woycik said.

Guests submitted written questions to a group of volunteers who screened the queries before passing them to a moderator. Beginning with the four selectman candidates — incumbent Herb Rosenthal, Republican Joe Borst, who has also received the Independent Party of Newtown’s support, and petitioning candidates Christian Qualey Jr, and Jay Mattegat — the political contenders each took time for opening comments before the questions began. Following the four vying for the selectman’s seat were candidates running for the Board of Education and the Legislative Council.

(See related story for the forum’s details)