Democrats Dominate On Election Day, Walczak Is New First Selectman
The Democrats had a clean sweep of most of the elected boards on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4.
While final numbers are not in yet, preliminary numbers show Democrat Bruce Walczak beating out incumbent Republican Jeff Capeci for first selectman, 5,086 to 4,100. Capeci will have a seat on the Board of Selectmen alongside Democrat Paul Lundquist, who drew 5,062 votes. Republican Charlie Gardner received 4,053 votes.
The Board of Finance will move from a 3-3 tied board to a 4-2 Democratic majority board, with Democrats John Fletcher (5,688), James Gaston (5,280), Janette Lamoureaux (4,965) and Beth Young (5,100) taking seats alongside Republicans AmyBeth Laroche (4,408) and Steve Goodridge (4,351).
All four Board of Education members seeking seats received them, but Democrats will retain an majority. They were Democrat Doria Linnetz (5,442), and Republicans Melissa Beylouni (4,898), Don Ramsey (4,810), and Shannon Tomai (4,744).
The Legislative Council will move from a 7-5 Democratic majority to a 9-3 Democratic supermajority. In District 1, Democrats Christopher Eide (1,783), Christopher Gardner (1,887), and Laura Miller (1,794) will be joined by Republican Steve Stolfi (1,430). In District 2, Democrats Jordana Bloom (1,707), Eric Paradis (1,681), and Keith Alexander (1,723) will be joined by Republican Donna Rahtelli (1,357). In District 3, Democrats Michelle Embree Ku (1,720), Arnie Berman (1,602), and Lily MacHugh (1,592) will be joined by Republican Ben Ruben (1,423).
On Planning and Zoning, Democrat Peter Schwarz (5,282) will be joined by Republicans David Landu (4,277), and Roy Meadows (4,228).
For Planning and Zoning Alternates, Democrats Don Mitchell (5,101) and Jill Soderholm (5,177) each received seats, as well as Republican Will Drew (4,080).
On the Police Commission, Democrat Dan Cruson (4,984) and Republican Scott Cicciari (3,888) were both elected to seats.
For the Zoning Board of Appeals, winning candidates were Democrats Alan Clavette (5,290), Betsy Paynter (5,438), and Republican Dennis Bloom (5,035).
For Zoning Board of Appeals alternates, Republicans Stephen Riccitelli (4,496) and Peter Wlasuk (4,429) both received seats.
For Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers, Democrat Herb Rosenthal (5,388) and Republican Melanie Mattegat (3,600) both were named to the board.
For Town Clerk, Democratic challenger and assistant Town Clerk Renee Weimann (4,824) beat out incumbent Republican Debbie Aurelia Halstead (4,370).
Additional details will be included in both print and online on Friday, November 7.
