Date: Fri 15-Aug-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

politics-Democrats-primary

Full Text:

Democratic Contenders Each Count On Their Base Of Support

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Democrats Gary Fetzer and Herb Rosenthal are hoping for across-the-board

support from the party faithful as they prepare to face-off at the Democratic

primary just over three weeks away.

But each is depending on certain segments of Democratic electorate to show up

in their support September 9.

For Mr Rosenthal, who received the party nomination at a caucus in July, it is

the school supporters who he feels will come out in large numbers to cast

their votes for him. As a longtime member of the Board of Education, most

recently as its chairman, he says he has a record of strong leadership.

Mr Rosenthal also expects to receive the vote of many Newtown residents who

have been long-time Rosenthal supporters. Mr Rosenthal also hopes his position

on the issues will attract the interest of new residents.

Prior to the caucus, Mr Fetzer was endorsed by the Newtown Neighborhoods

Coalition (NNC), a bipartisan group hoping to curb the town's high rate of

residential development. By getting involved in the election, the NNC hopes to

expedite the process. Mr Fetzer continues to have the group's backing.

Mr Fetzer said his constituency could also include any Newtown resident who

has had a problem or concern since he's been a member of the Board of

Selectmen.

"Over the past eight years I've been helping people," he said. "When they've

called, I've been there."

This week, Mr Rosenthal took his first shot at Mr Fetzer, accusing his

opponent of switching his position on development.

"He seems to be backing away from his anti-development stance. Now he says

he's for controlled growth," Mr Rosenthal said.

Mr Fetzer countered, saying he was never against development, but was simply

an advocate for controlled growth.

Mr Rosenthal has criticized Mr Fetzer and the Board of Selectmen for voting to

consolidate the land-use department in the budget and for cutting the

department's total budget.

"I never voted against providing the land-use agency the tools to do their

job," Mr Fetzer said. "If he wants to put words in my mouth, that's fine."

Mr Fetzer believes the November election will turn out to be a "watershed

election" for Newtown to determine how the town will determine its own

destiny.

Democrat Chris Spiro, who bowed out after losing at the caucus, said he hopes

that both candidates will refrain from any name-calling and run their

respective campaigns on a higher level.

Meanwhile, Republican first selectman hopeful Russ Melita and his running

mate, Bill Brimmer, are waiting in the wings to find out who they will face in

November.