Date: Fri 31-Oct-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

politics-election

Full Text:

Local Election Campaign Heads Into The Stretch

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Newtown is poised for next Tuesday's municipal election, when residents will

cast votes for the town's next first selectman. The race for the town's top

seat has best been described as quiet.

Republican Russ Melita and Democrat Herb Rosenthal have both been shuffling

for position, but neither has made any significant push. According to some of

Newtown's political insiders, the race is going to go right down to the wire.

The Republicans' 2-1 advantage in voter registration has been talked about at

length during the campaign, but both parties say the unaffiliated voters cast

the deciding votes, and they are doing whatever they can to get the vote out.

"The key to winning the election may be the unaffiliated voters," noted

Democratic Town Committee Chairman Earl J. Smith.

"We're reaching out to everyone," said Marie Sturdevant, the Republican party

chair. "This is not just a Republican town. We will be representing the whole

of Newtown."

Both candidates say they have kept things friendly throughout the campaign

because they have known each other for many years. Their children grew up

together. Others believe the campaign has been kept on the level because there

are very few issues that the candidates actually disagree on. Unlike a race

featuring an incumbent, neither candidate has a sitting administration to

defend.

Both Mr Melita and Mr Rosenthal agree that what the town needs most is a

leader who will work hard to ensure that Newtown maintains its fine character.

Their biggest disagreement lies on what man is best suited for the job.

Mr Melita refers to his business experience, his ability to lead and his

knowledge of labor negotiating. Mr Rosenthal points to his 13 years on the

Board of Education, during which time he was involved in six major

construction projects.

Selectmen candidates - Republican Bill Brimmer and Democrat Joe Bojnowski -

are also vying for seats on the Board of Selectman. Three of the four

candidates will be elected to the board.

With just days until the election, both parties said they were optimistic

about their chances.

"We feel confident, but not overconfident," Mrs Sturdevant said. "It's been a

quiet campaign, so were counting on our stand on the issues to carry us

through the election. I think it will come down to who will convey the message

better."

Earlier this week, Mr Smith reported that things were looking "pretty good"

for the Democrats, though they had no plans to let up their efforts to get the

message out.

This week, the candidates spoke at the annual Pizza & Politics events, but

they also stated their positions to The Bee one last time.

Russ Melita

Mr Melita reiterated that Newtown needs his leadership to help take Newtown

into the 21st century.

"This town is at a crossroads. It is facing tremendous growth. There are

issues pressing the infrastructure. My qualifications uniquely qualify me due

to my background in state and local agencies," Mr Melita explained.

The Republican candidate has served on the state's Board of Mediation and

Arbitration and the Connecticut Institute of Municipal Studies, a think tank

charged with analyzing the state's business environment and to determine how

to deal with its needs and services.

Mr Melita has been a senior executive for several large companies, heading

labor management negotiations, grievance handling and general management. He

believes this experience will serve as a great asset for the town's chief

executive officer. He intends to maintain a strong rapport with the

135-employee staff.

"I don't believe he has that expertise," Mr Melita said of his opponent.

Herb Rosenthal

Mr Rosenthal grew up in the community and said his knowledge of Newtown makes

him the ideal person for the job. However, the Democratic candidate said the

primary difference that distinguishes him from his opponent is his experience

on the Board of Education. Mr Rosenthal pointed to his experience with labor

contracts, multi-million dollar budgets, construction projects, financial

impact statements and dealing with the public.

Mr Rosenthal has a strong financial background and believes he has a better

knowledge of the town's finance than Mr Melita.

"I think what separates us the most in terms of the issues is Fairfield Hills

and the difference in our feelings toward the state," Mr Rosenthal said. Russ

has said that we can trust the state. I don't trust the state, and we can't

just sit back and trust them because they're looking out for their own

interests and will take the path of least resistance."