Former Tisko Principal Mark P. Rabinowitz and former Branford Fire Chief Jack Ahern are seeking Branford Democratic Party's endorsement as candidates for First Selectman and Second Selectman in the November 2015 local race.

Both are "strong candidates" for the job, said Democratic Town Committee (DTC) chairman Chris Sullivan. The DTC will caucus on July 28 to determine which candidates will be endorsed for its local election slate.

"The Democratic Party is excited to have two strong candidates seeking our endorsement for the November election," said Sullivan. "The history of dedication to public service speaks to the priorities of these individuals.  The citizens of Branford are lucky to have such strong candidates putting their names forward to run for office."

Rabinowitz, an educator of 36 years, with 27 as a Branford public school principal and 20 as Tisko Elementary School principal, retired in June 2011. Ahern, a Branford professional firefighter of 35 years, was Branford Fire Chief from 2002-2014, retiring in December 2014.

In a joint letter released to media, Rabinowitz and Ahern stated:

"There are many reasons why we have decided to seek election.  First, we have a strong commitment to the Branford Community.  Secondly, we both value the importance of public service.  We would like to work with the town departments to move Branford ahead with a vision of a brighter future. Our backgrounds have positioned us well to take on the responsibilities of First and Second Selectmen.  My [Rabinowitz'] experience as a School Principal for 27 years has given me much experience with successfully working with people, setting goals and standards that can be measured and working with budgets to ensure that public funds are judiciously spent.  We believe that the key to success is not more taxing, but rather more closely reviewing how the tax money is spent.  My partner was the Branford Fire Chief for 12 years having been employed by the department for 35 years. He is also very skilled with working with others to bring out their best, knowledgeable about town processes and experienced with creating and managing budgets."

Their statement continues, "We envision a town that attracts young families to a high quality school system. We envision a town that attracts businesses that will employ well trained and appropriately compensated employees.  We envision a town that prides itself on preserving open spaces.  We envision a town that plans how it wants to develop and works together to implement those plans.  We envision a town where decision-making is transparent.  In short, we envision a town where individuals and families prosper and are proud to be Branford citizens. We are excited about new possibilities for our town and look forward to working with all Branford citizens to achieve them."

As previously reported at Zip06, on July 2, Republican First Selectman James B. Cosgrove confirmed that he intends to run for a second term in November. Branford's Republican Party will caucus in late July to name its entire slate of candidates.