ESSEX - At recent party nominating caucuses, the Democrats endorsed Norman Needleman as their first selectman candidate and the Republicans endorsed Bruce MacMillian for the top spot, but neither endorsement came without a challenge from within their respective parties.

An energized Republican caucus selected MacMillian, a retired businessman and insurance company executive. MacMillian won the nomination in a contest with Leigh Ann Rankin, a retired U.S, Coast Guard officer and a professional engineer. With 60 votes cast by paper ballot, MacMillian won 36 and Rankin 24. Prior to the vote, MacMillian said he and Rankin had agreed to support one another, no matter what the totals showed.

MacMillian will join incumbent Selectman Joel Marzi to lead the party's ticket in the November municipal election. He promised to "make Essex a safe, comfortable, affordable, business-friendly and education-minded town."

Several days later the Democratic Town Committee at a special meeting chose Needleman, an incumbent selectman, as its first selectman candidate after a challenge from Anthony Chirico. In addition, the Democrats backed Needleman's choice for selectman, Stacia Rice-Libby, who changed her party affiliation to join Needleman as his running mate. Rice-Libby was challenged by Linda Savitsky. In a show of hands, the town committee members present endorsed Needleman and Rice-Libby by a significant margin.

Chirico and Savitsky indicated they would not force a primary.

The Republicans

Republicans attending their nominating caucus were clearly enthusiastic. Nominating Committee Chair Terry Stewart characterized the GOP ticket as "highly qualified" and one that would bring "energy, passion, and leadership to our town." The ticket, and Stewart's comments, brought a standing ovation.

MacMillian said he started to consider a run for the first selectman's position and sought out the Republican Party leadership following the town's annual budget meeting, a meeting at which the proposed municipal budget failed. He told the caucus First Selectman Philip Miller and Needleman "have mismanaged our town." He said Miller and Needleman "lack an expense focus" and a lack of focus "in encouraging businesses to come to town."

At the budget meeting, MacMillian said, "I saw a complacent attitude…I saw it as an insult. They don't care about us."

He also criticized the present administration members for "lack of transparency…They bury things."

The Republican cited his background as head of Travelers International, as a member of the Middlesex Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and as a member of the Essex Housing Authority.

"In 2004, the authority faced lawsuits, there were management problems, and the facility showed signs of decay. I called Phil Miller and asked to be appointed to the board. 'How complicated can this be?' I thought. Well, we changed things and now we have a quality facility. It's not so much where you are, but where you're going. Miller and Needleman are going down the wrong path," he said.

Rankin told the caucus, "This is quite a ride. I am here tonight because I was asked to be here. In February I walked into the Town Hall looking to get involved and contribute. I want to make a difference and move the town forward in a cohesive manner."

She said she enjoyed her various roles as commanding officer in her years in the Coast Guard and she "knows how to get a job done," adding, "This is an important time for our party. We must share a common goal and a common identity."

Incumbent Miller, a Democrat, is not running for re-election. He won a special election in February and now serves as state representative from the 36th District. When he won that seat he said he would not seek another term as first selectman. He is finishing his fourth term as first selectman.

The Democrats

Needleman told the 25 members of the Democratic Town Committee present at the special nominating meeting, "Phil and I have worked together to do a lot of good things for the towns. I would love an opportunity to continue to serve this community."

Needleman is the founder of Tower Laboratories, a major Essex employer. He served for years on the Economic Development Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals before joining Miller's run for first selectman nearly eight years ago.

His nomination was challenged by Chirico, who told the meeting, "I'm going to be perfectly upfront…I have nothing against Norm, but I believe we should have options…The world is changing dramatically and I think we can look at other ways to achieve what we want for the town" in the future, Chirico said, adding that he has sold his international marketing business and would be on the job "24/7."

Although nominated for the selectman's position, Rice-Libby could not vote at the meeting. She has recently switched her registered party affiliation from Republican to Democrat and she was not a member of the Democratic Town Committee. She said she has felt a part of Essex "all my life" and has served on several boards and commissions, including the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Essex Community Fund and the Ivoryton Library.

"When I talked with Norm several months ago, I wanted to serve the town," she said. "I have always considered myself a moderate and switching parties was not a difficult choice for me."

She was challenged by Savitsky, who described herself as "a lifelong member of the Democratic Party." She too has served on several town boards, including the Zoning Commission and the Retirement Board. Until her retirement in 2003, she was the director of municipal finance services for the state's Office of Policy and Management.

She said she believes "the town has started to drift a little on long term issues and planning…I know how towns operate and how they are managed and I will put in the time and effort necessary for the position."

A show of hands gave the party endorsement to Needleman and Rice-Libby.