Ballot Still Taking Shape in Clinton
While five petitioning candidates didn’t gather enough signatures to force what would have been a historic primary in Clinton, the list of final ballot candidates for this years election is starting to take shape—though there’s still time for additions.
Minor parties had put forth five petitioning candidates in an effort to force a primary, including Vincent Cimino of the Clinton First Party seeking a primary against Republican-endorsed first selectman candidate Bruce Farmer.
Petitions were due at the town clerk’s office by 4 p.m. on Aug. 19. None were filed.
“There will be no primary,” said Assistant Town Clerk Ashley Unitas.
Democratic and Republican party endorsements were filled with the clerks office by 4 p.m. on July 29.
The Democratic ticket will feature a number of incumbents. First Selectman William Fritz will seek his sixth term, making him one of the longest serving selectmen in Clinton’s history. Additionally, fellow Democrats Lynn Pinder and Raymond Rigat will seek to keep their Board of Selectmen seats.
For the Planning and Zoning Commision, Democratic incumbents Timothy Guerra and Alan Kravitz will be joined on the ballot by Amandeep Singh and John Scherban. Incumbent Alyson Roberts seeks to keep her seat on the Board of Assesment Appeals; Donald Hansen will run for the other Democratic seat. Peter Niles is running to keep his position on the Board of Police Commissioners and Jane Scully-Welsh will seek a seat on the Board of Finance. Erica Gelven and Lois Ruggiero are both seeking seats on the Board of Education.
The Republican ticket is led by Bruce Farmer. He will challenge Fritz to become the first Republican first selectman in more than a quarter century. Incumbents Carol Walter and John Giannotti will seek to keep their seats on the Board of Selectmen.
For the Board of Finance, the GOP ticket includes Doug Traynor, Maurice “Kirk” Carr, and incumbent Ona Nejdl. Incumbent Peter Giannotti will be joined by Sandy Luke for Board of Education seats. Other incumbents include Mark Wolf for Board of Assessment Appeals and Gary Bousquet for Planning & Zoning Commission. Chris Aniskovich and Carl Neri will also seek positions with the Planning & Zoning Commision.
For Zoning Board of Appeals, Republicans are fielding incumbents Dominic Morelli and George Doerrer and newcomer Dylan Walter. To round out the Republican ticket, Phillip Sengle will run to keep his seat on the Board of Police Commissioners and Dom Morelli will seek the other Republican seat.
While the Republican and Democratic candidates are set, there is still time for third party candidates to get their name on the ballot.
“Minor parties have until Sept. 2 to submit candidates,” said Unitas.