Republicans Pledge To Work With Mayor; Landslide Against Dems; Turnout Low

**Updated Thursday 8:30 am**
The VFW hall was filled with celebration as Republicans arrived from their Wolcott Rd. headquarters, learning what the next two years would bring. Across town at the East Street eatery, the mood was more somber as Democrats questioned what happened. For the first time in many years, long serving Democrats were ushered from office and replaced by a cadre of newcomesrs who pledged to work closely with Mayor Dunn. It is also the first time the Council has had a six member majority in at least a decade.

Dunn beat Democratic challenger Steven Olmstead 4180- 803.

The newly formed Town Council will be seated next Wednesday and have an entirely new dynamic. For the past two years, Council headed by four member minority Democrats Michael Santogatta and Steven Olmstead will see neither of the leaders. Fellow Democrat Michael Perrone lost re-election in a Row C gamble and even the fate of Charles Marsella hangs in the balance with a recount.

2011 Election Ballot

There are fifty two candidates running for seven offices this year. For some offices, you vote for two candidates, others three or six. (And more than that actually win, but that’ll confuse your job on Tuesday). You’ve seen the signs. Now here you can see where they are on the ballot.

Remember that in the last two elections, many offices have been decided by 7, 20, and 42 votes. As of this writing, not a single one has been counted. Our soldiers fought for this right – so do your research, and make sure you participate!

There are TWO sides to the ballot. Don’t forget to look at both!

2011 Ballot – Front Side

2011 Ballot – Back Side

2011 Election Guide

Welcome to our coverage of this year’s election.

On Tuesday, we will have a bi-annual ritual of picking our local leaders to serve and lead our town. I’ve been fortunate to get to know many of these candidates, although some I am still unfamiliar with. But, like you, I will have to make my best judgement of whom I believe will best listen to the town’s needs, my neighbor’s needs, and even my needs.

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Here are our election articles organized by office:

1. Want to glance at theballot before going to the polling place? Don’t forget there are two sides
2011 Ballot – Front Side; 2011 Ballot – Back Side

2. Board of Assessment Appeals: You may select any two candidates. Joseph Santopietro is running on Row C. View his profile here. Republican candidates June vitiello and Adam Glasser profiles are here

3. Board of Education: You may select any six candidates. They may be in the same column or row, including above each other. Nine will be seated to the board.
Democrats
Republicans

4. Town Council: Wolcott has an unusual at -large voting method. You may vote for two candidates in EACH of the three voting districts – including the two you don’t live in. This year, there are six candidates running in each voting district. You may choose candidates that are above or below each other in the same column as well as in any row.

Democrats
Republicans
Row C

5. There’s a race for Town Treasurer this year pitting two longtime politicians.

6. The race for mayor will conclude between Democrat challenger Steve Olmstead and petitioning Mayor Tom Dunn.

7. Candidate Michael Perrone issues a challenge to the town to vote.

Tuesday’s Special Elections Could Impact Governor Malloy’s Tax Hike Proposal

Special Elections will be held in the shaded areas. State House races are in yellow, Senate in green

Shortly after taking office, Gov. Malloy needed additional staff to run his administration. Being the first elected Democrat to the office in 20 years, he looked to those with experience within his own party. This prompted a tidal wave of resignations of 8 of the most prominent legislators from the state house and senate. A 9th legislator – Sen. Tom Gaffey of Meriden – resigned for unrelated reasons stemming from larceny charges where he double billed the state for expenses for himself and his girlfriend.

Special elections will be held this Tuesday to ensure that the 18 towns affected have proper representation. The legislature has been in session for just over a month, although no meaningful legislation has been voted upon except in committees which are currently reviewing bill proposals. Once the new legislators are elected though, they will hit the ground running to analyze Gov. Malloy’s budget proposal. How many seats Republicans pick up could have an impact to whether Malloy gets what he wants, or an alternative plan is approved.