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

Santopietro: Wait… The Former Waterbury Mayor?

Joseph Santopietro… Not the Mayor

Board of Assessment Appeals candidate Joe Santopietro gets alot of looks when people see his name. “Most people think I’m the Waterbury Joe Santopietro,” he tells the Whisper.

Indeed. So did we.

“When I call people while campaigning, they think I’m calling the wrong town,” he tells the Whisper.

THAT Joseph Santopietrowas a former Republican mayor of Waterbury from 1986 until 1991.

fmr Waterbury Mayor Joseph Santopietro (source: courant.com)

THIS Joseph Santopietro was just graduating Wolcott High School in 1989. THAT Santopietro was arrested and convicted in a savings and loan scandal in 1992. This Santopietro can’t remember if he had a bank account back then.

Candidates Forum Thursday

Candidates will be addressing residents Thursday evening at 7 pm at Tyrell School giving reasons they are running for office. All residents are welcome to attend, and are encouraged to ask questions of the candidates.

The format will allow candidates to speak for just a few minutes. Mayoral candidates Tom Dunn and Steve Olmstead will be in attendance. Refreshments will be served.

Town Council Approves Budget; Tax Rate

The Wolcott Town Council passed the fiscal 2011-2012 budget at last nights meeting – June 7, 2011. In addition there were several other items of significance on the agenda.

The budget passed with little discussion and many congratulatory speeches.

 The mill rate was set at 22.68, the same as last year, so individual tax bills will be unchanged barring any changes to the property.

In addition, the Town Council appointed the current Deputy Police Chief Edward L. Stephens to Police Chief. It was mentioned that there would be no Deputy Chief and Councilor Masi noted that the hierarchy would be changed with just a Chief and a Captain.

Mayor Dunn gave a presentation on