Bill Beckert Joins Dems' Slate as Town Council Candidate

There was an air of excitement Thursday night as filled with Democrats for the Farmington Democratic Town Committee’s .

“It’s a great turnout,” said Peter Bagdigian, a candidate for Town Plan and Zoning Commission. “People are really positive.”

The event was aimed at introducing the party’s candidates for the November municipal elections but also drew prominent elected officials from around the state.

Town Council member Mike Demicco introduced them: U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, State Sen. Terry Gerratana and Rep. Brian Becker, Attorney General George Jepsen and Connecticut Fifth Congressional District candidates former state Rep. Elizabeth Esty, Mike Williams, state Rep. Chris Donovan and Dan Roberti. Most offered their thanks to the town committee members working at the local level and took the opportunity criticize Tea Partiers for handling of the debt ceiling crisis.

Demicco announced the list of local candidates — the same as chosen by the party caucus with one exception: Bill Beckert will replace Rob Huelin as a second district Town Council candidate.

Beckert is a current Board of Education member and formerly served on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission. An attorney, Beckert started a in Plainville. He’s also a Rotary Club member and has children at .

Beckert explained that he had been approached to run for the seat after the budget process but wasn’t sure about the commitment. The outspoken Democrat missed the caucus because he was working and said he had originally hoped the party could find a female candidate for the slot.

Since no one came forward, Beckert discussed the chance with his wife Darlene and law partner Aaron Jainchill.

“The best way to participate is to be on the Town Council,” Beckert said.

“I’ve been frustrated by this zero-sum game. ... We all wind up talking past each other when both sides have valid points. I’m a moderate and I’m not interested in scoring points; I’m interested in solutions,” he said.

Beckert joins Republican in jumping from the Board of Education to the Town Council race.

With Beckert on the slate, Demicco said, town Democrats have a greater chance of gaining a voice on the council.

“We have a good mix of new candidates and experienced officeholders, both with a lot of energy and good ideas. I know they’re going to work hard to earn the trust of the voters and to serve them once elected,” Demicco said.