Politics & Government

Farmington Democrats See Opportunity in November Election

The town party is still looking for candidates to run for Town Council chairman and in the first district.

The Democratic Town Committee does not yet have a candidate for Town Council chairman but the candidates the party endorsed Tuesday night are strong, said chairman Rob Huelin.

The party’s slate was endorsed unanimously and quickly. And then candidates got down to the business of encouraging members to leverage what could be a unique opportunity for the party.

Though the Democratic party holds the highest number of affiliated voters in town, it rarely gets the highest number of votes. But this year the party saw Mike Demicco elected state representative and its candidates will run against many new faces.

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“We have an opportunity to move away this year from just being two on the council,” said Amy Suffredini, who was appointed this year to serve out the remainder of Demicco’s council term.

The Democrats also endorsed a slate with new candidates. In addition to backing Suffredini for council in the first district, Brian Connolly will serve as a placeholder until the committee can find a candidate. For the second district, Ned Statchen, a DOT engineer and West District parent, will run with incumbent John Vibert.

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Vibert echoed Suffredini’s sentiments, pointing to Demicco’s victory over Bill Wadsworth. 

“We have a big opportunity… when we get Democrats out we win. We have more Democrats than Republicans but they’re sleepy Democrats. What I’m going to ask you to do is stay awake, help others be awake.”

“We have great candidates who are really excited to be working as a team. I think that teamwork will go along way toward helping us get better results,” Huelin said.

For Board of Education, the Democrats endorsed Ellen Siuta, Bill Beckert and Paula O’Brien. All have held seats on the Board of Education, though O’Brien formerly served as a Republican.

Other offices:

  • Town Plan and Zoning Commission: Barbara Brenneman and Todd Litchfield.
  • TPZ alternates: Peter Bagdigian and Mary Jane Parlow as a placeholder
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: Ed Giannaros and Jon Schoenhorn
  • ZBA alternates: Kerry Robair and Matt Bandle
  • Constable: Robert Parker and Craig Reed
  • Board of Assessment Appeals: Liz Giannaros


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