Waterford Republicans Running This Election Are Mostly Incumbents

Waterford Republicans unanimously endorsed a slate of candidates to run for municipal election at their caucus on Monday but for the most part, there were few unfamiliar names on the list of candidates.  

The caucus nominated current Board of Education Chairwoman Kathleen McCarty to run again, although nominee Kenneth Kirkman would be new to the Board of Education if elected. Kirkman has served previously on the RTM and on the Utility Commission.  

"It's a good slate with a lot of experience and I think Republicans are doing their very best to try to keep the costs down and keep the quality of life, to be mindful it's a difficult time for everyone," said Republican Town Committee Chair Kathleen McCarty. 

Current Board of Finance members Norman G. Glidden, Ronald R. Fedor and Mark D. Wiggins will be running again.

Republican candidates for the Representative Town Meeting remain largely the same too. Incumbents Timothy Condon, Craig Merriman and Janet Smith will be running in the First District. 

In the Second District, which is the only district where Democrats currently have the majority, Republican incumbent William Auwood was nominated, although the caucus also nominated Michael J. Hannan as a new candidate for the Second District. Hannan has served on the RTM before, however. 

The candidates for the Third District are incumbents Kimberly A. Alfultis, Steven D. Garvin, and Richard F. Muckle. The only new name is Richard's daughter Valerie A. Muckle. 

Fourth District candidates Robert J. Brule, Thomas J. Dembek, and Leon Goss all currently serve on the RTM. Brian F. Lynch is the only new name in the running for a seat in the Fourth District. He recently retired from the school system. 

Zoning Board of Appeals nominees include incumbents E. Peter Bendfeldt and Barbara Panciera, although Francisco J. Ribas would be a new addition as would Elizabeth M. Yother, who was nominated as an alternate.  

Richard A. Lacombe Sr. was put forward once more for another term on the Board of Assessment Appeals.

The Board of Selectmen's seats are safe this election. Waterford's First Selectman Dan Steward (R) and Selectmen Paul Suprin (R) and Paul Konstantakis (D) were elected to four-year terms in 2011.   

Republicans aren't taking anything for granted this election, however. 

"There’s some discontent here and there," said First Selectman Dan Steward. "People are confused about why their taxes went up. We end up wearing their grief."

Municipal elections will be held in Waterford on November 5.