Bethel 2021 Election Voter Guide: See The Candidates

BETHEL, CT — Bethel residents will head to the polls on Nov. 2 to cast votes for the municipal election. The position of town clerk, selectman and spots on the boards of education, finance, assessment appeals and more are all up for grabs.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 2.

In Bethel, Democrat Matt Knickerbocker is running unopposed for his seventh term as first selectman.

There is a contest for selectman, however. Incumbent Democrat Richard Straiton is being challenged by Republican Bryan Terzian. Lisa Bergh, on both the Democrat and Republican tickets, is running unopposed for town clerk. For town treasurer, Democrat Pat Smithwick is running against Republican Paul Szatkowski.

Residents may vote for up to four candidates for the Board of Finance. On the ballot are Republicans John N. Lennon, James Hancock, Bobbi Jo Beers and Gregory Johnston; and Democrats Dalene Foster, Robert Palmer, Bob Manfreda and Karen Foster.

Voters may choose up to four candidates for the Board of Education as well. The Democrats are fielding Karen DiBartolo, Jennifer Ackerman, Jen Larsen and Vince DiGrandi. The Republicans have selected Steve Stone, Patricia Rist, Melanie O'Brien and Melissa Perna.

Bethel residents may choose two candidates from Democrats Gary Passineau and Barbara Lyon, and Republicans William Duff and Bruce Cornwell, for seats on the Board of Assessment Appeals.

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Voters in Bethel will be choosing up to three candidates for seats on the Planning & Zoning Commission from this field of six: Republicans Kitty Grant, Ken Stevens and Paul Shanley, Jr.; and Democrats Gary Passineau, Rob Stowell and Janet Cosgrove. One alternate for P&Z will also be selected: either Democrat James Naddeo, or Republican Douglas Cuny.

Residents will be voting for up to three candidates for seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals from this field of six: Democrats Frances Gildea O’Neill, Richard Lawlor and Eileen Freebairn; and Republicans Michael Duff, Rick Courchene and Jay Streaman. One alternate for ZBA will also be selected: either Democrat Kelly Paredes, or Republican Dina Carvalho.

Bethel voters will be choosing up to three candidates for positions on the Inland Wetlands Commission from this field of five: Democrats Nico Jordan and Susan Stein; and Republicans Bob Cutting, Laura Anne Ferguson and Kevin Seaman. One alternate for the commission will also be selected: either Republican Paul Improta, or Democrat Danielle Monroe.

Finally, residents may select three candidates from a field of four for seats on the Police Commission: The choices are Democrat Patrick Morton, and Republicans Anthony Rubino, Kevin Cleary and Richard Kolwicz.