Bethel Democrats Open Campaign Headquarters

About 35 people turned out Friday to the grand opening of the Bethel democratic campaign headquarters at 110 Greenwood Avenue. 

First selectman Matthew Knickerbocker and Selectman Richard Straiton, who are running for a second term, spoke about their accomplishments over the past two years, as well as ongoing projects they will be tackling if they’re reelected.

“When we took office, one of the biggest issues we needed to tackle was the town’s lack of forward planning.  31 miles of roads were in very bad shape.  We received a $2 million dollar plan to rebuild the roads for just one year.  This season, we have been in the process of repairing 7 miles of roads.  If we are reelected, we will propose to get more money for this project so we can eventually repair all the roads that are in poor condition,” Knickerbocker said.

Knickerbocker said he’s extremely excited about the energy conservation commission he created in 2010.  “The chairman of that group had a plan to establish a solar farm at the town transfer station. This would generate enough electricity to power on our whole highway complex, and would amount to significant electrical savings for the town,” he said.

Straiton was involved with getting a temporary space for the town’s teen center. “We did this through financial donations and donations of time.  It was at no cost to the taxpayers. 

“We have applied for grants to build a new teen center at a 3,200-square-foot building adjacent to the municipal center, which is right in the center of town. There are almost 300 kids in the program and it’s important to give them a space of their own—a place where they can hang out and confide in each other,” Straiton said.

The library renovation project was another topic Knickerbocker addressed.  “After six years of private fundraising, we now have enough funds to complete the renovation of our library, which involves finishing the upstairs of the new wing.  We expect this to be completed within one year.  Through a combination of private donations and grants, we have about $3 million for this project,” Knickerbocker said.

“Both Matt and Rick have strengthened the town from a budgetary standpoint.  Matt has the background of 12 years on the Board of Education, with ten years as Chairman.  He was also successful ion the corporate world as vice president of sales operations for Fuji.  Between his business and education background, I feel he is universally qualified to run the town.  He has done a great job and we’d like to keep him there,” said Campaign Chair and former First Selectwoman Alice Hutchinson, who was in attendance at the event.

Town resident David Stevenson said he strongly supports reelecting Knickerbocker for a second term.  “Matt is a really good guy who has Bethel in his heart.  He stays on top of things, he communicates well, and he shows respect towards everyone in the town.  He is what a leader should be,” said Stevenson, 57, who works as a realtor for Coldwell Banker.

Carol Lawlor, a town resident who is director of payroll and compensation at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, said she is pleased with all of Knickerbocker’s and Straiton’s accomplishments over the past two years.  “Rich and Matt have done a great job in turning the town around and bringing a more positive feeling to it,” Lawlor said.

Campaign headquarters will be open every evening until election day on November 8.There are no set hours at the present time; however on Saturday, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., as part of the celebration of Bethel’s Business Community and the Bethel Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival, there will be a fundraiser to support Knickerbocker, Straiton, and the entire democratic team.  It will take place at Bethel Photoworks, 14 Depot Place.  Hors D’oeuvres and beverages will be served.  Food will be provided by Some Things Fishy Catering.  Suggested donation is $25.

Knickerbocker encouraged supporters to help with the campaign in any way they can—monetarily or by volunteering their time.  Ways to volunteer include hosting a meet and greet, putting up signs, sorting campaign literature, and going door to door. 

Knickerbocker said his philosophy has always been to give the people a voice.  “We give our citizens the ability to invest in their town.  We have stood for civility, teamwork and open government, and we are going to keep doing that,” he said.

Added Straiton, “What our campaign needs right now is time and money.  We need everyone’s help to make this happen.  We are all a team.”

To volunteer with the Knickerbocker-Straiton democratic campaign, contact Alice Hutchinson at 203-748-7391 or send an email to byrd002@yahoo.com.