Democrats Nominate Municipal Candidates for November Election

For the second consecutive election cycle, the Democrats will not have an endorsed candidate to challenge Republican First Selectman Richard Barlow.

The Democratic Town Committee nominated candidates for the upcoming November election at a caucus held at the Canton Community Center on Monday evening.

In 2009, Barlow ran unopposed for re-election.

“It takes time to be the first selectman,” said Mary Tomolonius, Democratic committee chairwoman and former first selectman. “It’s a full-time job, not a part-time job. It’s difficult finding a candidate who does not have a full-time job and who is willing to make that kind of time commitment.”

The 20-member caucus was brief, taking less than 10 minutes to nominate a slate of candidates for other municipal offices to run in November elections.

Current Democratic selectman decided not to run for re-election. Both Democrats and Republicans each nominated two candidates for selectmen.

The Democratic candidates nominated Monday evening include the following:

• Board of Selectmen: Thomas Sevigny and Jim Bixler

• Board of Finance: Mary Tomolonius, Arthur Fournier and Todd Matt

• Board of Education: Gretchen Sonju, Peg Berry and Sue Saidel

• Board of Assessment Appeals: David Sinish

• Constable: Carrie Sinish, Gregory Sims, David Shepard, and Robert Bessell

Several members of the caucus thanked the candidates for giving their time and effort to serve the town.

“I want to thank all the candidates for stepping up,” Bessell said. “It’s tough economic times and running for office takes time away from family and other activities. It’s great to see people put in the time and commitment to the town.”