Kiner's Korner: Clemence Dumont Steps Down

The departure of Councilwoman Clemence Dumont from this year's town election caught many by surprise. The story first broke Friday in an article written by editor Tim Jensen of Patch.com. The two term Councilwoman did not give a reason for withdrawal, other than to say that "personal commitments have increased in the last year and I find I am unable to continue the level of service I have provided to my District neighbors."

Democratic Town Chairman Tony DiPace, who is on vacation this week, became aware of Clem's departure from the 2011 race this morning (Friday). When contacted, Chairman DiPace said that he just heard about it. "I'm out of town this week, so this is news to me. Clem is a nice person. Steve Palmer (the Democratic candidate in District 4) can fill that seat and do the job very well," said Mr. DiPace.

In an email to Patch.com, Mayor Scott Kaupin also spoke highly about Mrs. Dumont.

“Clem Dumont has been a great District 4 Town Councilman and a very important part of our team over these past four years. Clem’s real strength as a District Councilman has been her constituent outreach and response to the various issues, questions and comments brought to her attention. She really has been the perfect example of what a District Councilman should be with her organization, communication, follow up and follow through when advocating on behalf of a constituent. She always copied me on her communications so I saw first hand the issues she dealt with on a day to day basis."

The Mayor went on to say that "Clem also has been a strong advocate for the issues brought forward to her Town Council committees that she has served on. On the Leisure Committee she worked very hard with the Enfield Dog Park Action Committee to bring the Enfield Dog Park to a reality. When an issue or challenge arose, Clem always found a way to turn a negative into a positive and to keep the efforts on track. Clem has also been a strong advocate for our library system and various social service programs."

Mayor Kaupin concluded by saying, "Clem’s decision not to seek re-election is unfortunate, but understandable. I support her decision 100% knowing first hand what the commitment is. We will definitely miss her from our team because she has been such an important part of our majority since 2007. Tom Kienzler is an excellent selection for our District 4 candidate. I personally have known Tom for many years and consider him a good friend. I got to work with Tom on the Enfield Dog Park project and he was instrumental in helping to find a suitable location and for helping to fund the efforts of the Enfield Dog Park Action Committee. Tom is keenly aware of the issues that we face here in Enfield and will be another strong advocate for the residents in District 4 and across town. I know Tom will be a very engaged and committed member of the Town Council and I look forward to campaigning with him, helping him to get elected, and then serving with him on the Town Council.”

The transition in Republican candidates appeared very organized. Councilwoman Dumont will be replaced on the ballot by Tom Kienzler, who said that he "was saddened to learn Clem would be stepping aside from the town council after this term and was honored to be asked to run for Clem's seat. I have great respect for the way Clem kept close to her constituents, taking great care to listen and address their needs. Her work to help make the Enfield Dog Park a reality is just one example of her dedication."

Mr. Kienzler went on to say, "Although I have not held public office in the past, I have been active in politics for the Republican party for the past 15 years. I have served on the Enfield Dog Park Committee as well as the Thompsonville Little league as a coach and board member over the past 10 years. I am excited to bring my prior business and community teamwork skills to help the people in my district as well as the town as a whole, with the issues that are important to them."

Mr. Kienzler's Democratic opponent in this November election will be Stephen Palmer. Mr. Palmer is employed as the Clerk of the General Law Committee, in the Connecticut General Assembly. Steve Palmer's has experience in the executive branch of government as well, having worked for former Lieutenant Governor Kevin B. Sullivan. Steve is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.  Steve is also a graduate of Suffield High School. Steve and his wife Diana are members of the Enfield Congregational Church. Mr. Palmer said, "I want to thank Clem for her many years of service to the Town of Enfield . I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. I look forward to discussing the issues facing the 4th District with my neighbors in the coming weeks."

This column is the first of many that will deal with the town of Enfield election.