UPDATE: Winner Revealed in Naugatuck Republican Mayoral Primary

Photo of Naugatuck Town Hall by Nancy Sasso Janis

Written by Nancy Sasso Janis and Brian McCready

Tonight, Naugatuck Republicans have chosen Deputy Mayor Tamath K. Rossi as their mayoral nominee this fall as she defeated her challengers during Wednesday’s primary. The first message posted on her Facebook page after the results were announced read:

“Humbled by the incredible support of Naugatuck voters. Thank you for your vote; now it’s on to November and a better, brighter future for Naugatuck!”

Rossi defeated her opponents Seth Bronko, a local businessman, and first-term Burgess Alexander Olbrys.

The unofficial numbers garnered from the seven polling sites and absentee ballots showed Rossi with 480 votes, while Olbrys had 207 and Bronco had 232. The greatest number of votes were cast at the polling station located at Andrew Avenue School with 247 voters, 121 of which were for Rossi.

Rossi will now run against Democratic candidate N. Warren “Pete” Hess to determine who will become the borough’s next mayor succeeding Bob Mezzo, who decided against seeking reelection.

After the votes were counted, Hess told Naugatuck Patch, “Congratulations to all 3 candidates in tonight’s Republican primary. I am looking forward to a series of spirited debates with Mrs. Rossi. Hopefully Seth and Alex will remain active in local government.”

Olbrys posted the following on his campaign Facebook page:

I would like to thank everyone who came out and voted today and supported me. Words cannot express the deep appreciation that I have for each one of you and for all your support! I have been honored to serve the Borough of Naugatuck as your Burgess for the past two years and I look forward to continuing to work with our leaders to make Naugatuck a better place. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for everyone who has support me as a Burgess.

Bronko was given the Republican Town Committee’s endorsement to run for mayor back in July. Olbrys and Rossi submitted petitions to force the primary.

“Unfortunately the results didn’t end the way we hoped, but I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has offered me their support over the last several months. Congratulations to Mrs. Rossi on her victory and Mr. Olbrys on putting himself out there to try and make a difference. I’m proud to say we ran a good hard campaign. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. It was an honor to campaign with the backing of the town committee,” Bronko wrote on Facebook after the vote.

“I was fortunate to meet a lot of people and talk to a lot of residents and business owners, and I will continue to work towards a better future for the borough regardless if I hold a title or not. Thank you to all of you again... I’ll be back!” Bronko added.

During the primary season, the candidates spoke about the need to grow the tax base, reduce the tax rate on residents, and improve the education system.

For more information on the campaigns please see below:

Information on Bronko’s campaign is at www.sethfornaugatuck.com

Information on Olbrys’ campaign is at www.alexolbrysformayor.com

Information on Rossi’s campaign is at rossifornaugatuckct.com