2019 Municipal Elections: Southington's Top Of The Ticket Issues

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The top of the 2019 municipal election ticket in Southington includes a ballot question and a race for the town council full of hot-button issues and running on records.

Here is a look at the slate:

Democrats

• Anthony Mazzarella
• Valerie A. DePaolo
• Christopher J. Palmieri
• Christopher J. Poulos
• Kelly Morrissey
• John N. Barry

Here is an overview the Democratic slate, according to campaign literature. social media posts and the party.

"When deciding who to vote for in the upcoming municipal election, look at the initiatives Southington Democrats have accomplished during the past two years (2017-19):

• Conducted meetings with dignity and respect
• Opened the lines of communication
• Ensured Town business was open and transparent
• Delivered the lowest tax increases over the past two years (less than .1 mills on average over the two years)
• Added more medical services with AMR without additional cost
• Reviewed tax incentive programs to help those in need including seniors on a fixed income, people with a disability, and veterans
• Worked together in a bipartisan manner (appointed six Republicans to seats on local boards and commissions)
• Initiated an effort to provide public transportation in Southington, especially to assist people with disabilities
• Invested in open space to prevent over-development and maintain integrity of our Town.
• Passed multiple ordinances including being among the first in the State to raise selling age for tobacco related products from 18 to 21 (before the State changed the age)
• Invested in infrastructure and improved the quality of our roads by eliminating Chip Seal method
• Added two additional fire fighters"

Republicans:

• Tom Lombardi
• William Dzeidzic
• Mike Del Santo
• Victoria Triano
• PaulChaplinsky Jr.
• Jim Morelli

Here is an overview the GOP slate, according to campaign literature. social media posts and the party.

"Together, with our Town Council Team, the Southington Republicans are committing to:

• Re-establish unwavering support and advocacy on behalf of our senior citizens
• Provide all students with a safe environment in order to receive an equitable education that focuses on 21st century skills needed for college or career success, while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget
• Reinvigorate growth of business and industry to promote job creation and lessen the tax burden on our citizens
• Re-establish support of our Police and Fire Departments and focus on public safety
• Focus efforts on preserving Open Space per the Plan of Conservation and Development in order to maintain the character of our town
• Renew efforts to upgrade our infrastructure including roads and parks
• Restore effective collaboration between the Council, Town staff and all boards to streamline operations"

The question, sitting atop the ballot and requiring a yes or no answer, asks voters to approve $2.93 million for the acquisition of property at the John Weischsel Muncipal Center and the issuance of bonds to help pay for a portion of it.

See the exact question here. Voters can choose six council positions. Here is the slate:

See the full sample ballot here.

Click here for voting information.