Former Election Day Candidates Discuss Past and Future

Regardless of success or defeat in their bids to secure seats on the Board of Finance and the Board of Education, two of Stamford's participants in Tuesday's election are grateful to Stamford residents for being active in their community, and look to the future.

"I'm going to have to learn a lot, and listen a lot," Klein said. Besides receiving from the Stamford Education Association, Stamford Residents for Excellence in Education, and the Stamford Advocate, Klein attributes much of his victory to the overall on Tuesday.

"The most immediate issue is finding a new superintendent. We don't even have a group of candidates yet, but we need someone with extensive teaching and building administration experience," Klein said. "A listener, a collaborator, and someone who can bring people together."

More than the Democratic party and his endorsements, Klein thanks the people of Stamford for giving him an opportunity.

"I'm very, very, appreciative," Klein said.

Republican and former Board of Finance candidate Scott Mirkin, who replaced Joe Tarzia in February, stated that he is disappointed by what will be the majority-Democratic presence on the Board of Finance, but does not regret for his time there.

"I didn't replace Joe Tarzia. That seat belonged to the city of Stamford," Mirkin said. "Under Tarzia, that was when the Board was combative."

Mirkin states that while his time on the Board of Finance was relatively brief, his main accomplishment was bringing some stability to the Board of Finance and improving its environment.

The Stamford Professional Firefighters Association was active against Mirkin during his campaign, largely due to his stance regarding Mayor Michael Pavia's fire plan, which they vehemently oppose.

Mirkin admits that he supports the plan in principle, but hasn't been involved with it in a year.  SPFA "greeted" Mirkin with signs and anti-Mirkin shirts at his Roxbury School polling location on Tuesday.

"I said 'That's great'...it's a sideshow," Mirkin said. "It had no impact on the outcome of the election. They're a non-issue."

While he was not successful in winning the Board of Finance election, Mirkin is appreciative for the time he had on the council and thanks the public for coming out to vote.

"I plan to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family," Mirkin said. However, Mirkin, chimed in on the aimed at former Board of Finance candidates Joe Tarzia, Bob Kolenberg, and Cynthia Reeder by the Democratic Party.

"I don't accept what Mr. [George] Stadel said. It wasn't an accident, it was a willful act by someone," Mirkin said, and suggested that other parties were still actively looking into the situation. "This isn't over."