Stratford Candidate Endorsed By Both Dem And GOP Committees

STRATFORD, CT — When Stratford residents cast their votes in the upcoming local election, one candidate will appear on the ballot twice. Town Council member David Harden has received a double endorsement and will serve as both the Democrat and the Republican candidate for the council's Fourth District.

While candidates often run unopposed, a double endorsement is rare, said Stratford Republican Town Committee Chair Lou DeCilio.

Harden was endorsed as the Democrat candidate for the Fourth District in July, but the Fourth District's Republican Town Committee members held a special meeting around Oct. 1 and voted to endorse Harden as well, DeCilio said. This means Harden will appear as the Democrat and Republican council candidate on ballots for Fourth District voters.

"Dave has been very instrumental over the last four years ... in working with both Democrats and Republicans," DeCilio said, adding Harden puts the best interest of the town first and respects all council members.

The district's previous Republican candidate, Lin Scheck, has withdrawn her candidacy, DeCilio said. Scheck ran against Harden in the past two general elections, Harden said, both of which Harden won.

"I don't hold the party line," he said. "I do what's fair and right."

In a candidate questionnaire for Stratford Patch, Harden said his priorities for the district include improving safety, reducing blight and addressing street maintenance and flooding.

Election Day is Nov. 5. To view a listing of all the candidates running for office in Stratford, visit Patch's candidate questionnaire roundup.