Candidates Shared Sunny Weather and Storm Stories While Stumping for Seats

In an election year when many of the seats up on the Suffield ballot are going uncontested, Suffield voters have choices to make for some, but not all, boards, commissions and elected positions.

Contested positions include first selectman, seats on the boards of education and finance and the police commission amongst others. But the positions of town clerk and tax collector as well as the four seats on the board of selectmen are uncontested in this election.

Elizabeth Sorrow is a little disappointed in the selection.

"I don't think we have enough candidates," she said outside Suffield Middle School, where voting took place Tuesday.

"People should get out there and get involved," Sorrow said. "You see the same people year after year."

Still, candidates stumped for votes outside the polls, hoping to put in one last push to get their name marked on the ballot.

"I just hope they remember my name," said Pete Hill, an incumbent Democratic candidate for Police Commission.

First Selectman Republican candidate Ed McAnaney had been at the polls since 7:15 a.m., shaking hands and hoping for a victory over incumbent Democrat Tom Frenaye.

McAnaney said most people are stopping to chat about the balmy weather and recent storm and power outages.

"They've given me a lot of suggestions," he said.

Frenaye, too, said most people wanted to chat about the storm on their way in to vote.

"People are resilient," he explained. "After 10 days, people are starting to laugh about it a little and tell stories."

Democrat Joe Sangiovanni was looking forward to another turn on the board of finance, after many years on various boards in town. He said he is proud of his involvement in keeping "the budget under control" and wants to stay on to continue to see financial responsibility while fulfilling the town needs.

His commitment to public service started at Notre Dame, where he went to school, and eventually found a place in Suffield to serve.

"My wife was the do-gooder around town but one day she told me it was my turn," he said.

Board of education Republican candidate Scott Schneider was enjoying his first contest for election.

"It's been a lesson in civics," he smiled. He said he was pleased "with how informed [voters] actually are. They seem to know quite a bit about the issues."

"I've been here 27 years, the kids are older and I have a little bit more time," he explained. "I was asked to run by some board members and I decided to take the plunge. I want to make a difference in the schools, especially in these challenging times."