Please remember that nothing on the Internet is official.   "About Weston"  website may contain opinions but tries to be non-Partisan in its research.


PRE-HALLOWEEN SNOW STORM - SATURDAY, OCT. 29 AT 2:35PM POWER LOST (came back Sat. Nov. 5 at 2:07pm but our well prime lost - back 4:30pm Mon.).
Weston Town Hall never looked better!   "Snow job" before Election Day.  Began around noon Saturday here in Weston, CT...the newly elected Board of Selectmen 2011-2013

WESTON, CONNECTICUT:  ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER. 8, 2011, 6 AM to 8PM, W.M.S. GYM:   RESULTS
(FIRST TUESDAY AFTER FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER); CAMPAIGN 2011 STORY HERE.

Secretary of the State did the honors for Selectmen Muller (l)  and First Selectman Weinstein (r).  We are chosen for post election audit.
Not all winning candidates attended.  A quorum of the new Board of Selectmen did, plus Town Clerk Donna Anastasia, the highest vote-getter on the ballot by far, second from right.

O A T H    O F    O F F I C E   C E R E M ON Y   
2011-2013 SWEARING-IN CEREMONY PICTURE STORY

Weston chosen for post-election results audit
Weston FORUM
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Tuesday, 22 November 2011 11:56

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has chosen Weston as one of 73 polling precincts required to audit its Nov. 8 municipal election results. The audit is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3.  Donna Anastasia, town clerk, said she will be drawing by lottery three offices to be audited on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 9:15 a.m. in her office at Weston Town Hall. That drawing is open to the public, as is the actual audit.

“The purpose of the hand count [of ballots] is to assess how well the optical machines work. It is not a recount where the focus is on the intent of the voter,” Ms. Anastasia said.

State statute requires 10% of polling precincts used in an election to be audited after an election. There were 726 precincts used on Nov. 8. In addition to the 73 required by law, 15 alternate precincts were also chosen by the secretary of the state.

“Despite the difficulties our state faced as a result of the late October snowstorm and ensuing power outages, we still had a very successful Election Day,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief elections official. “I am very proud of how our election administrators came together in Connecticut under some challenging circumstances to make sure voters could cast ballots in every town and city in our state as scheduled. With this audit, we now must take the step of checking the machine totals from Nov. 8 to ensure the accuracy of our optical scanners. We are committed to making sure Connecticut voters have continued confidence that their votes were recorded accurately and that’s why these independent audits are so vital.”

Av Harris, communications director for the secretary of the state’s office, said each town chosen to be audited is contacted directly and sent a manual with instructions on how to conduct the audit and report the results.

Ms. Anastasia said Weston has never been chosen to have its election results audited in the more than 10 years that she has been town clerk. Before she took over the post, the town was required to do a manual recount for one of the elected positions, “but that’s much more involved than an audit,” she said.

The local registrars of voters are responsible for conducting and overseeing the audit. Ms. Anastasia said they sort the ballots that were cast into two groups, undisputed ballots and questionable ballots.

“As the categories suggest, undisputed ballots are very clearly marked and properly executed ballots,” while questionable ones may be less obvious, she said.

Workers from both parties (they do not have to be the same people who worked the polls) then hand count the ballots that were scanned on Election Day; blank ballots do not have to be counted.

“The totals are then compared with the actual machine tapes. Small differences in the total should be recounted again,” Ms. Anastasia said.

The hand counted totals are then sent to the secretary of the state.

The results of all the audits are analyzed by the University of Connecticut and then presented to the secretary of the state’s office and the State Elections Enforcement Commission, and ultimately made available to the public.  The towns that were chosen by lottery to audit their election results may not begin to do so before Nov. 23, but must complete the process no later than Dec. 6.

“In general, they should be at a reasonable time for members of the public to attend if they wish,” Mr. Harris said. “Therefore, 4 a.m. or midnight would not be good times to have the audit. Also, the time, location and date of the post-election audit must be publicly noticed at least three business days in advance.”

Ms. Anastasia said she will also be giving proper notice of the three offices she draws to be audited.

Secretary Merrill is a strong proponent of the post election audits. “Auditing election results isn’t just a good idea, it’s absolutely essential in order to guarantee the integrity of our elections,” she said. “We don’t just take the machines’ word for it. So we will have every ballot cast in a full 10% of all our precincts hand counted and matched against the machine totals. Connecticut has the toughest elections audit law in the country and I am confident at the end of this year’s audit the numbers will once again match.”
Below please find our favorite photos of swearing-in event - Cablevision had the best spot taken for its coverage, so we had to make do!


GAYLE WEINSTEIN SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM
Secretary of the State, Hon. Denise Merrill commented later upon her pleasure at being in Weston.

DON'T EVER TELL ME TAKING THE OATH OF OFFICE DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING...
Bob Gardner, to ZBA;  Jane Connolly to P&Z;  Nina Daniel, newly elected to Board of Education;  Gerald Sargent, III, to Board of Finance.


NOV. 8, 2011 ELECTION RESULTS
Contested: 

First Selectman
Selectman
Board of Finance
Planning and Zoning
Zoning Board of Appeals
Police Commission

Uncontested: Board of Education (but you vote for only 2 of 4 candidates - all four seated);  Others:  Town Clerk and Tax Collector;  2-year term, P&Z;  ZBA Alternate;  2-year term, ZBA Alternate;  Board of Assessment Appeals.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN TOP THREE VOTE-GETTERS
First Selectman - vote for one

1A - Gayle Weinstein - 1401
1B - Dan Gilbert - 1063

Selectman - vote for one

2A - David Muller - 1248
2B - Dennis Tracey - 1209

Town Clerk

3B - Donna Anastasia - 1825

Tax Collector

4B - Charity Nichols - 1775

Board of Finance - vote for four

5A - Steve Ezzes - 1407
5B - Michael Carter - 1673
6A - Larry Skor - 1302
6B - David Finkel - 1433
7B - Jerry Sargent - 1631

Board of Education - vote for two, all four seated (according to State Statute)

9A - Philip Schaefer - 1123
9B - Ellen Uzenoff - 1420
10A - Dana Levin - 974
10B - Nina Daniel - 1242

Board of Assessmen Appeals

11B - Susan Seath - 1719

Planning and Zoning Commission - vote for four

12A - Ken Edgar - 1453
12B - Pierre Ratte -  1361
13A - Jane  Connolly - 1483
13B - Don Saltzman - 1580
14A - Ridge Young -1309

Planning and Zoning Commission - to fill vacancy for two years.

16B - Britta Lerner - 1750

Zoning Board of Appeals - vote for three

17A - Marilyn Parker - 1295
17B - Richard Wolf - 1479
18A - Bob Gardner - 1317
18B - Jeffrey Tallman - 1439

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate

20B - Glenn Van Deusen - 1668

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate - to fill vacancy for two years

21B - John Moran - 1675

Police Commission - vote for three

22A - Beth Gralnick - 1414
22B - Jess DiPasquale - 1550
23A - Susan Moch - 1238
23B - William J. Brady - 1471

TURNOUT - 39% - TOTAL ELIGIBLE TO VOTE - 6369 - TOTAL VOTING - 2486 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS - 144




THE BALLOT:  24 columns...1-11 on the front and 12-24 on the back...Democrats on Row 'A' Republicans Row 'B'
WHAT THE BALLOT ACTUALLY LOOKED LIKE - HOPE YOU DIDN'T FORGET TO VOTE ON BOTH SIDES OF IT!

Do you know the candidates?  Where in Town do they live (link to Certificate of Party Endorsement below)?

VIDEO OF LWV OF WESTON DOUBLE DEBATE (POLICE, SELECTMEN) - LINK TO IT HERE
-------------------------

EARLIER IN THE CAMPAIGN, WE POSED THESE  QUESTIONS TO READERS OF THIS WEBSITE:




ISSUES AND QUESTIONS 2011:  AS THE CAMPAIGN GOT DOWN TO THE LAST TWO WEEKS, WHICH OF THESE WOULD BE THE TURNING POINT FOR CONTESTED RACES?

NEWS:  older stuff here.

AAA to AA plus for U.S.A. - S&P downgrade - is this an issue for Weston?  What is our financial forecast?  Property sales in Weston show dramatic drop in posted prices...EVIDENCE HERE from outside source.

Board of Ethics advisory opinion and its significance...item in debates for Board of Finance and perhaps Selectmen, too?  First word we heard about this was here...

WHAT ARE THE PLANNING AND ZONING CANDIDATES TO DO?  Public Hearing on specific property and related issues could be confusing if they have to debate...but they did not.

What's with the Police Commission?

Lachat as a farm again?  SPECIAL TOWN MEETING (WITH INFORMATIONAL SESSION FIRST AT 7PM) GIVES APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO CONDITIONS OF ORIGINAL LACHAT DEAL BETWEEN NATURE CONSERVANCY AND TOWN OF WESTON - REQUIRES 8-24 FROM PLANNING AND ZONING...now after the fact.

Will this be of interest to voters in Weston?

Revson Field Redux?
Some people can't get over the fact that Revson Field will probably never be ideal or even close...at the League debate this matter came up - and in answering the question, the candidates actually made some of the facts in the case more clear than they had ever been - it was a case of having moved the batter's box so that the long late afternoon sun would not be in the batter's eyes - always a failing of Revson (which is why it seems to have been better used for soccer than baseball), but not having changed the pitch and drainage sufficiently.  Which is why there was so much ponding on the revised fields.  Actually, the soil type is the kind that does not drain (in addition to any compaction suffered when Revson was used as a staging area to store material and equipment during the construction of the 3-4-5 and the additions to the high school.

Select Committee on Charter Revision next up - what changes to 1979 Charter or the minor revision in 2003 do you see as needed? 

SPECIAL SESSION COMING OCTOBER 26 ON JOBS - ANYTHING OF INTEREST FOR WESTON HERE?  Gov. Malloy, Sen. Blumenthal and M.O.C. Himes all in Weston Sunday:  How do State and Federal policy decisions affect Weston?
As the sun shines in, or down, on this fairytale community over the weekend, as the FORUM stated, "let the games begin!"  We ask, how does the shadow of national politics relate to what local government does?  How about State of CT government - does Weston have the ear of government there?

CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 rating shows Weston #1 town, 10,000-15,000 population.  Remember when we used to be proud of this rating?  Why not now, maybe?  The article says it straight out - because house prices have dropped significantly.  Perhaps rentals will be increasing -  as an alternative to selling at a reduced price?  Just a thought!  We know of a few situations like this...
November 2011 issue





Scene of the Double Debates (above)

 Debate #1 Police Commission

Debate #2 Board of Selectmen

TOP ROW:  Police Commission debate candidates - Bill Brady, Susan Moch, Beth Gralnick and Jess DiPasquale.  BOTTOM ROW:  Board of Selectmen debate - Dennis Tracey, Dan Gilbert, Gayle Weinstein and David Muller.

Questions raised:  ethics, regionalization, Council of Governments, emergency response, overtime - gap v. incident...and lots more!


Repeating on Town TV channel 79 at 4pm...until Election Day

BOARD OF FINANCE  DEBATE  SATURDAY  AFTERNOON  OF  OCTOBER 15, 2011, AS  IT  PLAYED  OUT.
90 MINUTE LEAGUE DEBATE IN THE TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM - Questions and answers revealed a great deal about the expertise of members of the Finance Board and those hoping to become members.  Watch debate reruns at 4PM daily on Channel 79 if youmissed it or want to see it again.  Board of Ethics advisory opinion in full.

HOW MANY QUESTIONS DID CANDIDATES FIELD?
Nine.  These were questions that were collected by League from the audience, and reviewed by screeners (one LWV Democrat and one LWV Republican) and in some cases combined together with similar queries.  The debate began a bit late and ran for 90 minutes.  First question (from League): "How does the Board of Finance balance Weston's unique character with the need to remain fiscally viable?"  Watch for Weston FORUM report...

RELATED TO WESTON?
Question about fiscal viability linked to the above discussion we caught online...reporting from MARKETWATCH. 

BREAKING NEWS: Weston Board of Ethics says candidate has conflict of interest
Weston FORUM
Written by Patricia Gay
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 12:20

The Weston Board of Ethics said Republican candidate David Finkel has a conflict of interest were he to serve on the Board of Finance.

In an advisory opinion issued to the Board of Selectmen Tuesday, Oct. 11, the ethics board said a conflict of interest exists as long as there is a “business relationship between Mr. Finkel, his business, and/or his parent company and the town of Weston.” (See advisory opinion below.)

Mr. Finkel and his company, Expense Reduction Analysts, have a contract with the Weston school district to help find cost savings. The expected savings is $164,000 and under the terms of the contract, Mr. Finkel will receive 50% of those savings over the next two years.

Mr. Finkel said Wednesday morning the ethics board opinion is only advisory and he is not going to recuse himself from the election because he does not believe he has a conflict of interest. “The board’s facts are incorrect so how can the conclusion they reached be accurate?” Mr. Finkel said.

He believes he does not have a conflict because the actual work he did for the school district is already done and complete. He said the only thing outstanding is his actual payment, which will be done over a 24-month time period because he has a client-friendly business model that allows clients two years to pay. He said he is being paid from the savings he helped the school district realize.

In addition, he said he is a “separate franchisee” of Expense Reduction Analysts and it is not a parent company. “I am a separate limited liability franchisee,” Mr. Finkel said.

The important issue in the election, he said, is about the qualifications of the candidates. “I’m not going to recuse myself from the election. Is this about conflict or credentials? Let’s focus on what’s important — the qualifications of the candidates. My hope is that the public will see through this and understand what is really important for the best interest of this town,” he said.

When Mr. Finkel announced his candidacy for the finance board in August he addressed the issue of a possible conflict of interest and said at the time he would discontinue his work with the town if elected.

The ethics board was asked to look into a potential conflict by Barbara Reynolds, chairman of the Weston Democratic Town Committee, and Mike O’Brien, Democratic chairman of the finance board.

Upon learning Wednesday that Mr. Finkel will still run despite the ethics board decision, Ms. Reynolds said, “The Republican Party’s insistence on continuing to support Mr. Finkel’s candidacy indicates a lack of integrity as they put their own political aspirations ahead of the community’s best interests. I continue to request that the Republican Party remove Mr. Finkel from the ballot.”

“It’s important for voters to focus on credentials and not this distraction or illusion from Democratic opponents,” Mr. Finkel said.

Weston Board of Ethics Advisory Opinion

To:  First Selectman, Gayle Weinstein
Selectman, David Muller
Selectman, Dan Gilbert
From: Weston Board of Ethics
Re: Finkel Complaint Advisory Opinion
October 11, 2011

Facts:

Barbara Reynolds and Mike O’Brian filed a complaint with the Ethics Board asking the Board to determine whether a conflict of interest exists were David Finkel to serve on the Board of Finance, given his business relationshilp with the Board of Education.

The Commission met on September 24, 2011, read the complaint and heard testimony from Ms. Barbara Reynolds, Mr. Mike O’Brian and from Mr. David Finkel. The Board met again on September 30, 2011.

At the September 24th meeting, Mr. Finkel stated that his company, a franchise of ERA, has a contract with the Board of Education from which he receives a percentage of savings that his company identifies for the Board of Education (BoE).  He further advised the Ethics Board, that all monies from this contract with the BoE would be paid out by the time he took office - were he to win his election and that if further monies became due to him, they would be paid to the parent company or to a collegue.  He also stated that were he to win a seat on the Board of Finance - he would divest himself of all interest in any contracts with the Board of Education.

Analysis:

The guiding principal upon which the Board of Ethics makes its determination as to whether a conflict exists, rests in the Preamble to the Weston Code of Ethics which provides that, “This Code of Ethics is established to foster the highest standards [emphasis added] of ethical behavior on the part of all elected and appointed officials of the Town and employees.”

The guiding statutes are set forth in the Weston Code of Ethics.

It is the obligation of the Board to enforce the highest level of “ethical” behavior as set forth in the Code of Ethics.

Section 3.(a) of the Code of Ethics provides that no town official shall engage in any Town action in which said official has a financial or personal interest incompatable with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest...

Reading this section without its last sentence would arguably allow a person to engage in town action wherein he has a financial interest as long as he could discharge his duties in the public interest or where actions remained independant and not impaired.

However, the last sentence of this section provides that, “...nothing herein shall be contrued to be less demanding [emphasis added] than what is contained in the Weston Town Charter (Section 9.1).”

Section 9.1 of the Weston Town Charter states in relevant part:

“ ...Neither any member of the ...Board of Finance ... shall be financially interested, or have any personal beneficial interest, either directly or indirectly, in any contract, purchase order for supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services furnished to the Town or any of its boards or agencies...”

Section 9.1 expressly states that there is in fact a conflict of interest for a member of the Board of Finance to reap a direct or indirect financial benefit from any interests involving contractual services with the Town of Weston.

Mr. Finkel’s relationship with ERA and the Board of Education clearly indicate a direct or indirect personal beneficial interest.

Section 4 of the Weston Code of Ethics provides that when a town official becomes aware of facts or circumstances which demonstrate  that he has a financial interest in a pending matter, he should recuse himself and not take any action on the matter.  In this case, Mr Finkel’s business relationship with the Board of Education would cause him to necessarily recuse himself on any matter involving the Board of Education and possibly other matters involving Town finances where his association would arguably demontrate a financial interest, and by definition violate Section 9.1 of the Town Charter, which does not offer recusal as an option for a conflict of interest.

Finding and Advisory Opinion:

As long as there is a business relationship between Mr. Finkel, his business, and/or his parent company and the Town of Weston, we find that a conflict of interest exists were he to serve on the Board of Finance.

And further, were he to serve on the Board of Finance, without a complete termination and divestment of interests, as the Town deems appropriate, of any direct or indirect business relationship between himself, his business associations and the Board of Education or any town board or agencies, any transaction he may be involved with whilst serving, would be voidable and could open Mr. Finkel up to dismissal, removal from office, and/or civil/criminal prosecution, pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Weston Town Charter.

Cordially,

Weston Board of Ethics
Juan Negroni
Denise Massingale-Lamb
Harriette Heller
Terry Castellano


"General supervision of the town’s first selectman" means what?
“Apparently, Officer Powers issued tickets on Aug. 3...You said he was on administrative duty the whole time...”

Weston Police Commission criticizes chief's actions
Weston FORUM
Written by Patricia Gay
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 11:56

A discussion at the Weston Police Commission turned heated at times as several commissioners clashed with Police Chief John Troxell over how he handled the reinstatement of a police officer who was out on sick leave.

Commissioners were also critical of what they claimed was the chief’s “lack of presence” in Weston during Tropical Storm Irene.

These issues were discussed in public session at the commission’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Although the agenda item called for the issue to be discussed in an executive session, outside the public’s presence, Chief Troxell elected to hold the session in public.  Commissioner Jeff Eglash moderated the discussion among the commission, Chief Troxell and First Selectman Gayle Weinstein.

“This is not accusatory or adversarial, we believe in the chief and trust him. We’re looking to put to rest some concerns before they fester,” Mr. Eglash said at the outset.

However, the discussion did turn adversarial at times as the parties occasionally raised their voices and interrupted each other.

Against their wishes

Several commissioners and First Selectman Weinstein criticized the chief for allowing Officer Chris Powers, who had been on leave since 2009, back on full active duty at the beginning of August, against their wishes.

Commission Chairman Rick Phillips said he sent Chief Troxell an e-mail on behalf of the entire commission, directing him not to reinstate Officer Powers until the commission heard from the town’s worker’s compensation agent, CIRMA, (Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency), about liability issues.  Officer Powers had been sidelined from full duty off and on since 2009, following a back injury he received after being dragged by a car.

In April 2011, the town received a doctor’s note from Officer Powers saying he could not return to full duty.  However, at the end of May, the town received another note from the same doctor saying Officer Powers could return to full duty. At the time, Officer Powers was working on light duty at the department’s front desk.

Town Administrator Tom Landry said he referred the matter to CIRMA for an opinion because Officer Powers didn’t have a physical examination between April and May and the town was concerned about liability.

Back on duty

Mr. Phillips said despite the e-mail he sent to Chief Troxell directing him not to reinstate Officer Powers to active duty, Officer Powers was back on active duty on Aug. 3.  Chief Troxell said he was on vacation on Aug. 3, and in his absence, Sergeant Patrick Daubert put Officer Powers back on active duty, but he had no problem with that decision.

Chief Troxell said he did not consider the e-mail from Mr. Phillips an “operative order” because he was only one member of the commission and the commission had not met and voted on the matter.

“I got an e-mail from Rick Phillips, and since he is only one member of the Police Commission, that wasn’t enough of an order for me. My lawyer told me I can only take orders from the commission when they call a meeting and vote as a board,” Chief Troxell said.

The chief read a section of his employment agreement with the town that said, “The chief shall serve under the direct supervision of the board and the general supervision of the town’s first selectman.”

He also said there was a past practice in the department to put an officer back on active duty when the officer brought in a doctor’s note saying he could return to work. 

Mr. Eglash said the chief wasn’t working collaboratively with the commission. “In light of concerns for his medical condition, we didn’t want to expose Officer Power’s to risks. Everyone in town was expressing deep concerns. Instead of working collaboratively you are working on legalizations,” Mr. Eglash said.

The chief said he did obey a direct order on Aug. 15 from First Selectman Weinstein, who ordered him to take Officer Powers off active duty that day and he did so.  Officer Powers later returned to active duty on Aug. 25, and has been on active duty ever since. The town is still waiting for an opinion from CIRMA.

Empowered

Commissioner Beth Gralnick said even though the commission did not have a formal meeting or vote directing the chief not to reinstate Officer Powers, Mr. Phillips had polled each member of the commission and was “empowered as chairman to speak for us.”

Ms. Weinstein said she had a conversation with Chief Troxell on Aug. 15, and he told her Officer Powers was on “light administrative duty.” But she later learned that Officer Powers was back on active duty on Aug. 3, because someone complained about a traffic stop he initiated.

“Apparently, Officer Powers issued tickets on Aug. 3, so he wasn’t on light duty then. You said he was on administrative duty the whole time,” Ms. Weinstein said to the chief.

Ms. Gralnick asked the chief if he investigated the complaint about the traffic stop, and Chief Troxell said no because the complaint was made by individual commissioners and wasn’t made in writing from the person making the complaint. He said only written complaints about officers are investigated.

“It was an inappropriate way for a complaint to come to my office,” he said.

Ms. Gralnick disagreed and said complaints don’t have to come first hand from the person with the complaint because people may be concerned about retaliation. She said complaints from commissioners should have been sufficient enough for Chief Troxell to look into the matter.  However, the chief maintained he was following the rules regarding complaints as set out in the officers’ employment contract.

“I’m deeply disappointed you didn’t demonstrate the leadership I expected. This is not a disciplinary issue. It’s a loss of confidence. Hope you work hard to respond,” Mr. Eglash said.

Commissioner Peter Ottomano sided with Chief Troxell. “We were all faced by an unprecedented situation. I think the chief acted reasonably in a situation that was unprecedented. It’s also unprecedented that a doctor clears an employee for duty and the employer’s not taking him back,” Mr. Ottomano said.

Storm Irene

The second issue of concern was the chief’s presence in town during Tropical Storm Irene.

Mr. Eglash claimed the chief was absent during much of the storm, and allowed others to run the department. “It was a significant event and there was a void and a vacuum. You were absent from the town when it needed leadership and public safety. Your response was disheartening — letting others respond,” Mr. Eglash said.

Chief Troxell said that was not how he responded to the storm. He said he came in on Saturday, the day before the storm, from 10 to 2, and met with officers to discuss how they were going to respond to it.  He then went to his house in Stratford and was going to come in on Sunday but found out the Merritt Parkway was closed. He said he called in and officers told him not to bother coming in because of the roads.

He said he was in Weston the following Monday and Tuesday and met with Ms. Weinstein. He had a chief’s meeting in Rocky Hill on Wednesday from 9 to noon, and was back at 1:15. He was in Weston on Thursday, but was out again on Friday because he was sick with laryngitis and couldn’t speak.

He said there was command on Sunday from his home, and Officer Joe Miceli, the town’s Emergency Management Director was capable of handling things in town. He said storm coverage would have been the same whether or not he was in Weston on Sunday.

Commissioner Hal Shupack was not satisfied with that explanation. “Other officers came in on Saturday and stayed overnight, and you should have stayed, too,” he said.

Move forward

Although a lot of hard feelings were expressed during this exchange, after the meeting, Chief Troxell was optimistic that the group could put the issues behind them and move forward.

“I am hoping we can move on because I want to get back to work. I feel that the commission, myself, the selectmen and other boards in town have been able to achieve great things working together and I believe the feeling of a team will go forward. Although things seemed dicey and serious at the meeting, at the end of the day, we shook hands. Chris Powers is back to work and we need him here and he is working as good as usual,” Chief Troxell said.


Photos taken of candidates since Party Caucus (in color) by "About Town" as back up for any candidate who might not have one of their own.  B/W from previous election cycle.

Read the Weston FORUM article here about who is running for which office.


This first action in the march to Election Day attended by the usual suspects...

Above is what it looked like!
Lottery is Wednesday at Weston Town Hall to determine ballot order
Weston FORUM
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Monday, 12 September 2011 00:00

On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the Weston registrars of voters, Susan Moran and Laura Smits, will hold a lottery, in accordance with state law, to determine the position of candidates’ names on the ballot for the municipal election on Nov. 8.

The lottery will take place in the town clerk’s office in Weston Town Hall at 9 a.m., and is open to the public and all interested parties.

CERTIFICATE OF PARTY ENDORSEMENT (DEMOCRAT)
Contesting for Police Commission and Planning and Zoning

CERTIFICATE OF PARTY ENDORSEMENT (REPUBLICAN)
Contesting for Board of Selectmen, ZBA and Board of Finance (via Petition)

NOTE:  The petitioning candidate for Board of Finance was successful in collecting the signatures needed to qualifiy for a Primary (uncontested), therefore, he will be on the ballot.  Endorsed by RTC.

Sources:  Town Clerk's Office, 8-2-11 for Certificate of Party Endorsement;  Primary petition information from Secretary of the State's Office.


AT THE BOARD OF FINANCE SEPT. 8
Members of the Board of Finance asked Dr. Keating (Superintendent Palmer present) if a contract had been signed - answer:  "No."

NOTE:  Ethics advisory opinion eventually says that candidate has conflict
Weston ethics board asked for opinion on conflict of interest question about candidate
Weston FORUM
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Wednesday, 14 September 2011 11:49

The Weston Board of Ethics has been asked to look into whether a candidate in November’s municipal election would have a conflict of interest if he were to be elected.

Barbara Reynolds, chairman of the Weston Democratic Town Committee (DTC) and Mike O’Brien, Democratic chairman of the finance board, sent a letter to the Board of Ethics dated Sept. 12 asking for an opinion.

“We are writing this letter to ask the Board of Ethics for an opinion on whether or not Mr. David Finkel, a candidate for the Board of Finance, has a ‘conflict of interest,’ as defined in the Weston Town Charter, with regard to his serving on the Board of Finance should he be elected,” the letter said.

Ms. Reynolds and Mr. O’Brien say in the letter that Mr. Finkel, a Republican, “approached the Weston Board of Education to sell the services of his company, Expense Reduction Analysts, with regard to purchasing various office supplies... Mr. Finkel’s company will receive 50% of the cost savings that are earned over the next two years.”

Several weeks ago, Jo-Ann Keating, director of finance and operations, said the school district had been given the OK by the school board to sign an agreement with Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA); Mr. Finkel is the client manager for ERA.

By following ERA’s recommendations, ERA estimates the district will see a total of $164,000 in savings — before fees — over the course of the next three years, Dr. Keating said. The schools will also get a signing bonus.

ERA — and thus Mr. Finkel — does earn a fee for its work.

Under a three-year contract, ERA will receive 50% of the savings realized by the schools for the first two years.

Article 9

“Article 9 of the town charter is very specific on this matter. We believe that Mr. Finkel’s business with the town of Weston is a clear conflict of interest and precludes him from serving on the Board of Finance,” the Board of Ethics request said.

Article 9 of the town charter reads in part: “No member or employee of any board or agency of the town shall be financially interested, or have any personal beneficial interest, either directly or indirectly, in any contract or purchase order for supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services furnished to or used by the town or any of its boards or agencies.”

The town’s Code of Ethics also addresses conflict of interest with regard to financial interests.

“No town official ... or close business associate shall engage in any town action in which said official ... has a financial or personal interest which is incompatible with the proper discharge of his duties in the public interest or which would tend to impair his independence of judgment or action in the performance of those duties,” the code reads in part.

When Mr. Finkel announced his candidacy in early August, he addressed the issue of a possible conflict of interest. He said at that time he had reviewed the town charter and he believed the conflict of interest language refers to companies that provide direct supplies or equipment to the town, and does not apply in his case.

“That said, however, if there is any gray area, I would cease doing business with the town of Weston If it came to be an issue that is deemed to be a valid issue — whether I agree or not — I personally would discontinue my work with the town if elected,” Mr. Finkel said in August.

That doesn’t mean, he had said, that ERA would have to stop doing business with Weston, just that he might. He had said he would “hand over the account” to a partner if he had to.

Ms. Reynolds’ and Mr. O’Brien’s letter states they are requesting the ethics board hear the case “in a timely manner” since the election is less than two months away.

Rules and regulations guiding the Board of Ethics say it “shall act as promptly as feasible to review and provide recommendations and opinions on all complaints ... understanding that the time required to complete each review process will be related to the complexity of the issues being considered, as well as the seriousness of the potential impact on the individuals involved and the town of Weston.”

The Board of Ethics is required to conduct any investigation “independent of other town agencies.” A final report and recommendations is given to the Board of Selectmen.

The ethics board may conduct closed hearings — not open to the public — if the person against whom a complaint is lodged requests it.
UPDATE: Weston finance board race is now contested
Weston FORUM
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Monday, 15 August 2011 15:35

UPDATE 4:15PM: According to Town Clerk Donna Anastasia, a state elections department staff attorney has said petitioning candidate David Finkel will run on the Rebublican line of the Nov. 8 municipal election ballot in his bid for a seat on the Weston Board of Finance.

Mr. Finkel of Squires Lane submitted on Wednesday, Aug. 10, a petition to primary that has been deemed valid by the town clerk and the registrar of voters. The petition had 117 valid signatures, more than the minimum required.

There are four seats open on the finance board. Due to minority representation rules, the Weston Republican Town Committee (RTC) had the opportunity to endorse up to three candidates. Since the RTC opted to endorse only two — incumbents Jerry Sargent and Michael Carter — the registrar has waived the primary, and Mr. Finkel’s name will be added to the Rebulican candidates line, said Town Clerk Donna Anastasia.

"Because he indeed filed a primary petition and there are more seats than those nominated, he will go on the Republican line," Ms. Anastasia said in an e-mail this afternoon.

In addition to the Republicans, Democrats Steve Ezzes, an incumbent, and Larry Skor are running for the finance board and have been endorsed by the Weston Democratic Town Committee (DTC).

The addition of Mr. Finkel makes the race for the board contested, since there are only four seats open. Voters are allowed to vote for up to four of the five candidates.

There are 1,886 registered Republicans in Weston, 2,158 Democrats, and 2,276 unaffiliated voters.

More information about Mr. Finkel and the finance board race will be in the Aug. 18 edition of The Weston Forum.
Number of signatures obtained and "verified" were good for higher standard Primary Petitioning - way beyond what was needed, according to the story below.
Petitioners had until yesterday to get on Nov. 8 ballot or to force a primary in Weston
Weston FORUM
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Thursday, 11 August 2011 00:00

Yesterday, Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 4 p.m. was the deadline for petitioning candidates for the Nov. 8 municipal election to hand in valid petitions at the Weston town clerk’s office.

Potential candidates may petition to either be placed on the ballot as petitioning candidates — on a separate line — or they may petition to hold a primary election against an already party-endorsed candidate. If needed, a primary would be held Sept. 13.

Candidates handing in a primary petition need a minimum of 5% of the last completed total active voter list for their party.

Town Clerk Donna Anastasia said as of July 21, the active voter list included 1,886 Republicans (which would mean a minimum of 95 signatures required for a valid petition) and 2,158 Democrats (meaning 108 signatures would be required).

Different threshold

Candidates handing in a nominating petition (to run on a line other than a major party line on the ballot) must reach a different signature threshold.

Someone seeking a single office position (first selectman) requires 1% of the votes cast for that position at the last municipal election — that would be 28 signatures, Ms. Anastasia said.

Someone seeking office on a multi-person board or commission needs 1% of the total number of voters who cast votes for that board or commission in the previous municipal election. So, for example, someone petitioning to run for the Board of Finance would need 28 signatures, Ms. Anastasia said.

The Weston Democratic Town Committee has endorsed candidates for the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Police Commission, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, and ZBA alternates.

The Republican Town Committee endorsed candidates for the same boards and commissions, as well as ones for town clerk and tax collector.

As of The Forum’s press deadline Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 9, no one had filed a valid petition with the town clerk.
PARTY CAUCUS FOR REPUBLICANS MONDAY, JULY 25, 2011;  DEMOCRATS TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2011. 


Weston's Democratic caucus: Incumbents lead slate
Weston FORUM
Written by Patricia Gay
Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:14

Democrats attending a caucus on Tuesday, July 26, unanimously endorsed the Democratic Town Committee’s proposed slate of candidates for the November 2011 municipal election.

Heading the ticket are incumbent First Selectman Gayle Weinstein and David Muller, incumbent selectman. The remainder of the slate is a combination of new candidates and incumbents.

DTC Chairman Barbara Reynolds credited the Democrat-led boards of selectmen, finance and education, for helping Weston successfully endure the worst economic downturn in memory. “We have kept budgets low, decreased the size of government, and streamlined our educational system while ensuring that those in need have seen an increase in social services and that our students receive a top notch 21st Century education,” Ms. Reynolds said. “It is an honor to have been given this trust. We will continue to strive to meet the needs of all Westonites regardless of age, political affiliation, or economic status, and hope the citizens of Weston will send us back to work in November,” she added.

Ms. Weinstein is running on a record of fiscal responsibility. “For two consecutive years, we have presented town budgets that had the impact of lowering the mill rate,” Ms. Weinstein said. “At the same time, we have honored our commitment to help those in need by increasing social service personnel and funding for social service programs.”

Some of the other accomplishments she notes include: Coordination of technology costs between the town administration and the school board; providing better service to residents by making available online payments for parks and recreation programs, youth services programs and tax collection; tackling issues surrounding a town cemetery, the Lachat property, and town charter review; establishing a bicycle and pedestrian committee; and promoting sustainable energy initiatives and instituting a bulky waste ordinance.

Candidates

The slate of Democratic candidates for the 2011 municipal election are:

First selectman: Gayle Weinstein.

Board of Selectmen: David Muller, who is completing his second year as a selectman. “Gayle and I have accomplished our goals as outlined in the last election campaign, and I’m extremely proud of our record of fiscal discipline. I’m particularly pleased that we’ve continued to emphasize the support our town can provide our fellow citizens who have struggled in the wake of the financial crisis,” he said.

Board of Education: Incumbents Phil Schaefer, board chairman, and Dana Levin.

Board of Finance: Incumbent Steve Ezzes and newcomer Larry Skor. With Bob Atkinson retiring from the Finance Board, the DTC Candidate Search Committee completed an extensive search for a replacement and chose Mr. Skor, a certified public accountant with 15 years’ experience. “If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I look forward to bringing my many years of financial experience to the Weston Board of Finance to ensure continued fiscal responsibility for our town and its taxpayers,” Mr. Skor said. “In these difficult economic times, it is critical that we ensure that every expenditure is both thoughtful and necessary.”

Mr. Skor is active in Weston Little League and volunteers for various charitable organizations throughout the area, including Habitat for Humanity. He has lived in Weston for five years and is married to Jennifer Skor. They have two children in the Weston public school system.

Police Commission: Incumbent Beth Gralnick and Susan Moch, who is a member of the Weston Charter Review Commission and Weston Panel of Moderators. Ms. Moch has had extensive professional interaction with the criminal justice system, working as a juvenile court advocate; a deputy assistant state’s attorney in Connecticut; serving on the criminal justice executive committee of the Connecticut Bar Association; and serving as a motor vehicle and small claims magistrate for Connecticut.

Ms. Moch is married to Roland Poirier and has two children.

Planning and Zoning Commission: Incumbents Ridge Young and Jane Connolly as well as Ken Edgar (presently the co-chairman of the Weston Town Charter Review Commission and an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals.) Mr. Edgar is a retired attorney who was a partner for 26 years with the firm Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett. He was listed in “Best Lawyers in America” from 1987 until his retirement.

“After I retired from my law practice and moved to Weston, one of my goals was to contribute to our community,” Mr. Edgar said. “I have done that in several capacities. As a member of the ZBA, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute in the area of land use issues and applied the provisions of the town’s zoning regulations to many cases. I have also attended seminars to complete my exposure to this area. As a result, I developed an interest in the effect of these regulations on the character of our town. I have enjoyed my time on the ZBA, but am only an alternate member, and feel I can best apply my skills for the benefit of my fellow citizens of Weston by serving as a full voting member of P&Z,” he said.

Mr. Edgar is married to Denise Harvey and has four children.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Incumbent Bob Gardner and Marilyn Parker (A former alternate on the Board of Assessment Appeals and Library Board). Ms. Parker holds an MBA from New York University, is a principal of Dream Rooms, an interior design firm, and a licensed real estate agent. She is the mother of one daughter who attends Weston High School.

Ms. Parker said her mission, should she be elected, is “to hear and judge zoning variation appeals with caution and compassion in order to protect the town’s character; to assist in the creation of a larger town plan; and to help the citizens of Weston learn and understand the zoning laws and how they are applied.
Republican candidates




The Republicans unanimously endorsed their slate of candidates for town offices at a caucus on Monday night, July 25. “The Republicans from all over Weston gathered at Town Hall to celebrate an outstanding slate of incumbent and new candidates. Selectman Dan Gilbert gave a rousing speech to climax the kick-off of the 2011 campaign,” reported Martha Diamant, Republican Town Committee secretary, in an e-mail message sent to the Forum after the caucus. Here is their slate:

First selectman: Dan Gilbert.

Selectman: Dennis Tracey

Board of Finance: Jerry Sargent and Michael Carter.

Board of Education: Ellen Uzenoff and Nina Daniel.

Planning & Zoning Commission: Donald Saltzman, Britta Lerner, Pierre Ratte.

Police Commission: William Brady and Jess DiPasquale.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Richard Wolf and Jeff Tallman.

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate: John Moran and Glenn Van Deusen.

Town clerk: Donna Anastasia.

Tax collector: Charity Nichols.

Board of Tax Appeals: Susan Seath.

There are currently 2,158 registered Democrats in Weston, 1,886 Republicans, and 2,276 unaffiliated voters.


ANSWER:  4
How many candidates from both Parties can you find in this picture?

Weston RTC endorses its candidates; caucuses next week
Weston FORUM
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 12:57

The Weston Republican Town Committee (RTC) is presenting a slate of mostly familiar faces for the party caucus to consider endorsing for the November 2011 municipal elections. The Republican caucus will meet at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 25, in the Weston Town Hall Meeting Room.

Dan Gilbert, currently a selectman, will seek the town’s top spot of first selectman. His running mate for selectman will be Dennis Tracey, who has held many appointed positions in town, but will be seeking elected office for the first time.

“It’s a privilege running with Dennis Tracey,” Dr. Gilbert said. “We’re running because we want to help our community better realize its vision for Weston. We will support an excellent school system and assure that Weston town government is fiscally responsible, respectful, ethical, effective and open. We want a town that protects open space, cares for its residents in need and provides for its seniors,” he said.

Dr. Gilbert is a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Mr. Tracey is an attorney who has been appointed to several select committees, including the Legal Review Committee, the Nature Center Building Committee (Lachat), and he is co-chairman the new Charter Revision Committee.

They will be running against Democratic incumbents Gayle Weinstein, first selctman, and Selectman David Muller, who announced in May their intention to seek re-election.

“Dennis and I will do a better job helping the town’s boards and commissions work more effectively together,” Dr. Gilbert said. “The selectmen have to work with all Weston residents to identify opportunities to be more efficient in serving our town. Dennis and I look forward to working with our town’s boards and commissions on behalf of our friends and neighbors, to assure that Weston’s best years lie ahead.”

The RTC Candidate Recruitment Committee, chaired by former First Selectman Woody Bliss, presented a slate of candidates for the November municipal election at the RTC monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 12.

“The 2011 Republican slate is impressive. Many are asking to seek another term to continue their service to Weston,” Mr. Bliss said. “Our candidates are involved in many community events, charities and coaching sporting teams; as well as with the schools and their PTOs.”

The RTC Nominating Committee reached out to hundreds of residents to find and vet the best candidates, Mr. Bliss said.

Former Selectman Glenn Major, RTC chairman, said, “Our community, like others, is facing challenging times. We believe our candidates reflect our Republican philosophy of appropriately limited government, fiscal discipline, and individual freedom. They will work to keep Weston strong — educationally, economically, socially and recreationally.”

The RTC unanimously endorsed the following candidates. An asterisk indicates an incumbent seeking re-election.

First selectman: Dan Gilbert (currently a selectman)

Board of Selectmen: Dennis Tracey

Town clerk: Donna Anastasia*

Tax collector: Charity Nichols*

Board of Education: Ellen Uzenoff*, Janice Waterman Hurst and Nina Daniel (Republican Les Wolf is not seeking re-election. The terms of two Democrats on the school board also expire in November: Chairman Phil Schaefer and Dana Levin.)

Board of Finance: Jerry Sargent* and Michael Carter* (The terms of Democrats Bob Atkinson and Steven Ezzes also expire in November.)

Police Commission: Bill Brady* and Jess DiPasquale* (Democrat Beth Gralnick’s term also expires in November.)

Planning and Zoning Commission: Britta Lerner*, Pierre Ratte and Don Saltzman* (Ms. Lerner’s term expires in 2013, but she is required to be on the ballot this year because she was appointed to fill a vacancy. Republican Kathryn Gregory is not seeking re-election; the terms of Democrats Ridge Young and Jane Connolly also expire in November.)

Zoning Board of Appeals: Jeff Tallman* and Richard Wolf* (The term of Democrat Bob Gardner also expires in November.)

Zoning Board of Appeals alternates: John Moran* and Glenn Van Deusen (Mr. Moran’s term expires in 2013, but he is required to be on the ballot this year because he was appointed to fill a vacancy. Mr. Van Deusen is running to fill a vacancy for a term that will also expire in 2013.)

Board of Assessment Appeals: Susan Seath*

All registered Republicans may attend Monday’s caucus.

Democrats

The Democratic Town Committee was scheduled to meet last night, Wednesday, July 20, to decide on the slate it will present to the Democratic caucus, set for Tuesday, July 26, at 8 p.m. in the Weston Town Hall Meeting Room.

All registered Democrats may attend Tuesday’s caucus.


WESTON DEFINITION OF RAPTURE PERHAPS
The state of mind resulting from feelings of high emotion at meetings; baseball fields draining...dollar value disappearing?

With new tax rates, smaller paychecks on the way for many Connecticut workers
CT POST
Brian Lockhart, Staff Writer
Updated 08:18 a.m., Thursday, June 16, 2011

Many workers in Connecticut need to brace for a one-two punch to their paychecks this August, when the state begins collecting not only more income taxes but applies the increases retroactively to Jan. 1.

The higher rates, impacting single filers earning adjusted gross incomes over $50,000 and married joint filers earning more than $100,100, are part of the tax package Democratic lawmakers are relying on to help close a $3 billion-plus budget deficit.

Also, a host of new sales taxes takes effect July 1, and the overall rate is lifted from 6 percent to 6.35 percent.

The state Department of Revenue Services has issued a new eight-page set of tax tables and four pages of revised withholding rules for employers to apply to their pay rolls this summer. The tables reflect not only the new rates but also, according to DRS spokesman Sarah Kaufman, the fact that, because they are retroactive, affected workers owe seven months worth of back taxes.

"Employers are supposed to go ahead and, as of Aug. 1, withhold at higher rates with the added catch-up ... to make sure people have not under-withheld when filing taxes in the coming year," Kaufman said.

She said employees who want to get a head start and spread out the hit could request having additional taxes taken out of their checks now.

"And when the new rates start being deducted in August, they can change their withholding amount again so it's a little bit less," Kaufman said, adding: "It can be fairly complicated."

Then there are the self-employed who file quarterly estimated income tax payments based on assumptions about their annual earnings.

"They need to go back to what they've already paid, apply the new rates to see what they should have paid, and then they need to take that additional amount and put that into their next payment," Kaufman said.

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association and the state branch of the National Federation of Independent Business are working hard to explain it all to their respective members.

"We're still trying to get the word out to everybody this is a retroactive tax," said CBIA's Bonnie Stewart.

Stewart said the organization is emphasizing the need for employers to communicate with employees that their take-home pay will soon be decreasing. She said some members have fretted that workers have not kept up with the news about the state budget and will be taken by surprise.

Andrew Markowski, state director for NFIB, said the looming tax increases mean small businesses must begin reassessing their plans for the remainder of the year and beyond.

"It's less money moving forward, but also less money retroactive, and I can guarantee most businesses did not anticipate that," he said. "And small businesses are operating on such a thin margin they certainly didn't have that money left over in an account somewhere ... So there's a recalculation of everything."

Markowski noted that while large companies have staff or outside contractors to sift through the fine print, sometimes small companies do not have that benefit. And just figuring out the changes could eat into their productivity.

"The fact DRS put out a four-page document of rules just shows the type of burden this is going to be," he said.

Then, come January, everyone will have to go through the process all over again because DRS will revise the withholding tables, subtracting the retroactive calculations for the first half of 2011.

University of Connecticut professor Steven Lanza, executive editor of The Connecticut Economy quarterly magazine, said the higher income tax rates coupled with retroactive payments plus a slew of sales tax hikes in effect July 1 could prove a "stiff blow for taxpayers to absorb in a short period of time."

"If we're reaching back to Jan. 1 and making up all this lost ground, that's going to be far more noticeable," Lanza said. "Much of the extra burden of the tax is on high-income earners and these are folks that have a really relatively low marginal propensity to consume ... But for folks in the middle income brackets, this could at least create a psychological jolt where they're saying, `Gee, I've got to start making some (spending) decisions here.' "

A true analysis of the impact the increases have on Connecticut's economy will not be available for several years, Lanza said.

"There's so much other stuff going on at the same time with the economy," he said. "If you've just got a month or two of data or a year or two of data, that's not enough."
League debates might bring on a form of "rapture" on November 8?
Radio host says Rapture actually due in October
New London DAY
Article published May 24, 2011

California preacher Harold Camping said Monday his prophecy that the world would end was off by five months because Judgment Day actually will come on Oct. 21.

Camping predicted that 200 million Christians would be taken to heaven Saturday before the Earth was destroyed.

But Camping said that he's now realized the apocalypse will come five months after May 21, the original date he predicted. He had earlier said Oct. 21 was when the globe would be consumed by a fireball.

It's not the first time the independent Christian radio host has been forced to explain when his prediction didn't come to pass. He also predicted the Apocalypse would come in 1994, but said it didn't happen then because of a mathematical error.

- Associated Press
Weston Election 2011: Weinstein and Muller will run
Weston FORUM
Written by Kimberly Donnelly
Wednesday, 18 May 2011 09:39

Let the games begin — the election season is upon us.

Weston First Selectman Gayle Weinstein and her Democratic counterpart on the Board of Selectmen, David Muller, are officially kicking off their re-election campaign this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to a second term so that I can continue to make our town government more efficient while improving services vital to the health of our community, Ms. Weinstein said this week.

“It’s been kind of nice to be in a position to make decisions that have really had a positive impact on the town,” said Mr. Muller. “It’s the whole reason I wanted to do this in the first place,” and the reason he’d like to be selectman for another two-year term, he added.

Ms. Weinstein served as a selectman for two years before being elected first selectman in 2009. Prior to his election to the board in 2009, Mr. Muller served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Finance, as well as the Weston Library Board.

Both Ms. Weinstein and Mr. Muller said this week they are proud of all they have accomplished since taking office, and they look forward to continuing to move the town forward.

“I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to serve the town as first selectman for the past year and a half. We have accomplished a lot, including moving forward historically challenging issues like the cemetery and Revson field — we’re even making progress on Lachat,” Ms. Weinstein said.

“Most importantly,” she added, “for two consecutive years we have presented fiscally responsible budgets with an overall reduction in the mill rate from the town side of the budget, and the lowest mill rate increases in Fairfield County.”

Mr. Muller said in addition to “coming up with budgets that have been well received,” he is proud of the work that has been done in “getting the budget process to work in a more efficient way.” The just-formed Charter Revision Committee should continue that progress, he said.

He credits Ms. Weinstein with doing a good job at finding money and opportunities from outside sources, such as federal and state grants, which have been “a boost to the finances of the town.”

Mr. Muller said one of his main reasons for initially running for selectman — and for doing so again — is he believes it’s important for his children to see their parents involved with the town and being good, responsible members of the community.

“I try to remind myself when I sometimes come home from a frustrating meeting or a busy night — there is a higher purpose,” Mr. Muller said.

Campaign kick-off

The pair will “officially” announce their candidacy on Sunday, May 22, at the Democratic Town Committee’s spring fund-raiser and campaign kick-off at the home of Melissa Koller.

The event, scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple; RSVP to 203-227-5074 or barbarareynolds@gmail.com .

On the guest list for the evening are several prominent Democrats, including the DTC’s Democrat of the Year Bob Atkinson, a member of the finance board, who will be honored at the event.

Also scheduled to attend are Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and U.S. Congressman Jim Himes.

While Ms. Weinstein and Mr. Muller are the first to publicly announce their candidacy for the Nov. 8 municipal election, they are certain not to be the last.

Republican Selectman Dan Gilbert’s term also expires at the end of this year, as do the terms of the following board and commission members:

Board of Finance: Jerry Sargent (R), Michael Carter (R), Bob Atkinson (D), Steven Ezzes (D);

Board of Education: Phil Schaefer (D), Ellen Uzenoff (R), Dana Levin (D), Les Wolf (R);

Board of Assessment Appeals: Susan Seath (R);

Planning and Zoning Commission: Donald Saltzman (R), Ridge Young (D), Kathryn Gregory (R), Jane Connolly (D). Britta Lerner (R) will also be on the ballot, even though her term doesn’t end until 2013, because she was appointed to fill a vacancy.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Richard Wolf (R), Robert Gardner (D), Jeffrey Tallman (R);

Police Commission: Bill Brady (R), Jess DiPasquale (R), Beth Gralnick (D).

In addition, the town clerk and tax collector posts will also be on November’s ballot.