Republicans Back Barlow in Re-Election Bid For First Selectman

By a vote of 105 to 58 at a Tuesday evening caucus, Republicans voted to back current First Selectman Richard Barlow as the party’s nominee this fall.

Barlow was the Republican Town Committee’s choice for the nomination but he faced a challenge from Lou Daniels.

Barlow said he appreciated people coming out on such a warm evening — some even altering vacation plans.

“I’m very deeply appreciative of the support of all the people who came out,” Barlow said after the meeting.

Daniels, who left the meeting early, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Speaking on behalf of Daniels before the vote was Bill Olson, a former selectman himself.

He said Daniels had a hard-working, common-sense approach the town needs. 

“Lou has the ability to set a long-term vision for the town,” Olson said.

Olson said that Daniels, a former selectman and Board of Education chairman, helped pass initiatives such as hiring a superintendent of schools, renovating the community center, upgrading Little League fields, and a building a new police station. In a statement that disputes what Barlow has asserted, Olson said that during Daniels’ time on the Board of Selectmen, the town’s roads were kept in good shape.

Daniels also set a brick-by-brick initiative on the Board of Education, which evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of all school spending, Olson said.

In his nominating speech for Barlow, Brian First, Board of Finance member, current Republican Town Committee Chairman and parent, said he seen the first selectman work for the town on many different levels.

“I can not think of somebody I’d rather have representing our town,” First said.

First asserted that Barlow, along with the entire board, has guided the town through fiscally challenging times over the past few years and still offered the best services possible under the circumstances.

“They know the financial situation people are in,” First said. “At the same time I think the money they did spend, they spent very wisely.” 

The Republican-dominated board is also looking ahead at such challenges as bringing the town’s roads up to par, First said.

“I think they really understand where we’re going,” First said.

Also nominated for the party’s November slate for selectmen were Stephen Roberto and David Gilchrist Jr.

Currently Roberto, Gilchrist and Marc Cerniglia serve as Republican selectmen. However, under the most recent charter, the party can only nominate two selectmen in addition to the First Selectman.

Also nominated were Cerniglia and Kevin Jackson, both of whom were described as fiscal conservatives.

Russ Lee described Cerniglia as someone who has served his country, family and town but believes in limited government and the people of a town.

“Marc believes that government doesn’t make a town great,” Lee said.

The votes for selectmen nominations were 88 for Roberto, 67 for Gilchrist, 47 for Jackson and 21 for Cerniglia.

Cerniglia said he was OK with the results.

“I’m happy for Steve and Bruce; they’re great guys,” he said, adding that he does still plan to run for a selectmen’s seat in the fall.

Roberto, who is in his first term, said he appreciated the support.

“I’m happy the folks in the room had the confidence in my leadership to endorse me yet again,” Roberto said.

Also nominated for the Republicans Tuesday were the following candidates:

Board of Education
Helen Treacy
David Briggs
Laurie McKenna

Board of Finance
Ken Humphrey
William Canny

Board of Assessment Appeals
Carol York

Constable
Karen Berry
Michael Barlow
Larry Minichiello
Dan Barnhart

Roberto said he was disappointed that about 50 people left after the first selectman vote, but overall, Republican officials seemed pleased with the evening’s proceedings.

First said much effort was made to organize the event and give everyone a chance to be heard.

“I was really committed to a fair and open process,” he said, adding that he was pleased with the respectfulness shown by all involved.