Isn't that special!

Today is Tuesday, October 17th and some of you may scratching your head wondering, "Wasn't there something 'special' about this date?"

Well, I'm writing to remind you to forget all about that!

Announcing the arrival of the
Woodbridge Non-Special Election Day

No, that's not right. It's not a plain, old election day today either! Take two:

Woodbridge Special Non-Election Day

Nope. That's not right either. After all, most days are non-election days, aren't they? What's so special about that? How about:

Woodbridge Non-Special Non-Election Day

Well, maybe a simple explanation is in order instead...

You see, back in the spring when Democrat Ellen Scalettar was appointed by the BOS to fill Ed Sheehy's vacated seat (when Ed became First Selectman when Amey Marrella resigned suddenly -- does this read like a soap opera?), a petition was circulated contesting the appointment. A Special Election date was set and Ellen was slated to face-off with the Republican challenger, Laura Ferrante Fernandes. Got it straight so far?

But then, when Chris Sorensen resigned his seat on the BOS in September, an appointment was offered to Laura and she accepted. When she became a BOS member last month and no one came forward to take her place on the ballot, there was officially no need for the petitioned election. So simple, eh?

Well, the upshot is that Ellen has been declared the winner of the non-special non-election and everyone is due to live happily ever after -- or at least until next May, when the entire Board of Selectman will have to run again, in a very regular election.

So Congratulations Ellen. You're a winner -- whatever day it is!

Woodbridge Dems prepare for Special Election

At a Caucus held last night, Ellen Scalettar was chosen by Democrats as the party's candidate in the Special Election to be held October 17, 2006. She will be running to retain her seat on the Board of Selectmen, after having been appointed on May 10th by the Selectmen to fill the seat left vacant when Ed Sheehy became First Selectman in April. Ellen previously served as state representative for the 114th district from 1993-1998. She addressed the Caucus to thank party members for their support, and also described the teamwork that is already happening on the BOS to move forward on town issues under Ed's leadership. She is looking forward to the campaign and hearing from residents as the Democratic team engages voters.

At the DTC meeting held immediately after the Democratic Caucus, members also heard from State Senator Joe Crisco who gave an update on legislative news from the capitol. Senator Joe is running for his 7th term representing Woodbridge, as well as Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden and Naugatuck. He is pictured here bewteen Ellen and Ed, with Selectman Jim Sabshin, far left.

Ed Sheehy Sworn-in as Woodbridge First Selectman

Edward Maum Sheehy took the oath of office as First Selectman at the Town Library on April 20th. He was appointed by the Board of Selectman to fill out the remainder of former First Selectman Amey Marrella's term, which expires June 30, 2007. Marrella had resigned, effective April 14th to take a job with the CT DEP. Stephanie Ciarleglio, the Woodbridge Town Clerk, administered the oath during the meeting (photo above).

Fellow Democrats, Jim Sabshin (second from right in photo at left) nominated Ed and Sandy Stein (first from right) seconded the motion. During discussion of his motion, Jim spoke of Ed's length of service on the BOS -- more than 27 years as a Selectman -- and his detailed knowledge of the many issues facing the town. Sandy also spoke in favor of Ed's nomination, noting the importance of a smooth transition for the town and Ed's proven leadership skills.

After his swearing-in, Ed closed the meeting by summarizing his experience over the years on the BOS, as it was lead by both Republicans and Democrats. He recognized several people in attendance who are leading ad-hoc committees of the BOS to propose recommendations for the Firehouse and Public Works Garage. He also thanked his family for their support and Town Hall employees for their assistance in the transition and ongoing work for the town. Finally, Ed remarked that he would be at his desk at Town Hall bright and early the next morning, ready to work on behalf of all town residents.