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.

Turnout - municipal election edition

Just to crunch some of the town election results (not Amity budget vote, mind you):

...................Registered...Voted on 5/2...% voted

Democrats............1,765..........1051..........59%

Republicans..........1,452............937 ..........64%

Unaffiliated..........2,940..........1,287..........43%

Budget Referendum Results

The Amity Budget Referendum FAILED by 29 votes
district wide tonight.

It passed in Woodbridge (254=yes to 210=no)

It failed in Orange (264=yes to 278=no)

It failed in Bethany (177=yes to 236=no)

Total in all three towns was 695=yes to 724=no

*Please note this is an unofficial tally*

Election Night Celebration

The team and supporters gather back at Democratic Headquarters for some final thank yous and a last hurrah to end the 2005 campaign!

A day at the polls!

The Democratic ticket was out in full-force outside the Center Gym polling place on the day of the municipal election. We set up tent just before 6am and greeted a steady stream of voters all day.

In the early evening, we were joined by US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro who braved the brief rain showers -- on crutches, even! -- to lend us her support.

By day's end, total turnout was 3,273 -- or 53% of voters! This was an increase over the 2003 municipal election, when 51% of voters took part in the vote. Democrats were encouraged at the showing and pleased to have so many supporters waving back.

Candidate for First Selectman, Laurence Grotheer, welcomes visitors to the WDTC campaign headquarters at 1299 Whalley Avenue. All those who are interested are urged to stop by to learn more about the Woodbridge Democratic Party. Please contact the campaign to find out what dates and times headquarters will be open or to volunteer.

Candidates and supporters gather

Incumbent candidates for Board of Selectmen, Ed Sheehy and Jim Sabshin, gather with Rita Gedansky who seeks re-election to the Amity Board of Education. Pictured with the trio are New Haven Mayor John DeStefano and Woodbridge DTC Chairman Gerry Weiner as they discuss the campaign and voice their support.

The future of the Democratic Party

Several students from Beecher Road School take part in our Headquarters opening by running the sign-in table and greeeting guests. Pictured from left to right are Bridget, Elliot, Adam and Michael during a brief lull in activity.

Friends of the Woodbridge DTC

Dozens of Woodbridge residents and an array of local Democratic office holders and officials were on hand to celebrate the opening of the Woodbridge Democratic Party's campaign headquarters at 1299 Whalley Avenue on Saturday, March 5th. Laurence Grotheer, candidate for Woodbridge First Selectman, addressed the crowd to convey his appreciation for the involvement of so many community members. Pictured above as they lend their support to Mr. Grotheer are (from left); Ken Dagliere Director of Community Affairs for US Senator Joseph Lieberman; Martin Looney, state Senate Majority Leader from New Haven; candidate Laurence Grotheer; Woodbridge’s own state Senator Joe Crisco; and New Haven mayor John DeStefano.

Colorful campaign signs and fall folliage outside the Center Building polls on election day.

View of the national election from Woodbridge

It was a sunny, though crisp, autumn day in Woodbridge. The DTC set up our tent a scant 75 feet from the entrance to our town's polling place at The Center Building. We gave away bumper stickers, pins and campaign literature in support of the Kerry Edwards ticket, as well as US Senator Chris Dodd, US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and our local state senator Joe Crisico. Our diligent Outreach Coordinator, Laurence Grotheer, stood just outside the polls virtually from dawn to dusk greeting townfolk as they exited. He handed out a card reminding everyone that our own municipal election was a mere six months away on May 2nd. This card also invited town residents to visit the Woodbridge Democrats online to share comments and provide feedback. Laurence reported that many voters were pleased to receive the reminder, promising to tack it on their fridge for future reference, while quite a few even seemed to be hearing about our town election for the first time. Voter turnout was very high for the national election, with many newly registered Democrats taking part in the action of democracy that day!