He is the worst

He is the worst
Originally uploaded by Sheila McCreven.

Yes, it's true -- as confirmed today in the USA Today.

The Democratic slate for May election

Candidates gathered at last week's Democratic Caucus, from left to right; Akhil Amar, Ellen Scalettar, Ed Sheehy, Jim Sabshin, Sandy Stein, Mark Levine and Mike Ewing.

And here's the slate itself;

First Selectman

• Edward Maum Sheehy

Board of Selectmen

• Ellen Scalettar
  
• James K. Sabshin
• Sandra T. Stein

Amity Regional Board of Education

• Julie C. Altman
  
• Susan L. Jacobs
  

Woodbridge Board of Education

• Michael F. Ewing
  
• Thomas J. Handler
  

Board of Assessment Appeals

• Henry J. Nusbaum
  

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

• Mark F. Kohler
  
• Akhil Reed Amar
  

ZBA Alternate

• Mark I. Levine
  

Republicans endorse their slate

According to papers filed with the Town Clerk's office, the following candidates were endorsed by the Woodbridge Republican party on the evening of Monday, January 22, 2007:

First Selectman

• Christopher R. Dickerson

Board of Selectmen

• Laura Ferrante Fernandes
• William J. Fox
• Lochlin A. Reidy

Amity Regional Board of Education

• Chris A. DeLeone
• Fredrick W. Kaiser, II

Woodbridge Board of Education

• Carl W. Lindskog
• Mark T. Livesay

Board of Assessment Appeals

• Michael J. Soufrine

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

• Viviana Langou Livesay
• Lynn A. Piascyk

ZBA Alternates

• Cynthia L. Gibbons
• Louis N. Ritucci
  

Celebrating new education initiatives at Beecher

Beecher Road School recently welcomed Dr. Chris Tan who traveled from
Hong Kong to take part in a day of professional development for Beecher
teachers to prepare for participation in his Global Knowledge Community
project. This spring, students from Beecher will join with cohorts in
Bethany and Orange to collaborate on an exploration of global warming.

During his stay, Dr. Tan enjoyed a breakfast at Beecher with school,
parent and town leaders. Pictured below are WBOE Chairman Mike Ewing,
Beecher Superintendent Dr. Guy Stella, Dr. Tan and First Selectman Ed
Sheehy after an exchange of symbolic gifts of friendship.

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.

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!