Suffield Democrats met at a caucus on July 22 at the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association to consider endorsing candidates for the November town elections. A full room of 50 or more people attended and gave enthusiastic and unanimous support for an excellent slate of candidates. The group is a mix of incumbents and newcomers who are looking forward to serving the town on different boards and commissions.
Attorney Derek Donnelly moderated the caucus which took place after a brief Democratic Town Committee meeting where a slate of candidates was approved.
First Selectman Melissa Mack, along with Selectmen Mel Chafetz and Peter Hill were endorsed for new two-year terms on the Board of Selectmen. Incumbents Ann Huntington Mickelson and Chris Childs, plus J. Michael Stevens were endorsed for openings on the Board of Finance, and former First Selectman Tom Frenaye will run for an alternate position on the Board.
Kathy Dunai is running for her second term as Town Clerk and Jack Henrie seeking a term as Town Treasurer, replacing the retiring Christine Davidson.
Three Board of Education incumbents are running for new four-year terms. The caucus endorsed Jamie Drzyzga, James Mol and Brian Fry for the November election.
Candidates endorsed for the Planning and Zoning Commission were Virginia Bromage and Despina Tartsinis for full positions and Aysha Moore and Jeff Wasilewski as alternates.
Two strong candidates were endorsed for both the Police and Fire Commissions. Incumbent Rick Stromoski will be joined by Annie Hornish on the ballot for the Police Commission, and incumbents Jay Caron and Ed O’Hurley are running for their second terms.
Retired engineer Victor Roy and Chris Rago will be on the ballot for the Water Pollution Control Authority, and Roger Ives for the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Voters can meet all of the candidates at the DTC booth at Suffield on the Green on September 7 and 8, and also at a Meet & Greet event at 576 North Main Street on September 13 from 5-7 p.m. Candidate photos and biographies can be found on the Democratic Town Committee web site at http://www.SuffieldDemocrats.com.