Candidates announced for municipal election
Municipal election takes shape as candidates revealed
EASTFORD — Both the Democratic Town Committee (DTC) and the Republican Town Committee (RTC) have announced their upcoming slates for the upcoming Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
According to a press release sent to the Communicator last month, the DTC held a caucus on July 15 at Midway Restaurant & Pizza in Ashford, where they formally endorsed its slate of candidates, several of which are cross-endorsed Republicans.
“In a continued spirit of community-focused governance, the Eastford Democrats … voted to cross-endorse several Republican candidates, underscoring their commitment to non-partisan cooperation in local government,” the press release stated.
The endorsed Democratic candidates are:
- Ashlyn Ellsworth: Board of Selectmen, Full Term
- Michael Bilica: Board of Education, Full Term
- Nancy Neff: Board of Education, Full Term
- Robert Johnson: Board of Assessment Appeals, Full Term
- Randal Chinnock: Constable, Full Term
- Arvind Shaw: Constable, Full Term
- Meghan Martinez: Library Trustee, Full Term (Placeholder Appointment)
The DTC’s cross-endorsed Republican candidates include:
- Deborah Richards: First Selectman, Full Term
- Johanna Wolfe: Town Clerk, Full Term
- Christine Hustus: Tax Collector, Full Term
“We’re proud to put forward a slate of qualified, engaged, and civic-minded individuals,” said DTC Chairman Randal Chinnock, who was elected Caucus Chairman for the July 15 meeting. “By endorsing both Democrats and Republicans, we are choosing people — not parties — to serve Eastford. Our priority is simple — good governance and community integrity.”
“Our cross-endorsements reflect the Eastford way — practical, cooperative, and deeply local,” said Caucus Secretary Jeannine Spink. “These individuals have demonstrated a willingness to work across differences for the good of the town.”
The RTC also announced its slate of candidates in a press release to the Communicator. The candidates include:
- Deborah Richards: First Selectman
- Paul Torcellini: Board of Selectman, Full Term
- Johanna Wolfe: Town Clerk
- Martha Burgess: Town Treasurer
- Christine Hustus: Tax Collector
- Lauren J. Barlow: Board of Education, Full Term
- Stephen Bowen: Board of Education, Full Term
- Armen Beermann: Library Board of Trustees, Full Term
- Seth Budd: Library Board of Trustees, Full Term
- Mary Degostin: Library Board of Trustees, Full Term
- Christopher Bowen: Constable, Full Term
- Nathaniel Fabian, Constable, Full Term
"This outstanding slate has a proven track record of accomplishments and is ready to serve you for the ensuing two years. Vote Tuesday, Nov. 4," said RTC Chairman Russ Mayhew.
“Despite the numerous challenges facing our community, the present administration has made the necessary policy and operational improvements without sacrificing town progress,” added RTC member Rick Torgeson. “They have also been able to craft budgets that reduced the negative impact on our citizens, especially in the face of drastically reduced state revenue. We are indeed fortunate to have the present leadership in charge of Eastford. Let’s keep our town on the right path and re-elect the Republican candidates in November.”
Lastly, on the Independent ticket, Mike Schultz also announced that he will be running for First Selectman.
When asked for a comment on his campaign, and what he aimed to do if elected as first selectman, Schultz said: “Stabilization.”