Politics & Government

Clinton Republicans Choose Candidates; Phil Sengle Endorsed for First Selectman

Carol Walter and John Giannotti were endorsed by the Republican Caucus for Board of Selectman.

The following information was provided by the Republican Town Committee: 

On July 18, the Clinton Republican Party met at Clinton Town Hall to choose their candidates for the November municipal election.  

"There was spirited debate at the well attended meeting, principally on the selection of candidates for the Board of Selectman (BOS)," said Phil Sengle, Town Committee and Caucus Chairman, in a press release. "The discussion which was positive in nature, focused on the task at hand and the qualifications of the candidates.  Everyone had an opportunity to be heard and participate in a respectful atmosphere.”

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First Selectman

The caucus unanimously endorsed Phil Sengle for the position of First Selectman.  

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Sengle said in the press release that “he was honored by the endorsement”, and he stated he would do his best to "foster economic development in Clinton, promote respect for the Clinton Charter and open the government to public view”.  

“No more back room deals” concluded Sengle in the release.

Board of Selectman Nominations

Nominations for Board of Selectman, included current Selectomwan Carol Walter and Selectman John Giannotti. Planning and Zoning member Kirk Carr was also nominated.

“Carol is a long time resident who owns her own business with her husband Bill and who has completed four years on the BOS," Sengle said in the release. "John is a successful builder and developer who is a well known lifelong resident and who is completing two years on the BOS.”  

“Kirk Carr is a well known newer resident who speaks frequently regarding the town budget and why respecting the charter is the only acceptable course," Sengle continued in the release.

Board of Selectman Results

After nominations, seconding speeches and candidate statements, a vote was taken. Carol Walter and John Giannotti were endorsed by the Republican Caucus.

Sengle said in the release that “he was very pleased with the selection” and that “it is a strong team that will present a real choice vs. the status quo for the voters of Clinton.”

Other Nominations

Sengle also released the balance of the ticket as follows:  

  • Board of Finance – Doug Traynor and Bruce Farmer
  • Board of Education – Dr. Michael Giordano and Dr. Raymond Moore
  • Planning & Zoning – Tony Pinto, James Staunton, Edward Alberino and Kirk Carr 
  • Police Commission – Kim Neri-Simoncini and Lou Russo
  • Zoning Board of Appeals – Mark Richards, Bill Walter and Bruce Farmer
  • Board of Assessment Appeals – Carl Neri and Mark Wolf
  • Town Treasurer – Todd Pozefsky

Sengle concluded the press release saying: “I believe this to be a strong and experienced field of candidates who have the best interests of Clinton at heart.  I hope the voters will put parties aside and give them the consideration they deserve."


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