Linda McMahon Supports Her Party Candidates in Clinton

United States Senate hopeful Linda McMahon swung through Clinton this morning as part of a statewide get-out-the-vote tour supporting her fellow Republicans as they vied for municipal office this Election Day.

“I wanted to see Carol and wish the team well,” said McMahon as she visited with Republican First Selectman candidate Carol Walter and fellow Republican Kim Simoncini, who is running for a seat on the board of selectmen. “We want to bring the Republicans along for the municipal elections and have a strong Republican victory now and next year.”

McMahon is running for Senate in 2012, hoping to win the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), who is retiring.

Voter turnout was steady all morning, and early birds had to wait in line to cast their ballot, said the registrars of voters, Republican Wendy McDermott and Democrat June Hansen.

As of 10 a.m., 1,036 of the town’s 9,028 registered voters took to the polls to let their voices be heard.

“This is a very emotional election,” Hansen said. “There’s a lot of passion out there. People feel like their vote is really going to count this year. They are making a statement. We don’t know what that statement is; we’ll tell you later.”

Voters exiting the polls commented that they showed up to vote for change, greater accountability on the school board and for lower taxes.

Omar Francis and his wife, Donna Francis, said they split their votes between Democrats and Republicans.

“The issues I’m concerned about are the school budget and the high taxes,” said Omar Francis, owner of Shore Financial Group, a local business and a member of the Fair Rent Commission. “It’s also nice to see a change. I’d like to see a change in the Board of Education and how they handle the school administration.”

Retired 4th grade teacher Judith Jacobson said she would like to see the town attract more businesses and improve its tax base.

“As a teacher, I’m always interested in what the Board of Education is doing. I’d like to see them going in what I think is the right direction,” Jacobson said.

The atmosphere down at Town Hall is festive, with a bake sale and table for donations to the food bank.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. 

Candidates Running for Office:

First Selectman:

vote for one

William "Willie" Fritz, Jr. (D)

Carol Walter (R)

Vincent Cimino (U - write-in candidate)

Selectmen:

vote for any two

Dolly Mezzetti (D)

Thomas Vicino (D)

Kim Simoncini (R)

John Giannotti (R)

Town Treasurer:

William Lofgren (R)

Board of Education full-term

vote for any three (three to be elected, not more than two from one party)

Joan Johanson (D)

Kimberly Campanaro (D)

Peter Giannotti (R)

Philip Williams (R)

Charlene Voyce (Petitioning candidate)

Rachael Rutkis (Petitioning candidate)

Board of Education - to fill a vacancy for two years

vote for one

Lois Ruggiero (D)

John Carbone (R) - has withdrawn from the race as of 10/25/11

Board of Assessment Appeals Full-term:

Peter Finch (D)

Board of Assessment Appeals to fill a vacancy for two years:

Vote for one

Raymond Rigat (D)

Ona Nejdl (R)

Board of Assessment Appeals alternate:

vote for one

Dolly Mezzetti (D)

James Staunton (R)

Planning & Zoning Commission full-term:

vote for any four

Alan Kravitz (D)

John Main (D)

Pamela Fritz (R)

Anselmo Delia (R)

Planning & Zoning Commission alternate full-term:

vote for one

Mark Rapuano (D)

Philip Sengle (R)

Planning & Zoning Commission alternate, to fill a vacany for two years:

Maurice "Kirk" Carr (R)

Zoning Board of Appeals full term:

vote for any two

Eileen O'Connor (D)

Mark Kiefer (D)

George Doerrer (R)

Zoning Board of Appeals to fill a vacancy for two years:

vote for one

Paul Topitzer (D)

William Walter (R)

Zoning Board of Appeals alternate, full-term:

vote for one

Charlie McEvoy (D)

James Staunton (R)

Zoning Board of Appeals alternate, to fill a vacancy for two years:

vote for one

James Falconer (D)

Anthony Pinto (R)

Board of Police Commissioners:

vote for any two

Edward O'Connor (D)

Vincent Cimino (R)

Philip Sengle (R)

Leonard Cahill (Petitioning candidate)

Constables:

vote for any two

Peter Mezzetti (D)

Lawrence Ouellette (D)

George Eccleston (R)

Armando Casucci (R)