Newtown's six-year-old Independent Party elected not to field a slate of candidates at their caucus Thursday night, setting the stage for an election with little potential for surprises in November.
"Since the tragedy of December 14, like so many others in town, we have been directing our energies on the healing process for our town, focusing on efforts such as the Newtown Volunteer Task Force, Healing Newtown Through the Arts, the Newtown Action Alliance, The Volunteer Center, appointed boards and commissions, and many others," said chairman Bruce Walczak.
"During the course of the election, we intend to offer our thoughts on ways our government and schools can move forward by stimulating accurate and fact based discussions among the candidates and the public so voters will be well prepared to make informed decisions."
The move leaves Llodra unopposed for re-election, as Democrats elected not to field a candidate. Incumbent selectmen James Gaston and Will Rodgers were renominated by their parties, leaving the makeup of the Board of Selectmen likely unchanged for the next term.
Founded in 2007, the Independent Party of Newtown has found some success in past years, seating 10 candidates four years ago. Member Po Murray told Patch the last election cycle was "tough" for the party.
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