Politics & Government

Republicans Endorse Llodra, Democrats Won't Run Challenger

The slate for November offers many incumbents in both parties.

After her endorsement by Newtown's Republican Town Council Monday night, Pat Llodra will run for another term as First Selectman unopposed by Democrats, who declined to front a challenger Tuesday at Edmond Town Hall.

"We're confident with Pat Llodra," said Democratic selectman James Gaston, re-nominated by his party Tuesday. "The Board of Selectmen runs really well. And we've decided to support her by not running a candidate."

The Legislative Council will see new faces: chair Jeff Capeci has decided not to run, leaving an opening for the position that will be filled following the election. As for his replacement for his third district seat, Capeci says he's happy with Tony Filiato, who was chosen for the Charter Revision Commission last year.

Find out what's happening in Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We were impressed with him then, and he was interested in becoming involved again," said Capeci. "When I decided not to run, he stepped up to fill my spot ... I think he'll come to service with some experience."

Another newcomer will head into November with a few months of experience. Ryan Knapp, a 27-year-old engineer and Syracuse graduate, will be sworn onto the Legislative Council Wednesday night to replace Kathy Fetchick. Capeci says Knapp impressed Republicans in interviews.

Find out what's happening in Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"He seems like he's willing to do the hard work necessary of him," said Capeci. "He was very appealing for those reasons to the Republicans, and I'm sure."

As to whether he's optimistic about the new Republicans on the ticket in November? "Sure," said Capeci. "Always am."

Democratic candidates for Legislative Council include Eric Paradis, former State Representative candidate Lisa Romano (LC-2), Thomas Dwyer Jr., Ross Carley, Nancy Juliano and Jane Bojnowski (LC-3). All three Democratic incumbents -- Paul Lundquist, Daniel Honan and Daniel Amaral -- remain on the ticket.

The Board of Education offers two first-time candidates this year: Republican David Freedman and Democrat Michelle Ku, both vocal members of the public at Board of Education members. Democrats also endorsed former Independent candidate Laura Main.

Democratic chair Jim Juliano said it's essential for groups like the Board of Education and Legislative Council to find bipartisan solutions above all.

"We have to throw politics aside and work together," he said. "That's what it's all about."

Republican Nominees

  • First Selectman: Pat Llodra
  • Selectman: Will Rodgers
  • Board of Finance: John Kortze, Joe Kearney, Harry Waterbury, John Godin
  • Board of Education (Four-year): Debbie Leidlein, Kathy Hamilton, Keith Alexander
  • Board of Education (Two-year): David Freedman
  • Legislative Council: Bob Merola, George Ferguson, Joe Girgasky, District 1; Mary Ann Jacob, Dan Weidemann, Ryan Knapp, District 2; Phil Carroll, Neil Chaudhary, Tony Filiato, District 3
  • Board of Assessment Appeals: Marianne Brown
  • Planning and Zoning: Frank Corigliano
  • Planning and Zoning Alternate: David Ruhs
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: Barbara O'Connor
  • Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate: Roy Meadows, Jane Sharp
  • Police Commissioner: Jim Viadero
  • Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers: Margot Hall
  • Town Clerk: Debbie Aurelia
Democratic Nominees

  • Selectman: James Gaston
  • Board of Finance: Michael Portnoy, Michael Kelly
  • Board of Education (Four-year): Michelle Ku, Laura Main
  • Board of Education (Two-year): Anna Wiedemann
  • Legislative Council: Paul Lundquist, Thomas Dwyer, Ross Carley (District 1); Daniel Honan, Eric Paradis, Lisa Romano (District 2); Daniel Amaral, Nancy Juliano, Jane Bojnowski (District 3)
  • Planning and Zoning: Donald Mitchell
  • Planning and Zoning Alternate: Rudolph Pozek
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: Alan Clavette
  • Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate: Herb Rosenthal
  • Police Commissioner: Andrew Sachs
  • Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers: Mary Fellows
  • Town Clerk: Ann M. LoBosco Benore


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here