Thursday, December 21, 2006
Looks like the seniors in town got an early Christmas present. By a 5-0 vote, the Board of Selectmen approved the building of a new senior center.
Most seniors love the senior center, and advocated for improvements to the current building at most. However, the Board of Selectmen got it right. Selectwoman Santarella and First Selectwoman Klein put it best in today's Darien Times, stating that this decision was made with future seniors in mind. Today's crop of seniors really shouldn't complain too much either; they'll be getting a brand new facility.
On the political side of things...
With 2007 just around the corner one can't help but think of the race for First Selectman. While we are still months away from the first Tuesday in November, it's always fun to make some New Years speculations. One can only assume that the RTC will work hard to take the top spot back for the first time in four years. Many have speculated that the RTC decision to have Paul Hendrickson replace Kevin Newman on the BOS was a move to prepare him for a run at the top spot in '07. Mr. Hendrickson's resume is very impressive, but his performance on the Board of Selectmen hasn't been much to write home about. Another Republican name that comes to mind is Peter Hovell. While thefederalist hasn't heard anything out of Mr. Hovell's mouth about running, it wouldn't be too suprising to see the streets of Darien peppered with "Elect Hovell" signs next Fall. However, after being swiftly (and suprisingly) booted out of office one can't help but question Mr. Hovell's political capital. Does he have enough support around town to return to Town Hall? Only time will tell.
On the Democrat side...all fingers point to Evonne Klein. In talking to people around town, one gets the impression that the current First Selectwoman could have her job for as long as she wants. She's already beaten a well known incumbent, blown out an electoral challenger, and has been delivering for the people of Darien along the way. From what thefederalist has heard, nobody knows whether First Selectwoman Klein has made a decision about whether to run or not. Should Mrs. Klein choose not to, the Democrats may find themselves in a spot of trouble: Mrs. Klein is very popular and the rest of their bench is very thin. The first name that comes to mind is Callie Sullivan, former candidate for State Rep. in 2004. Perhaps with Klein's support, Mrs. Sullivan would be able to hold the seat for the Dems. It is the opinion of thefederalist that she would benefit from a tour of duty as a regular member on the Board of Selectmen.
What about regular members on the BOS? Don't be suprised if you see names like David Bayne and Jeff Williams pop up. Both are young, smart, up-and-coming members of their parties who both could one day run for the seat in the middle.
Prediction: Susan Young and Barbara Thorne will not run for re-election in 2007. Selectwoman Thorne has been at it for a long time, and one can't expect her to stay there forever. While it should be assumed that Selectwoman Thorne would continue to stay involved at the local level, serving on the BOS has to get tired sometimes.
Selectwoman Young, the RTC's candidate for First Selectwoman in 2005, will not run again in 2007. I feel bad for Selectwoman Young, because I did give her a tough run in the '05 election cycle, and she does give a lot to our town. However, she just doesn't appear to be made for the political arena at any level (which is OK, not many of us are). Her performance on the Board of Selectmen has left much to be desired, especially for someone who was running for the top position. While this may sound rude, many Republicans who are serious about taking back Town Hall sometime this decade are already mulling over a younger replacement to one day run for the top spot.
So what about thefederalist?? Well, my local electoral wish this year is....KLEIN vs HOVELL 2007. Klein and Hovell, one last time...I'm excited for November already.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we'll talk in 2007.
Most seniors love the senior center, and advocated for improvements to the current building at most. However, the Board of Selectmen got it right. Selectwoman Santarella and First Selectwoman Klein put it best in today's Darien Times, stating that this decision was made with future seniors in mind. Today's crop of seniors really shouldn't complain too much either; they'll be getting a brand new facility.
On the political side of things...
With 2007 just around the corner one can't help but think of the race for First Selectman. While we are still months away from the first Tuesday in November, it's always fun to make some New Years speculations. One can only assume that the RTC will work hard to take the top spot back for the first time in four years. Many have speculated that the RTC decision to have Paul Hendrickson replace Kevin Newman on the BOS was a move to prepare him for a run at the top spot in '07. Mr. Hendrickson's resume is very impressive, but his performance on the Board of Selectmen hasn't been much to write home about. Another Republican name that comes to mind is Peter Hovell. While thefederalist hasn't heard anything out of Mr. Hovell's mouth about running, it wouldn't be too suprising to see the streets of Darien peppered with "Elect Hovell" signs next Fall. However, after being swiftly (and suprisingly) booted out of office one can't help but question Mr. Hovell's political capital. Does he have enough support around town to return to Town Hall? Only time will tell.
On the Democrat side...all fingers point to Evonne Klein. In talking to people around town, one gets the impression that the current First Selectwoman could have her job for as long as she wants. She's already beaten a well known incumbent, blown out an electoral challenger, and has been delivering for the people of Darien along the way. From what thefederalist has heard, nobody knows whether First Selectwoman Klein has made a decision about whether to run or not. Should Mrs. Klein choose not to, the Democrats may find themselves in a spot of trouble: Mrs. Klein is very popular and the rest of their bench is very thin. The first name that comes to mind is Callie Sullivan, former candidate for State Rep. in 2004. Perhaps with Klein's support, Mrs. Sullivan would be able to hold the seat for the Dems. It is the opinion of thefederalist that she would benefit from a tour of duty as a regular member on the Board of Selectmen.
What about regular members on the BOS? Don't be suprised if you see names like David Bayne and Jeff Williams pop up. Both are young, smart, up-and-coming members of their parties who both could one day run for the seat in the middle.
Prediction: Susan Young and Barbara Thorne will not run for re-election in 2007. Selectwoman Thorne has been at it for a long time, and one can't expect her to stay there forever. While it should be assumed that Selectwoman Thorne would continue to stay involved at the local level, serving on the BOS has to get tired sometimes.
Selectwoman Young, the RTC's candidate for First Selectwoman in 2005, will not run again in 2007. I feel bad for Selectwoman Young, because I did give her a tough run in the '05 election cycle, and she does give a lot to our town. However, she just doesn't appear to be made for the political arena at any level (which is OK, not many of us are). Her performance on the Board of Selectmen has left much to be desired, especially for someone who was running for the top position. While this may sound rude, many Republicans who are serious about taking back Town Hall sometime this decade are already mulling over a younger replacement to one day run for the top spot.
So what about thefederalist?? Well, my local electoral wish this year is....KLEIN vs HOVELL 2007. Klein and Hovell, one last time...I'm excited for November already.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we'll talk in 2007.
# posted by thefederalist @ 1:02 PM 
Comments:
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Federalist,
When you say that Klein has been "delivering along the way" what exactly do you mean?
There are 5 Selectmen.
You can distinguish the failings of Hendrickson and Young, can you let us/me know how, as a regular selectman, Klein gives them the opportunity to distingusih themselves? And what has she done, individually, to garner your praise.
It's obvious that you are a Democrat, but Im hoping you can lend some objectivity, rather than the usual generic praise, with no specifics, other than things from 2004, that is handed out to Klein.
When you say that Klein has been "delivering along the way" what exactly do you mean?
There are 5 Selectmen.
You can distinguish the failings of Hendrickson and Young, can you let us/me know how, as a regular selectman, Klein gives them the opportunity to distingusih themselves? And what has she done, individually, to garner your praise.
It's obvious that you are a Democrat, but Im hoping you can lend some objectivity, rather than the usual generic praise, with no specifics, other than things from 2004, that is handed out to Klein.
# posted by 
: Saturday, 30 December, 2006
: Saturday, 30 December, 2006
Bayne has established himself as a partisan politician.
He objected strongly to the words of Gwynn Grimes when it applied to Evonne Klein, but has not shown any similar outrage when Walter Casey uses repulsive references to Republican Selectmen.
If you think that type of behavior is wrong---then it should be wrong when it applies to both parties.
He is welcome to choose that stance. But in a town as heavily Republican as Darien is, I think he may not be that smart to simply say I will only act to defend principles when they apply to my political party.
He objected strongly to the words of Gwynn Grimes when it applied to Evonne Klein, but has not shown any similar outrage when Walter Casey uses repulsive references to Republican Selectmen.
If you think that type of behavior is wrong---then it should be wrong when it applies to both parties.
He is welcome to choose that stance. But in a town as heavily Republican as Darien is, I think he may not be that smart to simply say I will only act to defend principles when they apply to my political party.
# posted by : Sunday, 31 December, 2006
: Sunday, 31 December, 2006
Mister/Miss 30 December, 2006-
I'm sorry for the late response. To answer your question: I would cite the sound barrier fight that our First Selectwoman brought to the attention of our state, along with the need to rid Route 136 of trucks, the new senior center, and financial responsibility would be good recent examples of First Selectwoman Klein "delivering" for our town. However, I would suggest that you try and find a copy of the most recent State of the Town, as that would paint a more complete picture of Darien's progress in 2006.
I'm sorry for the late response. To answer your question: I would cite the sound barrier fight that our First Selectwoman brought to the attention of our state, along with the need to rid Route 136 of trucks, the new senior center, and financial responsibility would be good recent examples of First Selectwoman Klein "delivering" for our town. However, I would suggest that you try and find a copy of the most recent State of the Town, as that would paint a more complete picture of Darien's progress in 2006.
So, Federalist, you think that Klein should be singled out for the senior center?
Even though Ms. Santarella spent more time on it and offered more opinion?
Thats rather arrogant.
An issue that languished for 2 years and now voted on by all 5 board members unanimously you actually have the audacity to single out Klein as being accomplished?
Just as a question-had they voted for renovation-would that have been an accomplishment? Come on.
Credit for financial stability you believe more the result of Mrs. Klein's efforts than that of the Board of Finance? If you are right-then I assume you have some specific examples of how Evonne was able to earn that distinction--more so than say any other selectman.
And with regards to the sound barriers and 136 issue--not only have they been in existence for her 3+ years in office, why would you give credit to a leader for bringing them into focus.
Leadership, federalist, is defined by accomplishment, not noticing a problem and lobbying.
In any event, Ill be waiting for your incite into what specifically Klein did to better the financial shape of Darien.
Thanks so much.
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Even though Ms. Santarella spent more time on it and offered more opinion?
Thats rather arrogant.
An issue that languished for 2 years and now voted on by all 5 board members unanimously you actually have the audacity to single out Klein as being accomplished?
Just as a question-had they voted for renovation-would that have been an accomplishment? Come on.
Credit for financial stability you believe more the result of Mrs. Klein's efforts than that of the Board of Finance? If you are right-then I assume you have some specific examples of how Evonne was able to earn that distinction--more so than say any other selectman.
And with regards to the sound barriers and 136 issue--not only have they been in existence for her 3+ years in office, why would you give credit to a leader for bringing them into focus.
Leadership, federalist, is defined by accomplishment, not noticing a problem and lobbying.
In any event, Ill be waiting for your incite into what specifically Klein did to better the financial shape of Darien.
Thanks so much.
# posted by : Thursday, 04 January, 2007
: Thursday, 04 January, 2007 << Home
