The Democratic Town Committee opened its headquarters at the site of the former Rite Aid pharmacy at Northside Square Saturday evening with pizza for anyone who turned up and a surprise visit from Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, who posed for pictures.
“We had an amazing evening,” said Scott Rosado, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano. “The DTC was filled with excitement, new faces and long-time supporters.”
About 100 people turned up for the opening that included volunteer sign ups, distribution of yard signs and chats with the candidates.
“It shows the enthusiasm the Bristol community has for the upcoming election,” said Andrew Rasmussen-Tuller, a council candidate in District 1. “It was encouraging to see all the new faces who came in support of our slate.”
He said about his running mate in District 1, Kim Caron, that they work well together and he believes they would both be assets to the council and Bristol.
Caron said she enjoyed the evening, too, as well as working with Rasmussen-Tuller.
“I enjoyed meeting and talking with many voters in my district along with others, and listening to their concerns and issues,” said Caron.
She added, “Andrew cares deeply for Bristol and its residents, and I know he can be counted to help however he can.”
DTC chair Ken Rasmussen-Tuller said he was extremely happy with the turnout, as well as this year’s slate of candidates who work well together and support each other.
The Democrats have for this year’s slate, all challengers to the Republican dominated council, in District 1 Andrew Rasmussen-Tuller and Kim Caron, in District 2 Morris “Rippy” Patton and Liza Salgado-Sirka, and in District 3, Mark Dickau and David Landi.
For the Board of Education, Democrats will run Maria Pirro Simmons, Corey Nagle and Shelby Rafaniello Pons on November’s ballot. Ann Marie Heering and Cynthia Chesky are running for the Office of Tax Assessor and incumbent David J. Preleski for treasurer.
Running for the two-year term for the Board of Education is Jill Fitzsimons-Bula.
“The slate of candidates is strong with varied perspectives that can support our city in moving forward,” said Nagle, who is running for the first, as are many of the candidates on the Democratic ticket.
The grand opening was positive and encouraging, he added.
Cynthia Chesky, who is running for the Office Tax Assessor said she was impressed with the excitement in the room.
“I can see a positive change in Bristol with our group of candidates,” she said.
The upcoming municipal election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7. To view the sample ballot, visit http://www.bristolct.gov/943/CandidatesSample-Ballots.
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