Republican First Selectman Robert J. Koskelowski was unanimously endorsed by the members of the Republican party Thursday night to run for a ninth term of office.
Koskelowski was given the endorsement by the GOP caucus to run for another two-year term. He was nominated by John Putorti, who said Koskelowski has done, “an excellent job,’’and has been “keeping the town happy.’’
The 64-year-old Koskelowski stood before about 70 who attended the caucus in Town Hall and first thanked his wife Diana.
He vowed to keep taxes down, “so people can still afford to live in this town and not lose their homes and properties,’’ he said.
Koskelowski said his experience in politics would be helpful to residents, especially during a recession. He said despite the recession, new development has come into Seymour, including the Mountain Road Plaza on Route 67 and the new Walgreen’s that is also being built on Route 67.
He said CVS took out a permit on Monday to build a new store on West Street. He also said there has been some growth in the Silvermine Industrial Park and that he will continue to reduce spending while seeking new growth in town in order to keep taxes stable.
The only controversy of the night was the nomination for the Board of Education.
Four people, Jim Ward, Putorti, Peter Kubik and John Hatfield were nominated for three openings on the Board of Education.
A paper ballot was submitted by those in attendance, which had dwindled by the time the Board of Education nominations came up on the agenda. After the paper ballots were counted twice to make sure they were accurate, Lucy McConologue, acting caucus chairwoman, said Putorti got 59 votes, Ward 56 votes, Kubek 44 votes and Hatfield (who lost) received 42 votes.
The following slate was approved:
First Selectman
Robert Koskelowski
Selectmen
John Conroy
AnnMarie Drugonis
Trish Danka
Kurt Miller
Board of Finance
Nancy Onofrio
Len Green Jr.
Mark Thompson
Board of Finance (alternates)
Alex Danka
Michelle Walsh
Assessment Appeals
Ugo Zullo
Christine Conroy
Police Commission
Marco Gianotti
Ed Wasikowski
Library Board
Pauline Lounsbury
Diane Sosnovich
Joyce Koslowski
