Seymour politics is heating up, with no less than two Republicans saying they want to challenge incumbent Democrat Paul Roy for the First Selectman’s office.
Both former First Selectman Robert Koskelowski and W. Kurt Miller, a member of the Board of the Selectmen, said Friday they are considering running for the office.
“I haven’t ruled that out, but I won’t make up my mind for a couple more months anyway, because I want to see how the budget process goes through,” Koskelowski said. “I want to see if we’re very conservative and reduce spending. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll make a decision quicker.”
Koskelowski said he’s a fiscal conservative. “I don’t like to spend any money we don’t have to spend. In the past, we have sacrificed,” he said.
Roy unseated Koskelowski in 2009.
The video below shows Koskelowski talking to his supporters after learning of his defeat on Election Day. Story continues after the video.
Miller, who is serving his first term on the Board of Selectmen after having served on the Board of Finance nearly six years, said he’s thinking about it, too.
“I’m very strongly considering a run,” Miller said. “I am very unhappy with the way the town is being run. I think there is a tremendous lack of accountability and lack of transparency, and a lack of professional business experience.”
Miller said his “deep understanding” of town financial matters make him a strong candidate.
Roy said he welcomes the Democratic process.
He said he had heard Koskelowski may want to run again.
“That is what our system is all about, people think they are a good candidate and put their name out there to run,” Roy said. “The process is what it is, and anybody should be encouraged to run.”
Roy said like Koskelowski, he is a fiscal conservative.
“Absolutely, that’s one of my strong suits,” Roy said.
Town political parties usually convene in the summer to formally choose candidates for office.
The video below shows Roy reacting to his 2009 win.
