It's Official: Thornton's Running for Trumbull First Selectman

Following a two-hour convention Monday night at , Trumbull democrats chose their slate of candidates, two for each Town Council District. Voters can elect two candidates and the third highest vote-getter gets the third spot.

Several republicans, including Board of Finance member Andy Palo and Board of Education member Tom Kelly, also attended the convention.

"I agree with Mrs. Thornton that we need to change the direction of the town. I'm pleased to be here tonight to support her candidacy," Kelly said.

The republicans will also nominate two candidates for each district and candidates for the other positions tonight at Tashua Knolls. 

TOWN COUNCIL:

• District 1: Gregg Basbagill, Deep Gorge Road    

                       Michael Rappa, Parkwood Road

• District 2: Fernando Palmieri, Erwin Street  

                       Robert Sojka, Hidden Pond Lane     

• District 3: Mitchell Hallock, Stonehouse Road

                       Vicki Tesoro, Beechwood Avenue

• District  4: John DelVecchio Jr., Frelma Drive

                        Sonya Wich, Killian Avenue

• District 5: Matthew Reale, Brewster Place

                        Martha Jankovic-Mark, Regina Street 

• District 6: James Meisner, Driftwood Lane

                       Thomas Ragonese, Claire Place

• District 7:  Thomas Whitmoyer, Lindberg Drive 

                        Louis Bevilacqua, Washington Street 

• CONSTABLES: Valerie  Sorrentino, Lake Avenue 

                             Ross Jenacaro, Algonquin Trail

• ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:

    Term 12/05/11 to 12/05/16: Richard Puskar, Stemway Road

    Term 12/03/12 to 12/04/17: Lino Costantini, Huntington Turnpike

• PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION:

      Term 12/05/11 to 12/05/16: Anthony Silber, Stag Lane 

      Term: 12/03/12 to 12/04/17:

• BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS: 

           Scott Charmoy, Palomino Pass

• BOARD OF EDUCATION:

       Term: 12/05/11 to 12/07/15: Michael Ward, Pemberton Drive

       Term: 12/05/11 to 12/02/13: Rosemary Seaman, Garwood Road

• BOARD OF FINANCE: Mark Manton, Cherry Gate Lane

                                       Lisa Valenti, Wood Avenue

• TREASURER: Tom Christiano, White Plains Road 

• TOWN CLERK: Rose Lodice, Canoe Brook Road

• FIRST SELECTMAN: Mary Beth Thornton, Cherry Gate Lane

Praise for Thornton, Attacks on Herbst

The candidates made veiled references to First Selectman Tim Herbst, charging him with failing to abide by the Town Charter and dividing the community.

Republican Kate Donahue praised Thornton, with whom she attended .

"She already knew she wanted to be a medical illustrator...Wait, or was it president of the United States? Oh, that's the other candidate, I'm sorry," Donahue said, to a round of laughter and applause.

She said she admired how Thornton listened and tried to resolve issues without attracting attention. She also vowed after First Selectman Ray Balwdin's loss in 2009 to vote for Thornton if the councilwoman ran for the top town office. Thornton is currently council minority leader.

Thornton then took the microphone.

"I have a deep commitment to this town. My ambition begins and ends in serving Trumbull. My priority has been the people of Trumbull, not politics," Thornton said.

"I will govern with common sense that comes from my experience and my respect for the skills and duties of those around me - no subterfuge, no illegal meetings, no self-serving legal maneuvering," Thornton said.

She also listed her qualifications:  "a professional and businesswoman for over 30 years," eight years on the Town Council and numerous leadership roles as a community acitivist.

She then outlined four areas her campaign would address: public safety, fiscal responsibility, education and charter revision.

She especially stressed growing the town's commercial base, citing the town's location at the intersection of three major arteries, "proximity to universities, hospitals, our education system.

"[They] all create a potential for this essential growth," she said. "We will advocate for mixed-use districts while preserving their historic significance. We will continue to expand commercial development in the industrial zones, including Lindeman Drive."

The charter, she said, is being amended in the most partisan way allowable. "A charter should not be a partisan document," the candidate said.

"There are lost opportunities, lost revenues and a lack of transparency that have resulted in a breakdown of trust, cooperation, and fair compromise," Thornton added.

Referring to the time a lightning strike started a fire that destroyed her home in 2009, she said, "They say that lightning never strikes twice. But the upcoming campaign will be contentious and hard fought. So I expect lightning to strike repeatedly and often. That’s what lightning rods are for."

"Bring it on!", she concluded.