Politics & Government

Kanksy Leads a Diverse Field of Democratic Candidates

A mix of experience and youth runs through the party slate of incumbents and challengers

Democrats believe first selectman candidate Phyllis Kansky's decades of experience in municipal government will be an asset as she vies to unseat Steve Vavrek for the town's top job. But the minority party also promises to put up a strong fight for seats on the Town Council, Board of Finance, Board of Education and Planning & Zoning Commission.

Town Democrats have no candidates running for tax collector and Town Clerk, but Philip White threw his hat in the ring for the position of town treasurer.

Registered Democrats endorsed an entire slate of candidates at their party's caucus at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library Thursday night.

Find out what's happening in Monroewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We are very proud of our candidates," DTC Chairwoman Patricia Ulatowski said from behind the podium in the Ehlers Meeting Room. "We are giving the electorate an opportunity to make a serious choice about what direction they want to see Monroe take. If they are pleased with the 'status quo,' then they will choose the sitting first selectman and his colleagues.

"But if they want to see a vibrant, working administration, one that will bring in 'appropriate' economic development, one that will bring in substantial grant money to supplement our tax dollars, one that will fund a decent education system we can be proud of, one that needs no 'on the job management training,' one that would never take credit for projects initiated by another, one that will be respectful of the public and the elected officials regardless of party affiliation, one that will work harder and longer than any of her subordinates, one who will be transparent and accountable, one that will get us back on track, then they will support Phyllis Kansky and her entire slate of candidates."

Find out what's happening in Monroewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Two former town first selectmen attended the caucus, Andrew Nunn and Karen Burnaska. Burnaska announced Kansky's nomination, describing her as a "consensus builder," "who tells it like it is" and knows all aspects of town government.

She said Kansky will respond to citizens' concerns and work to bring in responsible development and "not a garbage recycling plant," a reference to the controversial AMEC proposal for the Stevenson Lumber Co. property on Monroe Turnpike, which was withdrawn without prejudice — meaning the developer can come back.

Burnaska also said Kansky will strive for the best education for Monroe's children, not for "how cheap we can get away with."

Kansky's Acceptance Speech

Kansky said, "I know this job is about working hard and making good decisions — I can do both, and I think my opponent can do neither.

"Some of you may ask, 'Why now? Why are you running now?' First of all, I have the skill sets to get this job done and the stamina to do it. But most of all, I'm running because I am truly concerned with the direction this town is taking under the current administration."

Kansky said Vavrek made many poor decisions.

"Take AMEC for example," she said. "He courted this company. Never let the townspeople know that hundreds of trucks will be coming through Monroe — most on an already congested Route 111. He tried to bring an unwanted and inappropriate business into town and is surprised when there is an uproar in town about it. Bad decision.

"Roads are another example. Who doesn't want good roads? This isn't the issue. Management of this project is. He hires a company out of Florida who knows nothing of Connecticut. Hires them without going out to bid and they are receiving one dollar for every 11 to manage this project when we have a Public Works Department more than capable of doing the job. Furthermore, if you look at this consultant's plan, we'll have more roads in poor condition than when we started. Bad decision.

"This is why I'm concerned. This is why you should be concerned. This whole town should be concerned.

"The current selectman lacks vision. He spends his time on his list serv and Facebook philosophizing about the meaning of happiness and the history of daylight savings time. My vision is to make sure the kids have a sound educational system. Preserve the character of Monroe and develop a good business base to help with taxes.

"Please know, I'm in this to win and, with your help and support, will win the first selectman seat in November."

Rounding Out the Slate

David Halliwell, who is in his 10th term as a Town Council member, will not run for reelection this year. But the Democratic party has some new blood entering the race for that government body. Patrick Carleton is 25 and Nicholas Kapoor is 20.

The rest of the slate includes:

  • Town Council: Dee Dee Martin (incumbent), Michele Mount (incumbent), Raymond Knapp Jr. and Daniel Hunsberger (currently on the Board of Finance)
  • Board of Finance: Ted Quinlan (incumbent) and John Ostaszewski
  • Board of Education: Lee Reynolds Crouch (incumbent) and Dr. Alan Vaglivelo (incumbent)
  • Planning & Zoning Commission: Roger Agatston (currently an alternate), Robert Dombrowski, Brian Quinn
  • Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate: Cathy Lindstrom
  • Constable: Patricia Tomchik (incumbent)

"It will not be easy. It should not be easy," Ulatowski told the candidates gathered in the Ehlers Meeting Room. "Stay cognizant that you are the underdog — but, recognize that if you work hard, plan well and stay focused, you will be rewarded with a sound victory on Nov. 8."


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