Politics & Government

The Monroe Municipal Election: Decision Time 2013

Today's Election Day in Monroe. Will voters give First Selectman Steve Vavrek another term or will they vote to make a change in leadership to Democratic party challenger Daniel Hunsberger?

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and first selectman isn't the only contested position.

A battle is being waged for the job of tax collector, pitting longtime incumbent Manny Cambra, a Republican, against Democratic party challenger Jerry Stevens, a recently retired teacher who is well-known in town.

Both major parties put up the maximum number of candidates needed for control of the Town Council.

Incumbents include Republicans Enid Lipeles (chairman), Deborah Heim (vice chairman), J.P. Sredzinski, Francis Lieto and Tony Unger; and Democrats Dee Dee Martin, Nick Kapoor and Ray Knapp.

Newcomers vying for seats are Democrats Ken Wielk and Patrick Carleton. Phyllis Kansky, a former council member, is running again. Republican Sean O'Rourke left the Planning & Zoning Commission to run for the council.

Seven candidate are running for five positions on the Board of Education.

Incumbents include Republicans Darrell Trump (chairman), Donna Lane (vice chairman) and George King. Those trying to get onboard are Democrats Steve Kirsch, Amy Primorac and Jason Maur, and Republican Christine Cascella

Three Planning & Zoning Commission candidates are fighting for two seats. Incumbent Republicans include Chairman Patrick O'Hara and Vice Chairman William Porter. Leon Ambrosey, a Democrat, is also in the running.

The Unopposed

This year's election is a lock for a number of candidates.

Marsha Beno (R) will stay on as Town Clerk and Ronald Bunovsky Jr. as treasurer.

On the Board of Finance incumbents, chairman Michael Manjos (R) and John Ostaszewski (D) are unchallenged, as well as Debra Dutches (R) and Carl Ferraro (R) to finish the last two years of open terms.

James Weinberg (R) will finish the last two years of a term on the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Three candidates will fill three seats as P&Z Commission alternates. They are incumbents Jane Benedict Flader (R) and Cathleen Lindstrom (D) and Pedro Villanueva (R).

Constables will be Pat Tomchik (D) and Victor Yanosy (R).


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