'It's Time for Us to Get Off the Mat from the Past Elections'

Town Democrats enthusiastically nominated a slate of candidates to challenge for the first selectman's office, tax collector and a majority on the Town Council during their party's caucus at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library Tuesday night.

Speakers sharply criticized incumbent Republican first selectman, Steve Vavrek for, what they believe is, a track record of poor management.

Democrats believe Dan Hunsberger, who won the nomination to challenge Vavrek, can lead a slate of candidates qualified to reign in runaway legal costs and aggressively pursue economic development, while having an open and responsive form of government.

"What a wonderful new concept for Monroe — management," Hunsberger said to the close to 50 supporters gathered in the Ehlers Community Room. "Monroe is lacking effective management."

Monroe voters tend to vote Republican as evidenced by the GOP having the first selectman's seat and the positions of tax collector, treasurer and town clerk at town hall, as well as majority representation on every governing board.

But Democratic Town Committee Chairman Nick Kapoor noted how his party had a hold on the first selectman seat for 14 years and seven consecutive elections before Vavrek took office, and vowed that Democratic candidates will not lie down in November.

"It's time for us to get off the mat from the past elections and fight for Monroe," he said.

Kapoor was nominated to run for Town Council again and he will be joined by longtime Councilwoman Dee Dee Martin, former council member Phyllis Kansky, incumbent Raymond Knapp Jr., Patrick Carleton and political newcomer Ken Wielk.

Wielk, a retired police officer and an Air Force veteran who fought in Vietnam, is a firefighter in town.

Knapp expressed his belief that the DTC put together a strong ticket, saying, "I think we have quite a shot at taking over this town and straightening out the wasted funds. There's a lot of waste and things we don't know about."

Hotly Contested Race for Tax Collector

The Democrats are not putting up anyone for treasurer or town clerk, but a lot of excitement has been generated over Jerry Stevens' intention to run for tax collector.

Incumbent tax collector Manny Cambra has not been challenged for 10 years, but Democrats believe Stevens, a popular teacher who just retired after a 34-year-career, has a real shot to unseat him.

David Halliwell, who was the longest serving Town Council member before stepping down (now Dee Dee Martin holds that distinction), introduced Stevens during nominations.

"There are few names in town that are legend like my friend Jerry Stevens, or 'Stevens' as his students knew him," Halliwell said of the former Teacher of the Year.

Halliwell praised Stevens for his "boundless energy", "honesty", "dedication" and "compassion". He talked about all of the things in town Stevens has been involved in, including coaching soccer and the color guard.

"He has a Master's Degree in counseling, which will come in handy in a tax office," Halliwell joked.

Stevens said he was humbled and honored to be nominated, and promised he would be extremely hard working.

Rounding Out the Ticket

The rest of the Democratic slate includes: Incumbent John Ostaszewski for the Board of Finance, Leon Ambrosey for the Planning & Zoning Commission and incumbent Cathleen Lindstrom is running for a P&Z alternate position.

But several holes were left open. Three seats on the Board of Finance will not be contested by the Democrats, as well as two on the P&Z and one P&Z alternate position.

The Democrats have three candidates eyeing the Board of Education, though they could run for four seats.

Jason Maur, who attended Monroe schools growing up and was even a student representative at Board of Education meetings as a senior at Masuk High School, is running for the school board.

Amy Primorac, who is co-president of the Parents Council and served as director of the Sprint for Monroe, among many activities in town, is also running for the Board of Education.

Steve Kirsch, who started attending every Board of Education meeting dating back 18 years, when he was a frustrated parent tired of seeing budgets defeated at referendum time, is going to run for the board this year.

"I believe a quality education for all students in Monroe should be a top priority," he said.

Rounding out the ticket, longtime incumbent, Pat Tomchik, will make another run for constable.