Weinstein is Weston's new first selectman: Muller, Gilbert are selectmen; Dems gain control of school board

Written by Patricia Gay
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 11:55

Democrats had a big night in Weston Tuesday, and for the first time in a decade, the town will have a Democratic chief elected official.

Gayle Weinstein, who currently serves on the Board of Selectmen, won the town’s top seat with 1,395 votes, a 64-vote margin over Republican challenger, Dan Gilbert.

Ms. Weinstein will be joined on the board by her running mate, David Muller, who got 1,512 votes, 299 votes more than Republican selectman challenger, Britta Lerner, who got 1,213 votes.

With 1,331 votes, Dr. Gilbert earned enough votes to secure the third selectman’s seat.

The results give Weston Democrats a majority on the Board of Selectmen. The last time Democrats held the majority was in 1985, when Helen Speck was first selectman. Ms. Speck was also the last female to hold the top post until Ms. Weinstein was elected.

“I’m thrilled that Dave and I won, but I would also like to congratulate Dan and Britta for running a strong campaign,” Ms. Weinstein said.

She said the first challenge the new board will face is constructing a zero-based town budget.

“I look forward to working with Dave and Dan. At the end of the day, we all have to work together to get the job done,” she said.

Dr. Gilbert, a retired occupational psychologist, was philosophical about his defeat. “I feel terrific. We ran an issues-oriented campaign, and it was a great voter turnout. Now it’s all about good government,” he said.

Of the 6,387 registered voters in Weston, 2,784 voted at the polls or by absentee ballot, for a 43.5% voter turnout.

School board control

The Democrats gained control of the Board of Education, with both Democratic candidates winning a slot. Incumbent Richard Bochinski (D) was re-elected with 1,294 votes, while political newcomer Denise Harvey (D) was a big vote getter with 1,411 votes. Sonya Stack (R) earned a seat with 1,351 votes, while incumbent Lyn Kimberly (R) lost her re-election bid with 1,258 votes.

On the Planning and Zoning Commission, political newcomer Joseph Limone (D) was successful in getting a seat with 1,484 votes. He will be joined by David Allen (R), who got 1,494 votes, and Stephan Grozinger (R), chairman of the commission, who got 1,623 votes. Paul Heifetz (D), who has served on P&Z for 10 years, lost his bid for re-election with 1,448 votes.

Elected to the Police Commission were incumbents Peter Ottomano (R), with 1,526 votes, Rick Phillips (R), commission chairman, with 1,523 votes, and Jeffrey Eglash (D), with 1,495 votes. Former First Selectman Hal Shupack (D) earned a spot with 1,689 votes. Steve Ezzes (D), was unsuccessful in his bid with 1,419 votes, as was petitioning candidate Peter J. Faillace Jr., who got 629 votes.

Elected as Zoning Board of Appeals alternates were, Marianne Murray (R), with 1,519 votes, Jeffrey K. Tallman (R) with 1,487 votes, and Kenneth C. Edgar, Jr. (D), with 1,450 votes. Debbie Rehr (D) was unsuccessful with 1,436 votes.

Unopposed

There were three unopposed races.

Tax Collector, Charity B. Nichols (R), was re-elected with 1,795 votes.

Candidates for the Zoning Board of Appeals, Frederick C. Noyes, Jr. (R), who got 1,734 votes, and W. Macleod Snaith (D), who got 1,636 were re-elected.

For the Board of Assessment Appeals, Marina Coprio (D), was elected with 1,277 votes, as was Ryan Cornell (R), who got 1,274 votes.

A swearing in ceremony for all newly elected officials will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m., at town hall.

Barbara Reynolds, campaign manager for the Democrats, praised both parties. “I would like to congratulate all the candidates, both Democrat and Republican, who have stepped forward to take part in this process. Your willingness to give of your time and talent is to be commended. The American way is alive and well in Weston,” she said.

Barbara King, campaign manager for the Republicans also had consoling words. “There is no doubt that when the stakes are high, our community unites in the best interests of all. Our campaign is grateful to have been a part of this outstanding process,” she said.