MONROE, CT — Town Democrats unanimously endorsed Jerry Stevens as their party’s candidate for the first selectman race this November, during their caucus at Monroe Town Hall Wednesday evening.
Stevens, a longtime resident and retired Jockey Hollow Middle School teacher currently serving on the Board of Education, will face Town Councilman Terry Rooney, a former Bridgeport police officer who is expected to receive the Republican Party’s endorsement tonight (Thursday).
“Look around, every single person in this room cares about Monroe,” Stevens said at the caucus, according to a Monroe Democratic Town Committee press release. “It doesn’t matter who a person is … they’re a Monroeite.”
Stevens, who grew up in Monroe and whose family has deep roots in the community, said, “transparency with citizens will be critical. By way of example everybody stops me and says, ‘Jerry … Pepper Street … what’s going on?’ That will be one of my first tasks.”
Many in attendance spoke of the renewed sense of energy and optimism within the ranks of the party as a result of the strong slate of candidates, the press release says.
Towards the end of the session, Caucus Chairman Nick Kapoor recognized Dee Dee Martin, who is not seeking reelection, for her 29 years on the Town Council for which she received a standing ovation.
In addition to Stevens those unanimously nominated were:
Town Council: Jason Maur, Jessica Katuska, Janice Persico, Kathie Loehr, Cathy Kohut and Susan Bannay
Town Treasurer: Nick Kapoor
Tax Collector: Nina Gagnon
Board of Education: Alan Vaglivelo, Chrissy Fensore Martinez
Board of Finance: Steven Kirsch, Samantha Spino ( two year vacancy term)
Planning and Zoning Commission: Leon Ambrosey
Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate: Domenic Paniccia
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