The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Volume 13, Number 43
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Election 2009
Candidates answer questions By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor The 10 candidates for Town Council seats were asked questions by The Citizen. All candidates were asked to answer: “Why do you want to be a Town Council representative?” Candidates also were asked to answer their choice of one of the following three questions: What skills or experience do you have that would be effective in helping the town/school district save taxpayers’ money? What do you think is one of the most pressing issues facing Berlin today and why are you the right person to help address it? List the two top priorities you plan to put your energies towards, if elected. Democrats for Town Council Robert J. Dacey, 78, a Democrat, has served on the council for two terms. Why do you want to be a council representative? Having served as budget chairman for the last four years I have acquired substantial knowl-
edge of Berlin’s financial system. This knowledge has helped contribute to no tax increases in two of the last four years. We are in the second year of the worst recession that the majority of our citizens have witnessed in their lifetime. It is extremely important that Berlin be represented by experienced individuals in these tough economic times. That is why I am a candidate for this critical position. What do you think is one of the most pressing issues facing Berlin today and why are you the right person to help address it? Financial management will be the most pressing issue facing our town. Our financial needs are many, i.e. civil rights compliance and standards for accreditation for Berlin High School, also indoor air quality for McGee School. These problems must be addressed. Failure to resolve these issues will have a serious financial and academic consequence. Our See Council, page 4
The two tickets up for election for Town Council. Top photo, Democrats, from left, Steve Morelli, Rachel Rochette, Bill Rasmussen, Robert Dacey and Adam Salina. Bottom photo, Republicans, from left, Charles Paonessa, David Evans, Kari Maier Drost, Joan Carey and Fran Geschimsky.
After four years in Berlin, superintendent takes another job By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor Berlin’s superintendent of schools has taken another job. Michael Cicchetti, 55, who’s been with the school district for four years, will be the new superintendent of schools for Educational Re-
gion 9 which serves the communities of Easton and Redding. The Board of Education announced last week that Cicchetti was a finalist for the position and the job offer was confirmed this week. Cicchetti has a 90 day notice clause in his contract and, according to a BOE press release, his departure date and
the transition will be discussed. According to an ER 9 press release, Cicchetti will begin his new role in January 2010 when current superintendent Allen Fossbender retires. Fossbender was with ER 9 about five years and announced his retirement in January. ER 9 is a tri-district comprised of
two kindergarten through grade eight school districts (Easton and Redding) that share a high school, Joel Barlow High School, which is its own separate school district: Region 9. Each of the three districts has its own board of education. There are
See Super, next page