September2015NCNpart2_NCN new template 8/31/15 12:14 PM Page 25
Pellegrini Squares Off Against LaCasse in GOP Primary
Somers
By Linda Tishler Levinson
SOMERS — Lisa Pellegrini will face a challenge from Linda Louise LaCasse in the Sept. 16 Republican primary. Pellegrini, the incumbent, was endorsed by the Republicans at the party convention in July. LaCasse petitioned to challenge Pellegrini in the primary and also to be on the November ballot as a petitioning candidate. As a result, LaCasse will be on the November ballot regardless of the outcome, while Pellegrini needs the GOP win to take part in the general election. The Democrats endorsed Tim Potrikas for first selectman in July as a straw, or placeholder, candidate. Pellegrini, who is seeking a fourth term as first selectman, said she wants to finish the projects she is working on and that she has a strong track record. She noted that the town has had no tax increases for the past two years and that she has helped bring in $7 million in grants to help make that possible. Among unfinished projects, she included the Somersville Mill, which recently has captured the attention of state and federal officials.
In addition, she said, she is respected at the state level. “I’ve been able to have a voice at the state capitol.” Prior to serving as first selectman, she worked as a sales and marketing director in West Hartford. LaCasse, who has lived on Main Street in Somersville since 1989, said she is running because she believes a public servant must be willing to be accountable, approachable and available. She said decided to petition to be on the ballot after the Republican party in town chose to have a convention rather than a caucus, meaning only members of the town committee were included in the decision, not all town Republicans. She argued that town budgets have recently depended on too many one-time revenues and that would eventually result in tax increases. LaCasse also wants to see greater transparency in the town budget process. In 2014 she ran for state representative, losing to Kurt Vail. She is involved in a number of local civic organizations and is the owner of A Victorian Sentiment in town.
Voting in the primary will be from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at Town Hall. New voters may register to vote in the primary by mail with an application postmarked by Sept. 11 and received by Sept. 15 or in person by Sept. 15. The deadline is the same for an existing voter
changing to the Republican party, according to a written release from Registrar of Voters David McCaffrey. Voter registration sessions will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1 and 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 15.
Spotlight on the Foundation
The latest edition of “Sen. Kissel & Friends” highlights the work being done by the Somers Education Foundation (SEF). The Foundation is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization which supports innovative projects and programs to enhance student learning in Somers public schools. From left, Sen. John A. Kissel, SEF President Dr. Paul Salva, Somers Superintendent of Schools Maynard Suffredini, and SEF Vice President John Mailhot. “Sen. Kissel & Friends” airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on PATV15.
Thursday $6.00, Friday, Saturday, Sunday $10.00 Children 12 years and under are Free Thursday & Friday All Day Senior Citizens $5.00 Parking Free, Weekend Pass (4 days , open to close) $20.00
THURSDAY
FOUR TOWN FAIR Established 1838
www.fourtownfair.com
September 17, 18, 19 & 20 Hours Thursday & Friday 4:00 pm – 11:00 Saturday 8:00am – 11:00pm Sunday 8:00am – 7:30 pm
6PM 19th Annual Car Show
9:30AM Open Working Oxen
1PM Largest Frog Jumping Contest
7-11PM CreedenceFogerty Tribute Band
9:30AM Goat Showmanship and Judging
2PM Wool Spinning Demo
10AM
5PM Women’s Skillet Throwing Contest
11AM 11AM
6PM Open Swine Show
1:30PM Corn Eating Contest 2PM Horse Drawing
7PM Rocky Dundee Doodlebug Assn. Demo
FRIDAY 6PM Beef Steer Show 7PM Heaviest Pumpkin Contest 7-11PM Orange Crush (80s Music)
7PM Doodlebug Drawing Contest
Fair Parade – Main St to the fairgrounds
10:30AM Judging of Dairy Cattle 11AM
Oxen Drawing
12-5PM The Nifty Fifties Band (Oldies)
7PM Doodlebug Drawing Contest 7-11PM Truck Stop Troubadour (Country Rock)
8AM Horse Show 9AM Pony Drawing 10AM-1:30PM STEPPIN’ OUT (50s Swing/Jazz)
Sheep Showing Beef Showing
4PM Pie Eating Contest 2-7PM The Tirebiter Band (Classic Rock)
SPECIAL FEATURES FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY — 3 SHOWS DAILY! Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show presents a Log Rolling, Axe Throwing, Crosscut Sawing, Chainsaw Racing and “Olde Time Lumberjack Show”
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ALL FOUR DAYS: Midway, Antique & Farm Machinery, Livestock, Agricultural Exhibits, Demonstrations & Stage Entertainment, Children’s Contests, Bingo
September 2015 North Central News
56 Egypt Road, Somers CT
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