F OR I MM E D I ATE DELI VERY
*****************ECRWSS**** Local Postal Customer
The Granby
Your hometown volunteer newspaper
Volume XLIV, No. 1 • September 2013
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
AVON, CT PERMIT NO. 466
Published by Citizens for a Better Granby
www.granbydrummer.com
FREE Fall elections
No September Primary for Granby by Laura Wolfe and Maureen Wolf, Registrars
Back to school with a new athletic field
After many years of planning, the new high school athletic facility finally becomes a reality for the students and community. The $3.2-million project includes a six-lane track, locations for field events, two artificial turf fields, lights, a 750-seat grandstand, an additional score board, two storage buildings, a ticket/concession booth and the relocation of the girls’ softball field. Opening day is expected to be scheduled for the second week in September. photo by Peter Dinella
In contrast to recent Granby municipal elections with only one contested race, (or in one case no contested seats), in 2013, 12 races will be decided at the November 5 election. Those seats include first selectman, and consequently Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and town moderator. Democrat and Republican parties, during July caucuses, chose a slate of municipal candidates unanimously. Because no candidates have petitioned to win a party seat, no party primary will be held this September. There are five petitioning candidates running for the Independent party line, which will also publish public notices of its caucus to approve its nominations. Minor parties have a deadline of September 4 to file their nomination and certification papers with the town clerk to get on the ballot for the November election. See Registrars column on p. 7
Democrats, Republicans chose slate during July caucuses Jim Lofink endorsed for first selectman
Kuhnly running for first selectman
The Granby Democratic Town Committee has announced the endorsement of Jim Lofink for first selectman in this fall’s municipal election. In making the nomination, the committee said, “Jim’s leadership accomplishments in business, nonprofit and community organizations will help build Granby’s future.” Lofink stated, “Granby has opened up and welcomed our family, and in turn we want to help it prosper. As your next first selectman, my commitment is to provide open, thoughtful and responsive leadership. I will focus on promoting fiscally smart spending, increasing voter engagement, and upholding the values the make Granby ‘The Pride of the Valley’.” He added, “Importantly, I recognize that this community runs on the back of 238 volunteers in municipal roles, all of whom work together for the public good. An environment that respects past contributions and encourages new participation is what will enable Granby to thrive.” A Connecticut native, Lofink moved to Granby in 2005 and has since volunteered in several town organizations and civic groups. In 2007, the Board of Selectmen appointed him the chairman of the Storage and Wash
The Granby Republican Town Committee has endorsed B. Scott Kuhnly as its candidate for first selectman in this fall’s municipal election. Kuhnly will be running for the town’s top position that’s been held by John Adams for the past 10 years. Mr. Adams announced in February that he would not seek another term. In making the announcement, Adams said, “We are very pleased to put forward a candidate of Scott’s stature and involvement in the town. We feel he’s demonstrated the kind of exemplary abilities we need in Granby and that he is committed to preserving our town’s unique values while leading us into the future.” A 21-year resident of Granby, Kuhnly has been intensely active in town affairs. He has been a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, the Board of Finance, and currently serves on the Board of Selectmen. He has also served as a volunteer for various school functions and as a youth sports coach. Professionally, Kuhnly is the risk manager for the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield. In this capacity, he manages the consortium’s insurance, risk, claims and safety programs. Prior to that, he was employed by
Lofink cont’d. on p. 4
Inside:
Jim Lofink
Teacher of the Year Page 4
Kuhnly cont’d. on p. 4
West Granby Day
Page 21
Scott Kuhnly
Open Farm Day Page 41