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Volume 26, Number 30
ELECTION 2020
As emotions run high, party leaders urge civility The election is less than two weeks away, and political tensions are running high. Sometimes too high.
By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff
Republican Michael Skelps points to his track record on Middlefield’s Board of Finance as proof he will demand accountability for state spending.
While theft and defacement of political yard signs is nothing out of the ordinary, both Democrats and Republicans say the political divisiveness feels more charged than in years past.
Sign theft has become a “consistent, ongoing problem,” she said.
3-way race in the 82nd district The race to replace state Rep. Emil “Buddy” Altobello in the 82nd district is a three-way contest of familiar faces in Meriden and Middlefield.
By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
“We didn’t have this problem four years ago, not to that extent,” said Jennie Caldwell, vice-chair of the North Haven Democratic Town Committee. “In the past, few people would occasionally call us and ask for a new sign because theirs had been stolen. But now they call us on a regular basis.”
Friday, October 23, 2020
Throughout our area, politcal yard signs touting both Republican and Democratic candidates have been stolen, and sometimes destroyed. Pictured: Durham resident Tracy Ogrodnik said two of her Donald Trump signs have been vandalized. Submitted by Tracy Ogrodnik
And both sides deal with it. Durham resident Tracy Ogrodnik – a supporter of President Trump – said she is used to trespassers steal-
ing her yard signs. But this year, Ogrodnik said her signs have been destroyed. See Election, A13
Skelps has also served on the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals, and is president of the local Lion’s Club. He is running against Democrat Michael Quinn of Meriden, who has served as the city’s corporation counsel for more than 12 years, is a former chairman of the Meriden Housing Authority and works as a private attorney. Independent party candidate the Rev. Ernestine
Holloway is also in the race. She ran for the seat with the Republican endorsement in 2018, losing to Altobello, who is retiring from the legislature. Skelps defeated Holloway in the GOP primary earlier this year. The district covers the eastern part of Meriden, Middlefield and Rockfall. Quinn and Holloway, as Meriden residents, know firsthand the economic development problems the city faces. Skelps also recognizes this, but can’t ignore taxpayer frustration. “Many have told me that at retirement, they will have to leave their home state of Connecticut to retire somewhere with better taxes, like North Carolina,” Skelps said. “In the last legislative session, a massive expansion of the state sales tax was passed, See 82nd, A7
Big season for farmers’ market By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times
While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on certain parts of the economy, local agriculture is experiencing a renaissance, and the Durham Farmers' Market is as busy as ever. Since the market’s seasonal reopening in May, local vendors have been serving customers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Market Master Jon Scagnelli reports this season has
been a success. “The number of people coming here has definitely increased,” he said. "I am very happy with the result, and I hope everyone is having a great time." “I think it’s nice to just come out here, even if you don't want to buy anything,” said Middletown resident Lila Jones. “It’s a great place for family time: You’ve got food, you’ve got fresh air, music, lemonade. It’s perfect!”
as a safer, outdoor option for shopping during the pandemic. The number of vendors at the Durham Farmers' Market increased as well. This season some 30 sellers presented their products every Thursday afternoon, up from between 20 to 25 last year.
With the cancellation of some major festivals and fairs due to safety concerns, Scagnelli believes many have vendors saw outdoor marturned to farmers' markets
See Market, A8
Musician Peter Magrane entertains the crowd at the Durham Farmers' Market. See more photos inside. Photos by Nadya Korytnikova