From left, Sam Blinstrubas, poll worker; Getty Guevin, head moderator; Simon Magnarella and Patricia Conway, both poll workers begin a recount Tuesday of all the Town Council candidates in Prospect because of a close vote between Democrats Michael Scaviola, an incumbent, and Eileen Cranney, a newcomer. - RA ARCHIVE

PROSPECT – The Town Council will remain the same after a recount Tuesday. Incumbent Democrat Michael Scaviola stayed ahead of newcomer Eileen Cranney, also a Democrat, although she gained one vote. The finally tally for the bottom two candidates was 779 to 775. The top nine candidates, all incumbents, will lead the town for the next two years. Besides Scaviola, Republicans Stanley Pilat, Jeffrey Slapikas, Thomas Galvin, Douglas Merriman and Robert Doyon as well as Democrats Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, and Carl Graveline were re-elected to the Town Council.

Town Council Chair Tom Galvin stumps for the Republican Party outside the Fire House in Prospect Tuesday night. Galvin and his fellow Republicans maintained their majority on the Town Council.

PROSPECT — Republicans maintained their five-to-four majority control of the Prospect Town Council on Tuesday night, as all nine incumbent council members retained their positions.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” said Republican Town Committee Chair Thomas Galvin, echoing the oft-heard motto of Mayor Robert Chatfield. A sentiment the majority of Prospect citizens agreed with.

Galvin, who held his seat on the council, believes the Republicans maintained their majority because of a consistent record of doing what is best for Prospect.

“In the town of Prospect, one out of six voters is a Democrat, two out of six are Republicans, and three out of six are unaffiliated,” Galvin said. “The conservative choice has been and continues to be more appealing. They want us to keep moving forward and to keep taxes low for everybody.”

Forty-four percent of voters turned out to cast their ballot with most Republicans winning by a two-to-one margin.

Ten candidates were vying for a seat on the nine- member council. The candidate who did not receive a seat was the only one who did not hold one previously— Eileen Cranney, a Democrat and native of Prospect. Democrat Michael Scaviola narrowly edged out Cranney by five votes to retain his seat.

“She may not have won a seat, but she was born here in Prospect,” Galvin said. “She’s a good person who ran a good campaign.”

While disappointed to have not taken the majority, Democratic Town Council member Patricia Geary believes this is a moment for Democrats to collect themselves and reflect.

“The Dems have to reorganize and regroup,” Geary said. “This is a time where we want to encourage anyone with an interest in town policy to participate in our meetings. It would be mutually beneficial to everyone. … Our doors are open.”

In other races, Democrat Peter Blinstrubas and Republicans Lisa E. Mason and Marie J. Kluge won seats on the Board of Assessment Appeals all earning more votes than Democrat Janice Mallon.

Democrats E. Gil Graveline Jr. and Gregory Ploski along with Republican Jack L. Crumb won seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission all earning more votes than Unaffiliated candidate Tim Reilly.

Republicans David Wartko and Donna Cullen won open seats for a four-year term on the Region 16 Board of Education over Democrats Jeffrey LaMontagne and Chip Aldrich. Republican Nazih Noujaim defeated Democrat Trish Spofford for a two-year term on the board.

Republicans Charles Wilkowski and Marianne Byrnes along with Democrat David Michaud won seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals all garnering more votes that Democrat Gena Mann.

M. Carrie Anderson was reelected as town clerk, David Young was reelected as town treasurer, and Diane Lauber was reelected as tax collector. All three are Republicans and were unopposed.

Mayor Robert Chatfield, center, enjoys the company of friends and family as he waits for election results Tuesday night. Chatfield was elected to this 18th term in office.

PROSPECT — Incumbent Republican Mayor Robert Chatfield swept into his 18^th term in office Tuesday night, defeating challenger Anthony Dorso.

Forty-four percent of voters turned out to held usher Chatfield back into to office. Chatfield defeated Dorso by an unofficial count of 2,025 to 886.

“I’m very happy with Mayor Chatfield and that’s who I voted for,” said Prospect resident Pamela Wright as she headed out of the polls.

Chatfield started his 35^th year in office on Monday. He is the longest-serving chief elected official in Connecticut.

Following his win, Chatfield addressed a small crowd of supporters, including many family members.

“I want to thank all the people who campaigned for me and with me,” Chatfield said. “I’m not going to change. I’m going to be the same Bob Chatfield I’ve always been.”

Chatfield said, however, he would have to work a little harder in his next term because media organizations have accused him of slowing down.

There’s no chance of that happening any time soon, Chatfield said.

“I’ll be the energizer bunny,” he said.

Chatfield said his biggest challenge in his next term will be helping Region 16 to get an affordable replacement for Community and Algonquin Schools. He said he would push to make sure the new school, which is going to referendum in early December, has a generator. If last week’s snow storm had come a month later, Chatfield said, it could have been a disaster.

Dorso, an unaffiliated candidate endorsed by the Democratic party, didn’t have much to say after the votes were tallied.

“It is what it is,” he said.

Dorso ran on a campaign of increasing transparency, decreasing town spending and taxes, and working closer with Region 16. He was unsure whether he would run again.

“Right now, I need to focus on my new baby coming in April,” he said.

As usual, Chatfield ushered the entire Republican ticket in behind him. He said Democrats haven’t won an election since he took office in 1977.

“I would like to think I had something to do with that,” Chatfield said.

He said voters value his hard work and continuous availability.

“They appreciate what I do. They know what I stand for,” Chatfield said.

Republicans David D’Amico, left, and Gerard Smith wave to voters outside Laurel Ledge Elementary School Tuesday. Smith won the first selectman seat and D’Amico won a selectman seat.

BEACON FALLS — Republican challenger Gerard Smith defeated Democratic multi-term incumbent Susan Cable with about 52 percent of the vote to become the new first selectman of Beacon Falls.

Smith garnered 1,024 votes to Cable’s 927. Cable will not serve on the three-member Board of Selectmen as both Republican David D’Amico and Democrat Chris Bielik earned more votes, meaning the new board will be comprised of no incumbents.

Smith said he felt the difference in the election was the citizens’ desire for a fresh Board of Selectmen.

“I think the people were ready for something new,” Smith said. “They were ready for a change. 14 years [Cable has served]—there’s no time limit, but I think people wanted a fresh set of ideas.”

Smith, who had served previously as a minority selectman and the chair of the Board of Finance and the Planning and Zoning Commission, ran on the platform of fiscal responsibility and transparency.

“I’ll serve Beacon Falls as I’ve promised before,” Smith said. “I’ll be open, honest, transparent, and let everybody know what’s going on.”

He will be joined on the Board of Selectmen by D’Amico, who received 990 votes, and Bielik, who garnered 961 votes.

Cable, who was seeking her eighth term as first selectman while promoting her experience and ability to secure grants, will not be in Town Hall for the first time in over a decade and a half.

“I’ve enjoyed serving the people,” Cable said. “Good luck to the new administration. We’ll have a transition period. Now, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.”

Unofficial numbers showed that 1,971 of the town’s 3,758 registered voters cast ballots. That 52 percent turnout is better than usual in Beacon Falls, but Smith was not surprised.

“As we went door to door, people said they were going to come out,” Smith said. “I told them exactly what I thought. I can’t do anything with the taxes, but I’ll be honest and transparent.”

In other races, Republican Michael Krenesky defeated Art Daigle for treasurer while Democrat Millie Jurzynski beat Republican Ed Groth for tax collector.

Cross-endorsed Priscilla Cretella and Democrat Wendy Oliveira won the two open seats on the Board of Education, both defeating Republican John Blesse.

Democrat Chris Bielik greets voters outside Laurel Ledge Elementary School. Bielik won a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Democrat William Giglio and Republican Douglas Bousquet will both serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals while Republican Kathy Brown defeated Democrat Carolyn McMahon for a spot on the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Democrat Lou DiPiro ran unopposed for a position on the Board of Finance, and both Republican James Moffat and Democrat Erik Dey earned spots on the Library Board of Trustees.

From left, Jordyn Hunt, 9, Sydney Hunt, 6, Taylor Hunt, 11, and Jim Goggin support a ‘yes’ vote on the Naugatuck High School renovation referendum outside the Naugatuck Train Station Tuesday evening. The referendum passed 1,756 to 944.

NAUGATUCK — Borough voters breathed new life into Naugatuck High School.

By an unofficial count of 1,756 to 944, which doesn’t include the results of about two dozen absentee ballots, voters approved a $81-million plan to renovate the high school as new at a referendum Tuesday at the Naugatuck train station.

“I’m thrilled for the citizens and the students of Naugatuck that we’re going to be able to go ahead with this project,” Board of Education Chair David Heller said after learning about the results Tuesday night.

About 15.5 percent of borough voters turned out for the referendum.

“This project is a no-brainer,” said Dave Pires, who voted in favor of the project.

Pires said he was voting for the future of Naugatuck.

Jean Dobbin was also thinking about future generations and her two granddaughters when she cast her vote in favor of the renovations.

“I don’t want them in a dilapidated school,” Dobbin said about her granddaughters. “I want them in the best that they can have.”

The project will completely overhaul the school, which was built in 1959 with additions in 1974 and 2003. Currently, the high school is in a state of disrepair. Cracks are a common sight in walls and floors, the infrastructure is deteriorating, and the building is in violation of a number of health and safety codes.

The renovations would make the building code-compliant, improve technological infrastructure, add a new entrance and intermission plaza to the auditorium, possibly provide for air conditioning and a backup generator so the school can be used as a shelter during massive power outages, revamp the pool house, create new fitness and dance rooms, and enlarge lockers, among many other changes.

“It’s a multi-faceted building that provides opportunities for not only students but for the entire community of Naugatuck,” Heller said about the soon-to-be renovated school.

As part of the project, the Board of Education central office will be moved to the school, and the football field will become a multi-sport synthetic turf field.

With a better school, Janet Ireland felt more Naugatuck residents would stay in town for their education.

“I’m tired of seeing (Naugatuck students) going to Sacred Heart or Holy Cross,” said Ireland, who voted in favor the plan.

The borough’s state reimbursement rate is 75 percent for much of the project. Exactly how much Naugatuck will have to bond for its share won’t be known until officials submit finished plans to the state.

Officials estimated the town’s cost will be between $25 million and $37 million. Based on Controller Wayne McAllister’s estimate that the borough would spend $30 million, the project could increase property taxes by $2 next year for a home assessed at $200,000. In 2018, the year of the biggest jump, the project could mean a $42 tax increase for a home of the same value, although Grand List growth and the impact of revaluations every five years remains unknown.

The uncertainty around the cost of the project was a criticism of the plan leading up to the referendum and the reason why Shirley Anderson cast her ballot against the project.

Anderson said she was too uncertain about what the project would ultimately cost to vote for it.

“I feel that there was another way to go about it,” said Anderson, who felt the town didn’t give out enough information for voters to make a decision.

With the affirmation of the voters in place, the next step for the borough is to hire an architect to design plans and submit them to the state. If everything goes as planned, work is expected to begin next fall and be completed in the summer of 2015.

Ed Fennell opposed the Naugatuck High School renovation plan because he thought the synthetic turf fields included would be a waste of money. ‘The fields will be worn out before we finish paying for them’ Fennell said.

Heller said he’s thankful for the leadership and efforts of Superintendent of Schools John Tindall-Gibson, Mayor Robert Mezzo, and the Residents for Renovation group in helping to get the project to where it is today.

“The citizens of Naugatuck realize Naugatuck High School is the centerpiece of our community, and it’s a valuable asset for both our students and our entire community,” Heller said.

Gerard Smith* (R): 1,024; Susan Cable (D): 927

Selectman

David D’Amico* (R): 990; Chris Bielik* (D): 961

Treasurer

Michael Krenesky* (R): 1,049; Art Daigle (D): 867

Board of Education

Priscilla Cretella* (D/R): 1,760; Wendy Oliveira* (D): 1,129; John Blesse (R): 814

Tax Collector

Millie Jurzynski* (D): 985; Ed Groth (R): 923

Board of Finance

Lou DiPiro* (D): 1,286

Board of Assessment Appeals

Kathy Brown* (R): 989; Carolyn McMahon (D): 848

Zoning Board of Appeals

William Giglio* (D): 948; Douglas Bousquet* (R): 920

Library Board of Trustees

James Moffat* (R): 1,234; Erik Dey* (D): 1,043; Arlene Brumer (D): 865

Total Voters: 1,971 of 3,758 (52%)

* Denotes winners

Mayor

Robert Chatfield (R)* – 2025

Anthony Dorso (D) – 586

Town Council

Eileen Cranney (D) – 774

Michael Scaviola (D)* – 779

Patricia Sullivan Geary (D)* – 988

Theresa Cocchiola Graveline (D)* – 997

Carl L. Graveline (D)* – 783

Stanley Pilat (R)* – 1600

Jeffrey B. Slapikas(R)* – 1632

Thomas J. Galvin(R)* – 1500

Douglas B. Merriman (R)* – 1593

Robert E. Doyon (R)* – 1619

Town Clerk

M. Carrie Anderson (R)* – 2150

Town Treasurer

David R. Young (R)* – 2111

Tax Collector

Diane M. Lauber (R)* – 2191

Board of Assessment Appeals

Janice Mallon (D) – 713

Peter Blinstrubas (D)* – 790

Lisa E. Mason (R)* – 1593

Marie J. Kluge (R)* – 1760

Planning and Zoning Commission

E. Gil Graveline Jr. (D)*

Gregory Ploski (D)*

Jack L. Crumb (R)*

Tim Reilly (U)

Zoning Board of Appeals

David E. Michaud (D)* – 1043

Gena E. Mann (D) – 916

Charles Wilkowski (R)* – 1733

Marianne Byrnes (R)* – 1789

Board of Education – Full Term

Jeffrey LaMontagne (D) – 865

Chip Aldrich (D) – 677

David T. Wartko (R)* – 1485

Donna M. Cullen (R)* – 1767

Board of Education – Two year term to fill a vacancy

Trish Spofford (D) – 955

Nazih G. Noujaim (R)* – 1469

Democrat Slate

First Selectman: Susan Cable*

Selectman: Chris Bielik

Treasurer: Art Daigle

Board of Education: Wendy Oliveira*, Priscilla Cretella*

Zoning Board of Appeals: William Giglio*

Board of Assessment Appeals: Carolyn McMahon*

Board of Finance: Lou DiPiro

Library Board of Trustees: Erik Dey, Arlene Brumer

Tax Collector: Millie Jurzynski*

Republican Slate

First Selectman: Gerard Smith

Selectman: David D’Amico

Treasurer: Michael A. Krenesky

Board of Education: John Blesse, Priscilla Cretella*

Zoning Board of Appeals: Douglas R. Bousquet*

Board of Assessment Appeals: Kathy Brown

Board of Finance: Vacant

Library Board of Trustees: James Moffat

Tax Collector: Ed Groth

* indicates incumbent

Unaffiliated

Planning and Zoning Commission: Tim Reilly

Democrat Slate

Mayor: Anthony Dorso

Town Clerk: Vacant

Town Treasurer: Vacant

Tax Collector: Vacant

Town Council: Eileen Cranney, Theresa Cocchiola Graveline*, Carl Graveline,* Patricia Sullivan Geary*, Michael Scaviola*

Board of Assessment Appeals: Peter Blinstrubas, Janice Mallon*

Planning and Zoning Commission: E. Gil Graveline Jr., Gregory Ploski*

Zoning Board of Appeals: David E. Michaud, Gena E. Mann

Board of Education (four-year term): Chip Aldrich, Jeffery A. LaMontagne

Board of Education (two-year term): Trish Spofford (unaffiliated)

Republican Slate

Mayor: Robert Chatfield*

Town Clerk: M. Carrie Anderson*

Town Treasurer: David R. Young*

Tax Collector: Diane M. Lauber*

Town Council: Robert E. Doyon*, Thomas J. Galvin*, Douglas B. Merriman*, Stanley Pilat*, Jeffrey B. Slapikas*

Planning and Zoning Commission: Jack L. Crumb*

Zoning Board of Appeals: Marianne W. Byrne*, Charles M. Witkowski (incumbent ?)

Board of Assessment Appeals: Marie J. Kluge*, Lisa E. Mason*

Board of Education (four-year term): Donna M. Cullen*, David T. Wartko*

Board of Education (two-year term): Nazih G. Noujaim*

* indicates incumbent

Editor’s note: Cretella was cross endorsed by the Beacon Falls Democrat and Republican town committees.

Beacon Falls

Board of Education

Priscilla Cretella

Age: 60

Occupation: Interior Decorator

Past political posts: 25 years on the Region 16 Board of Education

Education: Seymour High School, Naugatuck Valley Community College

What should be the educational priorities of the school district?

“The educational priorities of Region 16 should always put students first by giving them every opportunity to learn and be prepared with the skills necessary for everyday life.

How do you plan to approach the next budget cycle?

“Very carefully. Extremely trying times will call for extra consideration of all parts of the budget — personnel, curriculum, technology, our facilities, class size, and sports. I’m hoping the Board of Education will have two additional budget workshops so that the public will be able to participate more fully.”

What are your qualifications for this position?

“My ability to communicate and work with all people of both towns gives me the greatest insight into what’s needed and wanted. I can negotiate and compromise to make the best plan for our students and the communities. I’ve completed 25 years on the Region 16 Board of Education. This experience has helped me to work with all areas of the Region 16 staff, certified as well as non-certified, for the betterment or our students.”

What do you feel is the most important issue affecting students today? And how would you address it?

“Achievement. High academic standards are needed to prepare our students, but we must have open lines of communication for these students so they can deal with peer pressure, competitive sports, and home-life baggage. The Board of Education needs to encourage communication to ease the strain of transitioning grades, from fifth to sixth and eighth to ninth. Professional development for all staff is given and very necessary to help support our students.”