NAUGATUCK — At least two Republican candidates will seek the party’s nomination to run for mayor in November.
By the middle of this week, Democrats may have at least one candidate out of the gates, too.
Over the weekend, Republican Seth Bronko, 26, the son of former Mayor Michael Bronko and co-owner of Bronko Construction Co., announced on his Facebook page that he’s holding an official mayoral campaign kickoff April 28 at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant.
Bronko, who has never held elected office, said he is running because he wants to serve the community he has called home all his life.
“I’m not satisfied with our current position, and I want to do whatever I can to help make a positive difference in our town,” he said. “I believe I can bring the fresh vision, passion and leadership necessary to get Naugatuck going back in the right direction. As mayor, my main priority will be to work to get Naugatuck back in business.”
Burgess Alexander Olbrys, 23, is the other Republican who made his candidacy official. He announced April 9 during a kickoff at The Corner Tavern.
Candidates sense an opportunity as the mayoral seat is wide open.
In March, several potential mayoral candidates contemplated a run for the top spot when current Mayor Robert Mezzo, a Democrat, announced he was not seeking re-election for a fourth term. Longtime Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi, a Republican, also announced she will not seek elected office in the fall. So far, only Olbrys and Bronko have come forward to make their candidacy official.
That could change this week.
Democratic Town Chairman M. Leonard Caine III has announced the committee will discuss a potential slate of candidates at a special meeting Wednesday night. Caine anticipates candidates will come forward Wednesday to announce bids for mayor and burgess.
“This is an opportunity for any Naugatuck Democrat interested in running for mayor or burgess in the November 2015 municipal election to make a presentation to the DTC about their credentials, experiences and vision for Naugatuck,” he said.
All interested mayoral or burgess candidates are encouraged to attend, he said.
Presentations for other municipal offices will take place later in the spring.
Wednesday’s meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the Hall of Burgesses on the fourth floor of Town Hall, 229 Church St.
The next Republican Town Committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 29, also in the Hall of Burgesses at Town Hall.
