Row A Was A Clear Winner on Election Day

Row A was a clear winner last night

When the New Canaan Democratic Town Committee caucused last summer to pick its slate of candidates for Town Council and Board of Education, it thought it had a winning slate. Each incumbent candidate had a record of serving with dedication, intelligence and integrity. Each individual looking to win a new seat on the Council or Board of Ed had a demonstrated commitment to public service in their professional and personal lives.

On Tuesday, when the votes were counted, the confidence expressed across the board at the caucus was confirmed. Every individual on the Democratic slate, Row A, had won their seat, bringing balance to these important town bodies. Incumbent Hillary Ormond was the top vote-getter among the Council candidates, garnering 3,284 votes. Similarly, Erica Schwedel topped the candidates running for the Board, with 3,427 votes.

DTC Chair Tim Klimpl told The New Canaanite: “Tonight voters in New Canaan decisively chose better balance in our town government. New Canaan Democrats will protect our most beloved institutions. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.”

The three Democrats joining Hillary Ormond who will be getting to work on the Council are: Mike Rodgers, Heather Russell and Lina Lee. Joining Erica Schwedel on the Board are Kate Brambilla and Josh Kaye.

Josh Kaye, running for his second time, thanked New Canaan voters, saying: “It’s been a long road getting to tonight, and I’m looking forward to digging in and getting to work for our schools on a more balanced Board of Education.”

Hillary also cited the improved balance and, looking ahead, said: “Let’s get to it, there’s a lot of work to do.”

The election drew 6,144 votes, about 42 percent of the registered number of voters. About one-third of the voters took advantage of the early voting opportunity.