[Updated] Delnicki Fails To Secure Republican Nomination For South Windsor Town Council

In what may have been an historic turnout for a South Windsor Republican caucus, Mayor Tom Delnicki failed to earn the nomination from the floor to run for the Town Council in November.

"I'm shocked," Delnicki said. "Now I have to determine what my next move is."
Incumbents Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano, Cary Prague, Kevin McCann, Cindy Beaulieu and Jan Snyder as well as newcomer Carolyn Streeter Mirek, who is the current town treasurer, are the six nominees for the Town Council.

It was a stunning development for many of the 220 registered Republicans who turned out on Tuesday, which created a standing-room only crowd.

Delnicki received just 115 votes, while Bazzano received 139 votes, Beaulieu received 145, McCann 146, Prague 176, Snyder 169 and Streeter Mirek 166. 

Delnicki, who was the Republicans' top vote-getter on the council for the last two municipal elections, failed to earn the nomination despite a ringing endorsement from former Mayor Tom Mitchell.

The Republicans currently enjoy a 6-3 majority on the Town Council; that majority includes Delnicki.

That the mayor - who has served eight terms on the council - had to fight to get back on the ballot perplexed some people.

"It was bewildering that someone who adheres to the core Republican principle of careful spending becomes a target," said former state Rep. Kevin Rennie.

Fissures between Delnicki and the Republican committee came to a head in May when Delnicki resigned from the RTC. Among the disputes between Delnicki and some town Republicans included how the 2013-14 budget was put together. In addition, Delnicki was a vocal opponent to a proposed $10.5 million recreation complex that other Republicans on the council appeared to be more receptive to.

Bazzano, for his part, declined to comment on Delnicki, focusing instead on the strength of the nominees and the future.

"I think it is a great slate and will move the town forward," Bazzano said. "This slate is very focused on what we are hearing from our constituents on what it takes to compete as a town. The caucus that came out tonight spoke to the fact of wanting to move the town forward and creating a better environment for South Windsor residents. ...

"I'm very excited to run with this slate of candidates more than I've ever been. With the addition of Carolyn Streeter Mirek, who is very knowledgeable about South Windsor since she has lived here all her life, it adds one more dimension to moving this town forward."

Indeed, Streeter Mirek is the daughter of former Mayor Linc Streeter, who endorsed her at the caucus. She is also the sister of former Mayor Matt Streeter.

But the caucus results may not be the end of the issue.

While stopping short of saying he would force a primary, Delnicki said he was going to explore all options.

"All I am saying is don't count me out," Delnicki said.

Prior to the vote, longtime Republicans commented on how they had never seen anything like the turnout for Tuesday evening's caucus.

But state Rep. Bill Aman said that the large number of people present on Tuesday was a good thing.

"It shows there is a huge interest in local politics," Aman said. "People may be cynical on the national level, but on the local level, people are willing to put in the time and effort."

Who was running for Town Council presented the only drama for the caucus, which had no other nominations from the floor.

Other candidates include the following:

• Board of Education - David Joy, Lisa Maneeley, Phil Koboski, Matthew Riley and Richard Stahr;

• Board of Selectmen - Paul Burnham and Matthew Mitchell;

• Planning & Zoning - William Butter, William Carroll, Jr., and Lavina Wilson;

• Constable - Audrey Delnicki, Jay Murtha and Daniel Seypura;

• Town Treasurer - Barbara "Cookie" Pandiscia;

• Town Clerk - Lori Trahan (cross endorsed).