Newly elected board: a chance for change

With Winsted’s 2009 municipal election behind us, Laurel City residents can take a breather and enjoy the pleasant feelings associated with a newly elected board. Thankfully, this season of rebirth and change comes around every two years for townspeople, who have the power to make the ultimate decisions on the town’s leadership.

One of the most pleasing results of this year’s vote comes in the fact that the Winchester Board of Selectmen is no longer dominated by a supermajority, which was the source of some consternation during the past term. With a more equitable balance of Democrats and Republicans, the board will now be required to reach consensus on many issues, including decisions on how to assemble boards and commissions.

The only danger is in the potential for the new Democratic majority, led by Candy Perez and George Closson, to engage in revenge politics, leaving Republicans out of the decision-making process and ignoring their ideas. This kind of tit-for-tat behavior would be good for no one in the long term and would certainly not help the new majority in the next election.

And, despite how some in the community might feel about the local GOP, former Mayor Ken Fracasso and Selectman Karen Beadle have proven themselves to be level-headed community members who actually listen to opposing arguments and think independently. While debate over the issues is healthy and encouraged, it would be nice to see Republicans and Democrats agreeing on some issues as the new term commences.

These selectmen should be strongly encouraged by members of the public to end partisan politics and make decisions based on the consensus of individuals and not a party agenda. Partisan bullying didn’t work during the last term, and more of it will only result in increased voter apathy. In these difficult economic times, town leaders cannot afford to lose any more allies.

The election of a new board offers an opportunity for a real change, but not the kind that is ushered in by a bully pulpit. Cooperation, empathy and civility are this board’s recipe for success.

Latest News

Fallen tree cancels jubilee

Fallen tree cancels jubilee

The roof of the Grove was damaged by the tree, the event tent was punctured, a chef was injured and the Jubilee Luncheon was canceled Sunday, Oct. 12.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

LAKEVILLE — The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News Jubilee Luncheon fundraiser at the Grove Sunday, Oct. 12 was canceled after a very large section of a tree fell on the caterer’s tent at about 10 a.m.

Most of the catering staff heard the tree breaking up and got out of the tent in time, but the chef was hit by the falling limbs and sustained non-critical injuries.

Keep ReadingShow less
weather

Kent School senior killed, parents hurt in car crash

Kent School senior killed, parents hurt in car crash

Emergency responders block Amenia Union Road in Sharon Saturday, Oct. 11, while responding to the vehicle crash.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

Updated Oct. 13, 9:25 a.m.:

SHARON — Shea Cassidy-Teti, 17, of Salisbury, died Saturday, Oct. 11, in a tragic car crash on Amenia Union Road in Sharon.

Keep ReadingShow less

Rhys V. Bowen

Rhys V. Bowen

LAKEVILLE — Rhys V. Bowen, 65, of Foxboro, Massachusetts, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Sept. 15, 2025. Rhys was born in Sharon, Connecticut, on April 9, 1960 to Anne H. Bowen and the late John G. Bowen. His brother, David, died in 1979.

Rhys grew up at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, where his father taught English. Attending Hotchkiss, Rhys excelled in academics and played soccer, basketball, and baseball. During these years, he also learned the challenges and joys of running, and continued to run at least 50 miles a week, until the day he died.

Keep ReadingShow less

Kelsey K. Horton

Kelsey K. Horton

LAKEVILLE — Kelsey K. Horton, 43, a lifelong area resident, died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut, following a courageous battle with cancer. Kelsey worked as a certified nursing assistant and administrative assistant at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, from 1999 until 2024, where she was a very respected and loved member of their nursing and administrative staff.

Born Oct. 4, 1981, in Sharon, she was the daughter of W. Craig Kellogg of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and JoAnne (Lukens) Tuncy and her husband Donald of Millerton, New York. Kelsey graduated with the class of 1999 from Webutuck High School in Amenia and from BOCES in 1999 with a certificate from the CNA program as well. She was a longtime member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church in Lakeville. On Oct. 11, 2003, in Poughkeepsie, New York, she married James Horton. Jimmy survives at home in Lakeville. Kelsey loved camping every summer at Waubeeka Family Campground in Copake, and she volunteered as a cheer coach for A.R.C. Cheerleading for many years. Kelsey also enjoyed hiking and gardening in her spare time and spending time with her loving family and many dear friends.

Keep ReadingShow less