Democrat Miller Wins a Fourth Term in Essex as Republican Marzi Wins a Seat on the Board of Selectmen
By Charles Stannard
ESSEX— Democratic First Selectman Phil Miller won a fourth term Tuesday, defeating Republican challenger Joel Marzi on a 1,437 to 1,061 vote.
Democratic Selectman Norman Needleman was re-elected to the board of selectmen with 1,428 votes. Marzi, a board of finance member, outpolled his running-mate, Republican Selectman Vince Pacileo, to win the third seat on the board. Pacileo, who has served on the board since 2003, received 1,041 votes.
Miller’s margin of victory, 376 votes, was lower than the more 800 vote margins recorded with his first election in 2003 over Republican Kenneth Wexler and in 2005 over Republican Richard Stebbins. Miller was uncontested by town Republicans in 2007.
Miller, after receiving a congratulatory handshake from Marzi in the crowded town hall auditorium, said he looks forward to working with his election rival during the next two years. “We ran a very positive race,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with Joel on the board of selectmen and I think he brings instant credibility to the board.” Miller acknowledged he was “a little uncertain,” about the outcome in the final days of the hotly contested race, adding “I am grateful to the people of Essex for their support.”
Democrats won all of the other contested races on the ballot. About 2,500 of the town’s 4,572 registered voters cast ballots Tuesday, a turnout of approximately 54% percent.
Democrat Megan Dwyer Haskins was elected as tax collector, defeating Republican Mark Pratt on a 1,539-891 vote.
Incumbent Democrats James Francis and Fred Vollono were re-elected to the board of finance, outpolling Republicans Jeffrey Woods and Roger Kern. Francis, who serves as board chairman, received 1,394 votes, with 1,293 votes for Vollono. Woods had 1,071 votes, Kern received 1,005 votes.
Democrats Jennifer Clark and Chris Riley were elected to the Region 4 Board of Education, defeating Republicans Gregory Cassells and Philip Reynolds. Clark polled 1,380 votes, with Riley garnering 1,320 votes. Reynolds had 1,031 votes, with 958 votes for Cassells.
All three candidates for the Essex Board of Education will be seated on the board. Democrat Lon Seidman, who serves as board chairman, received 1,394 votes for the six year spot, with 971 votes for Republican Don Fitton. Incumbent Republican member Suzanne Helchowski received 1,550 votes for a two year seat.
Incumbent Town Clerk Frances Nolin and Town Treasurer Robert Dixon were uncontested for new four-year terms. Incumbent Democrat Anne Dougherty was also uncontested for a new term on the board of assessment appeals.
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