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Saybrook Democrats May Have First Selectman Challenger in November

Old Saybrook Democrats held an caucus on July 22, nominating a full slate of candidates for local offices, including a challenger to First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. That nominee, John J. O’Brien, is still deciding whether or not to run.

“I was nominated from the floor and I was voted in,” O’Brien said. “I really didn’t have a response to that nomination and it was the last day that we had to put a name in. Although I am considering it...I can’t honestly tell you right now that I am going to do it. I’m in a position of considering it at the present.”

Democratic Town Committee Chair Janis Esty said that it’s not unusual at a caucus to nominate someone from the floor with no warning.

“Maybe a little unusual for a first selectman spot,” she conceded.

O’Brien has the experience for the job, Esty said, including 14 years on the Board of Finance, in addition to serving on other town committees.

Barry O’Nell, “who nominated him, thought he was well qualified,” Esty said. “If he chooses to go, he’d be a wonderful candidate.”

The Democrats voted to return two-term Selectman Carol Conklin back to the Board of Selectman.

Old Saybrook Democratic Candidate for Municipal Office:

First Selectman: John J. O’Brien

Selectman: Carol A. Conklin

Board of Finance: C. Marston Ladd, Patricia H. O’Brien

Board of Education (full term): George Chang

Board of Assessment Appeals: Carl C. Garbe, Jeffrey R. Gibson

Planning Commission: Karen M. Prendergast, Kenneth W. Soudan

Zoning Commission: Ann Marie Thorsen

Zoning Board of Appeals: Dorothy M. O’Nell

Police Commission (full term): Adam S. Ladd, Daniel M. Moran,

Loraine M. Cortez-Costa

Police Commission (to fill vacancy for two years): Alfred H. Wilcox

Park and Recreation Commission: Susan E. Esty

Harbor Management Commission: Paul M. Connolly,

Stephen R. Sheehan