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09/03/2019 01:45 PMPolls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 for a Democratic primary for the the Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC). The race is between Jennie Caldwell, a healthcare professional endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee (DTC), and 24-year incumbent Peter Criscuolo.
While the DTC voted to endorse Caldwell for the position at its July 16 nominating convention, Criscuolo obtained 451 signatures from registered town Democrats, more than double the 220 required to trigger a primary.
Caldwell has been a resident of North Haven since 2006.
“I decided to run because I am a survivor of a fire and I know how important it is to have adequate emergency personnel because quick response for a fire department can save your life,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell holds an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy and special education. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare management.
She previously served on the Board of Education from 2011 to 2017, where she served as the chair of the policy committee.
“Throughout the course of my time on the BOE, I advocated for open, transparent conversations about the things that the school district needed and being able to use data to have informed discussion and have informed decision making,” she said. “I would do the same with the BOFC.”
As a commissioner, she said she would support Chief Paul Januszewski’s requests for more staff.
“I think residents should really be made aware of what the issues are and have some ability to have input about where our money goes,” Caldwell said. “I will bring a fresh perspective” to the BOFC.
Criscuolo pointed to his experience and passion as reasons to return him to the seat.
“Being on the BOFC for 24 years, you can’t take away that experience,” he said. “I will do the best job anyone will ever ask of a fire commissioner and I think my record proves that.”
Criscuolo said he has raised $102,000 for firefighters’ equipment and attended fire training beyond his station. He said he also supported efforts to afford volunteer firefighters tax exemptions and advocated for paramedics on all shifts during his term.
Though he did not receive the DTC’s endorsement, Criscuolo has been endorsed by the North Haven Professional Firefighters Association and three local volunteer companies—Montowese Company 2, West Ridge Company 3, and Northeast Company 4.
The Democratic primary will be held for all registered North Haven Democrats on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Absentee ballots can be issued through Monday, Sept. 9. For absentee ballot information, contact the Registrars of Voters at 203-239-5321 ext. 640 or the Town Clerk’s Office at 203-239-5321 ext. 630 or townclerk@northhaven-ct.gov.
All normal polling places will be open on primary election day.
-Nathan Hughart contributed reporting to this story.