Government

Mallozzi Seeks Recount, Ballot Review Following 10-Vote Loss at Republican Caucus

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As he indicated immediately after a 612-602 vote loss at the Republican caucus this week, First Selectman Rob Mallozzi has put in a formal request for a recount of the ballots cast at the GOP meeting. Mallozzi told NewCanaanite.com that he has asked the caucus moderator and chairman of the Republican Town Committee—state Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125th) and Patrick Donovan, respectively—for a recount of the results “and a complete review of the books and information, including spoiled ballots, names of who voted, [and] amount of ballots handed out.”

“I have asked Judge Russell A. Kimes and former Town Council member E. Roger Williams to be present and observe this recount effort,” Mallozzi said. The call for a review of Tuesday night’s caucus results comes in the wake of what many called a surprising result, with Town Council member Kevin Moynihan garnering 10 more votes than the three-term incumbent first selectman. Asked whether he would consider pursuing a fourth term in some other way despite the narrow caucus loss, Mallozzi has said only that he is “considering all options.”

Those may include trying again to get on the Republican party line on November’s ballots by forcing a primary in September, or by getting his name on the ballot as a petitioning candidate.

Government

Mallozzi ‘Considering All Options’ after Narrow Loss at Republican Caucus

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First Selectman Rob Mallozzi said Wednesday that he is “considering all options” with respect to a fourth term as New Canaan’s highest elected official. Town Council member Kevin Moynihan’s 10-vote margin of victory—612 votes 602—at Tuesday’s Republican caucus has given the three-term incumbent pause as he weighs whether it’s best for him and the community to watch this election season from the sidelines or push forward with a campaign in some form, Mallozzi said. Asked about his plans, Mallozzi said he’s received a “barrage of phone calls, emails and messages” from residents who support him and that he “absolutely will not ignore” their calls for him to consider a run. “It’s five swing votes and that is not enough to say immediately what I am doing,” Mallozzi said. The first selectman said he greeted municipal employees as they made their way into Town Hall on Wednesday morning, reassuring them that he is “still fully into this role.”

“I am not sitting at home today weeping,” Mallozzi said.

Government

Republicans Back Moynihan, Williams at Caucus; Butterworth, Engel, Townsend and Young for Town Council [UPDATED]

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New Canaan Republicans by a 10-vote margin on Tuesday backed Kevin Moynihan for the town’s highest elected office, voting 612-602 in favor of the Town Council member with incumbent First Selectman Rob Mallozzi coming in second at the party’s caucus, while voting for a mix of established and new candidates in down-ballot races. Here’s a table breaking down the results of the caucus, held at New Canaan High School (story continues below):

 

Selectman Nick Williams, a three-term incumbent, won party backing over challenger Christa Kenin, elected two years ago to the Town Council. And among Republicans vying for seats on the Town Council, the top-four vote-getters were incumbents John Engel and Penny Young, as well as two newcomers to elected office, Tom Butterworth and Rich Townsend, who garnered more votes than anyone. Asked about the prospect of a primary in September, given the close margin, Mallozzi said: “I am going to sit back and think about things. The 10-vote swing is not a big swing, so clearly there is a lot of support for both candidates in town.

News

Letter: In Support of Mallozzi-Williams for First Selectman, Selectman

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I am writing this letter as a proud son and because I believe in New Canaan’s public servants, volunteers, employees, Republicans, Democrats, and everyone else who is fortunate enough to live or work in such an amazing town. When I was ten years old my dad, Rob Mallozzi III, decided he had more to give to our community than a beloved retail store, leading the Family Fourth, and various charitable endeavors so he chose to volunteer at the New Canaan Fire Company. Every Tuesday night for four years, he slept on the living room couch so that he wouldn’t wake his family up when the tones went off and told him that he was needed at the firehouse. When Hurricane Irene arrived the weekend after I left for college, my dad was at the EOC, staying up all night to make sure that New Canaan had the resources it needed to weather the storm. While his family and other New Canaan residents slept, Rob was committed to making sure they would wake up to see the town they love still thriving.