Dems strive to make an impact

The need for Democrats to make a resurgence in coming New Milford elections is not lost on party power brokers.

That theme was central to the discussion at the party's Jan. 17 caucus.

"There was a loud and clear message from people attending that we have to revitalize the Democratic presence in New Milford," said Mary Jane Lundgren, Town Council member and Democratic Town Committee member.

"Jeff Winter's heart clearly is still in contributing," said Ms. Lundgren, referring to the 2011 Democratic mayoral candidate, who withdrew from the race months before November's election. "John Tower made good points about the sparsity of Democrats on boards and commissions in the town and our need to look at ourselves as a party and see where we are going and how we're going to get there."

Bringing young blood into the DTC was addressed as well, committee member Bob Coppola said. Two men in their 20s were re-elected to the committee: Max Friedman and Gaston Grenier.

In all, five new members recommended by the DTC executive committee became members, while six names called from the floor did not make the cut.

Mr. Winter and Bob Rush were among those six.

DTC member and town councilman Peter Mullen said the six were not elected due to their sparse attendance at 2011 meetings.

Mr. Winter reported Tuesday while he was in attendance and vocal at the Jan. 17 caucus, "I am not going to be politically active with the current makeup of the Democratic Town Committee."

"We have to expand our borders because we have not done well in past elections," Mr. Coppola said. "Bringing young members into the Democratic Town Committee was essential."

DTC members reported they were heartened by the turnout for the Jan. 17 caucus. Some 80 Democrats attended, Mullen estimated.

Committee chairman John Lillis said the enthusiasm shown and turn out for the caucus was exciting.

The possibility of changing bylaws to allow expanding the DTC from 35 to 40 members will be discussed at a future DTC meeting, Mr. Mullen said.

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-355-7322