At the town meeting that night, something even more extraordinary happened. People filled the high school auditorium (and the overflow rooms) and expressed views that were overwhelmingly in favor of the school budget.

“Send it to the voters” declared the speakers.

And remarkably petitions were submitted with over 1600 signatures (now approaching 2000) all saying that they would support the proposed budget.

So, when the Board of Finance held its workshop this evening, you would think that might have an impact.

You would be wrong.

Only the two Democrats on the board, Tom Gugliotti and Brett Eisenlohr spoke in favor of sending the existing budgets to voters as proposed. Indeed, Mr. Gugliotti asked his fellow board members to explain why they would not support that proposition.  Silence.

Indeed, one by one, the Republicans said that they would not support the budgets as proposed. They talked merely about increase percentage to the “mill rate” — essentially the property tax — as if the rate that they set had no real-world translation to the school and town budget.

Of course, because the town’s revenues are down, just to MAINTAIN the existing budget would mean the town would have to increase the mill rate by well over a percentage.  And where were the Republicans on on a mill rate increase (note that these are higher percentages than the resulting increase in spending)? These were their starting positions:

• William Hooper – 4.5%
• Tom Harrison – 3.5%-4%
• Jim Speich – 3.8%
• Margaret Bratton – 2.5%
• Cathy Durdan – 2.5%

Ultimately, the five Republicans voted in favor of a 4.4% increase in the mill rate (which translates to just a 2.8% increase to the town’s current spending levels.)

For the Board of Education budget, that would result in over 1 million in cuts from the proposed budget and a modest increase of the current year of 4.5%.  Considering that salary and benefits increases required by contract translate to a 4.5% increase, this is once again going to result in some significant issues.

Here is a list of potential cuts that the Board of Education will now have to consider.

What the Board of Education decides to do in the weeks ahead is unclear, but what is clear now is that when Avon citizens spoke and spoke loudly, some on the Board of Finance refuse to listen.

Congressman Murphy is currently on a bipartisan mission to Israel, Egypt, and Turkey, with eight members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Click here for an article from JTA describing the mission. He returns this weekend and will be giving a special briefing on his trip.  It’s an open meeting, particularly those in Avon, and refreshments will be served. Please join us January 12, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at FVJC-Emek Shalom, 55 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT.

Please RSVP to Jo LaRocco 860-727-6169 Email:jlarocco@jewishhartford.org.

Incumbent David Pena tonight won re-election to the Town Council seat by a 173 vote margin. The unofficial results show David (of the Avon Democrats) getting 1636 votes with Bill Hooper receiving 1463.

David’s re-election ensure that the Town Council maintains a 3-2 split between the Republican party and the Democrats.

Congratulations to David Pena!

My opponent wants voters to believe that balance is attributed solely to party affiliation. While I adamantly believe that a strong minority voice ensures healthy debate the balance I bring is based on much more than party affiliation.

Community Involvement

Over the 17 years my family and I have lived in Avon, I have been actively involved with many different groups and causes such as:

• Former President of Avon Chamber of Commerce 1999-2003
• Board member Avon Dollar for Scholars 2004-present
• Member on the Planning and Zoning Commission 2000-2007
• Recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as the Loren Bristol Spirit Award recipient given for outstanding volunteerism 2009

Inquiry-Based Decisions

Through my civic involvement and my experience on the Town Council, I have witnessed the challenges facing Avon. My decisions on the town council are made by gathering broad and balanced input, always recognizing that there are two sides to any issue. I am also known for my accessibility, establishing open lines of communication, and my willingness to listen and explore alternatives before deciding the best solution.

My opponent is a longtime Avon resident.  I challenge the idea that his tenure translates to understanding issues and developing effective solutions. In fact, given the dramatic increase in the population of this community more than half of this town are relatively new residents. The issues we face are a far cry from when my opponent attended high school here.

Endorsed by the Hartford Courant

In endorsing me, the Hartford Courant has recognized that the current representation has been effective. My opponent was the only candidate not mentioned in the endorsement.

I am proud of the work I have done on the Town Council. It now comes down to every vote counting. I cannot win re-election without your vote, so please show your support by casting your vote for me and encourage others to do so as well.

Every VOTE counts

The major lesson reinforced in this history setting election is “Every vote does count”. You have probably seen the signs that express one of the key mandates of this election. We need to keep the balance that two Democrats affords the Town Council and thus the town of

As a public service, we’ve reprinted the town e-mail here in full:

On November 24, 2009 an adjourned election will be held to resolve a tie vote to elect a member to the Town Council. The polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following polling locations:

District #1 – Avon High School, 510 West Avon Road, Gymnasium

District #2 – Avon Town Hall, 60 West Main Street, Building #1 – Selectmen’s Chamber

District #3 – Roaring Brook School, 30 Old Wheeler Lane, Gymnasium

Absentee ballots will be available. Any questions regarding absentee ballots should be directed to the Town Clerk’s Office at 409-4310. The Town Clerk will be in her office at 60 West Main Street, Building #2 on Saturday, November 21, 2009 to issue absentee ballots from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for anyone unable to come to the office during normal business hours.

All three regular town voting locations will be used (Town Hall, Roaring Brook School, Avon High School) and the polls will be open regular hours (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

We’ll post more details as they become available, but this election is vital to maintaining a balance on the Town Council. If David were to lose his bid for re-election, the Republicans would hold a 4-1 advantage.

So, tell your neighbors and friends: The town elections are continuing November 24th! Help re-elect David Pena.

The Town of Avon Department of Social Services is seeking local families, individuals, and other parties who would be interested in sponsoring an Avon family in need for the Thanksgiving holiday and/or Christmas holiday. Information about how to help is available on the town website here.

Due to a growing trend of dietary/allergy restrictions, the Department is recommending Gift Cards (in lieu of Food Baskets) to local stores (i.e. Big Y, Stop & Shop), as these are highly appreciated by those most in need.

This is a terrific program (though don’t forgot the other local organizations that serve clients as well.)  In this tough economic climate, every little bit helps.

But all this means in the Town Council race is that Democrat David Pena got a little (and we mean a LITTLE) more breathing room for the final and remaining spot. The previously reported 3-vote lead is now pegged at 14 votes.

The recount will take place Monday at 1pm in the Avon Room at Town Hall. It is open to the public but will be supervised by poll workers for both parties.

The Hartford Courant reported on the election. An automatic recount will happen because the election results show Democrat David Pena leading Republican William Hooper by just three votes (and who says voting doesn’t matter). As the article notes, however, there are several positive things that the Avon Democratic Party can take away from the election according to town committee chairman Chris Gaffney:

Gaffney said that in some past years, Avon Democrats could participate in town government only because of rules that guarantee minority party representation. But this year, he said, he was encouraged by strong showings by both Shea on the council and Democratic school board victor Jay Spivak.

“While this isn’t the result we were hoping for, I see a silver lining,” Gaffney said. “We continue to make strides demographically.”

The results are still being officially tallied, but here are the preliminary numbers on the election results.

Town Council (5 Seats)

(Candidates listed by party affiliation and votes received)

1. Mark W. Zacchio Republican 2966
2. William J. Shea II Democrat 2763
3. Pamela V. Samul Republican 2737
4. Douglas M. Evans Republican 2735
5. David Pena* Democrat 2454
6. William R. Hooper* Republican 2453
7. James J. Longworth Democrat 1887

* recount pending

Board of Finance (4 Seats)

1. James E. Speich Republican 2503
2. Cathy M. Durdan Republican 2477
3. Margaret H. Bratton Republican 2448
4. Thomas A. Gugliotti Democrat 2362
5. Peter J. Mahoney Democrat 2011
6. Brian W. Preleski Democrat 1790
7. Thomas R. West III Democrat 1779

Board of Education (4 Seats)

1. Jay S. Spivak Democrat 2553
2. Peggy J. Roell Republican 2416
3. Kathy Zirolli Republican 2389
4. William C. Stokesbury Republican 2354
5. Benjamin S. Colman Democrat 1945
6. Kelley R. Lanahan Democrat 1883
7. Thomas S. McIntyre Democrat 1863
8. John Douglas Corning Independent 479

Board of Assessment Appeals (2 Seats)

1. Richard S. Connel Republican 2576
2. Timothy S. Owens Democrat 2320
3. Samuel D. Chester Democrat 2125

Zoning Board of Appeals (2 Seats)

1. Eric C. Johansen Republican 2629
2. Suzanne C. Hard Democrat 2366
3. David B. Beizer Democrat 2212

But the simple answer is that it is all located at the election website: AvonFirst.org.  Profiles of the candidates, platforms, polling information are all in easy to find places there. Take a few minutes to explore.

In the meantime, the Democratic candidates are out and about Avon today.  (Word is you may see a few in the Buckingham development a little later today.)  You may also get a call from the candidates as well. All of this should serve as a reminder: Despite all of the hard work of the candidates, it won’t mean a thing unless each and every person gets out and votes.  And votes ONLY for the Democratic candidate (because each vote for a Republican candidate effectively cancels out a vote for a Democratic candidate).

48 hours to go. Our candidate are ready to serve. We just need you to make it a reality.  See you at the polls on Tuesday.