Stonington GOP Endorses Candidates For November Ticket (With Video)

Richard McKrell had never attended a political meeting before Monday night’s Stonington Republican Town Committee meeting, but he left the caucus as the party-endorsed candidate for first selectman.

McKrell wasn’t the only one surprised by the night’s events. When Stonington RTC Chairman Stephen Bessette presented the slate of candidates put forth by RTC Nomination Committee members Jim Kelley, William Cutler, Daniel Booker, Arla Pribnow, Gus Pribnow and Bessette, the position of first selectman was vacant.

According to Bessette, the nomination committee had spoken to several candidates about the position prior to Monday’s meeting, but for various reasons all of the contenders had decided it wasn’t the right time to run.

“Every campaign is a battle,” Bessette said.

McKrell, 48, came to the meeting in large part due his concern about the planned development of a across the street from where he lives in Pawcatuck. He said he was disappointed in the lack of people willing to challenge current First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr., in his re-election bid. As McKrell voiced his opinion first about the development and then about the first selectman position, Republican Party members quietly listened, asked more about him and finally nominated him.

“It’s going to take someone who gets out there and knocks on doors,” McKrell said.

The Pawcatuck resident and owner of McKrell Painting and Remodeling noted that as a single man with no kids and no ex-wives he had lots of free time and the desire to get out there, meet people and listen to them.

“If you ran, the support from the community would be overwhelming,” Bessette said. “You’re a breath of fresh air.”

Republican Party member Bryan Bentz nominated McKrell. After the nomination had been seconded the party voted to endorse McKrell and the other candidates presented by the nomination committee. One board of education member candidate position is vacant. The Stonington RTC may fill the position at a later time using a nominating petition process.

The candidates endorsed by the Stonington Republican Town Committee are listed below:

First Selectman: Richard McKrell
Selectman: Glee McAnanly  (incumbent)
Town Clerk: Cindy Ladwig (incumbent Democrat)
Town Treasurer: Marty Booker (incumbent)
Tax Collector: Gisela Harma (incumbent)
Board of Finance: Bryan Bentz (incumbent)
Board of Education:
Deb Downie
Stephen Bessette
Board of Assessment Appeals: David Harma (incumbent)
Constables:
Ed McCabe (incumbent),
Anthony Lombardo (incumbent),
Daniel Booker (incumbent),
Jim Kelley