Politics & Government

Slifka Re-Elected Mayor; West Hartford Democrats Win 6 Council Seats

Democratic incumbent slate sweeps, Barnes, Hall and Doar secure Republican seats on Council.

Once again, the Democrats will hold a supermajority on the West Hartford Town Council, with all six incumbents sweeping to victory on Tuesday.

The slate of Mayor Scott Slifka, Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor, Harry Captain, Judy Casperson, Leon Davidoff and Clare Kindall easily swept into office, winning the top 6 seats on the Council.

Slifka was re-elected mayor for a record fifth term, while Cantor received the second-most votes to secure her second term as deputy mayor.

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"We did it," said Democratic Town Committee Chair Rae O'Toole. "We have a lot of work to do for next year."

Cantor, speaking in place of Slifka, who was out of the country on business, complimented the mayor for his hard work and leadership.

Find out what's happening in West Hartfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We are led by the best mayor in the state of Connecticut," Cantor said. "I could not be more honored to stand by his side and learn from him."

Speaking via cellphone to the Democrats who gathered at the American Legion, Slifka thanked the people who worked to re-elect him and the Democratic team.

"I'm thrilled to be back working with each and every one of you," Slifka said.

In an interview by phone later, Slifka elaborated on the victory.

"This is the greatest honor I've had in my life," he said. "This is my hometown. I'm the mayor of my hometown. I am very touched by my fellow residents who have given me the chance to do this for another two years. 

"I've also got all five of my colleagues coming back. It was not easy for all of them to run again, but they felt they had the obligation to be public servants."

Minority Leader Denise Hall led the Republican Town Council slate with 4,879 votes. Hall won her third term on the Council. Republican incumbent Burke Doar won re-election to his second term and newcomer Chris Barnes also secured a spot on the council.

The unofficial results are as follows (* denotes winner):

Scott Slifka (D) 6,987*

Shari Cantor (D) 6,289*

Clare Kindall (D) 5,653*

Harry Captain (D) 5,622*

Judy Casperson (D) 5,351*

Leon Davidoff (D) 5,251*

Denise Hall (R) 4,323*

Burke Doar (R) 4,231*

Chris Barnes (R) 3,794*

Tad Bistor (R) 3,179

Dennis Swanton (R) 3,324

Ted Pease (R) 3,375

Slifka said that this is a crucial two years for the town, with significant developments such as the hotel that lie ahead. Slifka also said that the town has to harness its longterm liabilities while keeping the town affordable. 

A message left on Hall's cell phone was not immediately returned.

All five Board of Education candidates - Democrats Mark Overmyer-Velasquez (incumbent), Tammy Exum and Jillian Gilchrest and Republicans Jay Sarzen (incumbent) and Mark Zydanowicz - earned a spot on the board. Both Overmyer-Velasquez and Sarzen were appointed to the school board during last term.

The unofficial results are as follows:

Mark Overmyer-Velasquez (D) 5,865

Tammy Exum (D) 6,403

Jillian Gilchrest (D) 6,678

Jay Sarzen (R) 4,261

Mark Zydanowicz (R, 2-year term) 5,192

Official results, which include votes cast by absentee ballot, will be certified and filed with the secretary of state by Wednesday morning, but will not impact the victors in West Hartford.

[This article was updated on Nov. 7 to indicate that a telephone message left with Denise Hall on Election Night was not returned.]


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