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Politics & Government

Disappointing Night for the GOP

Despite drubbing, mood upbeat at Republican gathering.

West Hartford's 2011 municipal election resulted in the drubbing of most Republican candidates. Yet, in spite of the disappointing electoral performance, the mood was upbeat at the Republican Town Committee election night gathering spot Tuesday night.

Republican Town Committee Chair Peter Martin announced the results, which were as expected – six Democrats and three Republicans elected to the Town Council – no change from the last election. (No more than six council members may be from a single party; consequently, after the six Democrats were elected, the top three Republican vote-getters also earned a seat on the Council.)

The three Republican incumbents – Minority Leader Denise Hall, Burke Doar, and Steven Adler – were all re-elected, with Hall the top vote-getter. Republican Ellen Brassil was re-elected to the Board of Education.

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Beth Kyle, who ran a strong campaign for town clerk, lost to incumbent Democrat Essie Labrot. Republican candidates Ethan Goldman, Jay Sarzen, and Peter Martin were not elected.

“We had some great candidates this year,” Martin told the approximately 60 supporters and family members gathered at Beachland Tavern in Elmwood to await election returns.

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“I really do believe we had the best slate we’ve had in a long, long time,” added Hall.

“It’s disappointing to me that we weren’t able to pick up another seat,” Hall told Patch in an interview. “We tried to articulate our message about the issues confronting West Hartford. I believe we have the solutions; we understand the economic pressures, but we must do a better job getting that message across to our residents.”

Jay Sarzen, who lost his bid for a seat on the Town Council, echoed Hall’s sentiments.

“We put forth a credible slate of candidates … look at the level of expertise we have,” said Sarzen, who said that at age 38, he is young and will be back for another run.

“We fought the good fight,” said Sarzen. “I am proud of the campaign we ran. Our message just doesn’t resonate with the residents of West Hartford.”

“Don’t go away, Jay,” urged Doar.

Kyle, who challenged Essie Labrot for Town Clerk, was praised by both Martin and Doar for her hard work.

“Beth, thank you for giving it your all,” said Martin.

“I would do it again,” said a smiling Kyle, who was consoled by her three children with this: “You were the best loser there was, Mommy.”

Hall estimated that voter turnout was about 10 percent lower than in 2009. But given the difficult week we had in West Hartford, she said it is a “testament to our residents” that people came out and voted.

Despite the losses, Republican leaders said they are optimistic about the future.

“We have to keep working hard, we have to keep articulating our message, and we have to keep people involved,” said Doar.

“I’m hopeful … we have to keep beating the drums and keep getting young blood. We’re in the right. Sooner or later the residents will get it,” said Brassil.

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