Politics & Government

Stratford Councilman Forces Party Primary in the Fourth

After being snubbed by his own party last week, current Fourth District Councilman Jason Santi says he looks forward to having his constituents decide who they want on the ballot in November.

It’ll be up to Stratford Democrats in the Fourth District who represents them on the ballot for Town Council in the municipal election this fall.

After losing his party’s endorsement at a Democratic Town Committee (DTC) caucus last week, current Fourth District Councilman Jason Santi says he’s collected enough signatures to force a party primary on Sept. 10.

“I look forward to having the people of our district decide who should represent them on the Town Council,” Santi said in an email.

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

The DTC nominated Andre Ely, a retired United Illuminating employee new to politics, over Santi.

DTC member Peggy Barnish was in the minority to vote for Santi. She said she was backing the incumbent even though some fellow Democrats might be “irritated” by some of his votes on the Stratford Town Council, where Republicans hold an 8-to-2 majority.

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

“I am disappointed that our current Fourth District councilman voted with Republicans to close a voting location in my neighborhood, making it harder and more confusing for people to vote,” Ely said at the caucus. “Unlike (Santi), I am a proud Democrat.”

Stratford Board of Education Chairman Gavin Forrester was scratching his head after reading on Stratford Patch how the committee snubbed Santi.

“That’s what it all comes down to – how many times Jason voted with the Republicans, not whose ideas are better, not how hard Jason has worked to serve the Fourth District, but how often he voted with the ‘evil empire,’” Forrester wrote in the comments.

“Let’s not forget that Jason was right out in front when Franklin School was on the list of potential schools to be closed, fighting to keep it open,” Forrester continued.

And that's where Stratford Democrats in the Fourth District will go on Sept. 10 to vote for who they want on the November ballot.


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