Write-In Candidate Joins Wild Fourth District Race

By Davis Dunavin

Stratford's already dramatic Fourth District Town Council race is gaining another name -- although she won't be on the ballot come November.

Claire Martin, 57, of West Avenue has announced she'll be running as a write-in candidate, challenging embattled Democratic councilman Jason Santi and Republican Linnea Scheck.

Martin hold a Master's Degree in Labor Relations from the University of New Haven, is unemployed and has lived in Stratford for about 10 years, according to the Connecticut Post.

She knows she'll have a challenging road ahead.

"If I want people to vote for me, I'm going to have to knock on doors and stand outside the polling place," she told the newspaper.

Martin said she'd like to see a lower mill rate and a revitalized Shakespeare Theater.

Her entry adds another dimension to the already complicated race -- primarily on the Democratic side, where DTC members first snubbed incumbent Santi to endorse newcomer Andrew Ely, who dropped out after evidence surfaced he owed the town about $10,000 in real estate and vehicle back taxes.

Former councilwoman Emma Brooks was rumored as a backup, but had been redistricted out of the fourth. Last week, Democrats turned back to Santi, although not without some hesitation.

"You have all the makings of a great councilman, just find a way back here," Democratic Town Committee Chairman Richard Buturla told him as Democrats cautioned him to uphold the values of the party.