Changing Of The Guard At The Berlin Republican Caucus

by Thaddeus Flint and Kieron Kramer
The Berlin Republican Party held its Caucus for the upcoming November elections on June 9 at the Berlin Fire House. Ninety to a hundred people attended the caucus, but only the 79 Republicans who had voted in the last election as registered Republicans could cast a ballot at this caucus. Republican Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger said, “The results of the caucus showed that Berlin Republicans are rallying against the current Board members.” He sees the position of these Board members in opposition to the purchase several months ago of the Berlin Lumber property for use as a municipal center as the deciding factor in the nominations. “I was pleased that the nominations indicated support of the project,” Jaeger said.
David Theriault, a Democrat crossover, challenged Jaeger for the Supervisor’s seat. He had been put forward “by certain Board Members” said Jaeger. Jaeger won by a three to one margin. Because it was clear where the sentiments lay, several challengers and current Board members did not even try to run, said Jaeger. Board members Sheila Hewitt and Becky Giumarra, who was serving out Carl Greene’s term after his withdrawal last December, did not put their names forward nor did Tim Giumarra, whom some expected to challenge Jim Winn for Highway Superintendent.
Winn, Town Justice Joseph Rechen, running for re-election, Town Clerk Anne Maxon, a crossover Democrat running for re-election, Town Assessor Walter Allan Yerton, a Democrat running for re-election, and Tax Collector Pamela DeShane, running for re-election, were nominated without opposition.
The Republican Committee had put forth Tara Cinney-Fisher and Robert L. Michaels to run for the four year terms of the seats held by Sheila Hewitt and Becky Giumarra respectively and Richard de Leon Jr. to run for the two year term in the spot left open by the death of Richard von Schilgen. However, John P. Winn, Highway Superintendent Jim Winn’s brother, and Lenny Clapp were nominated from the floor, and John Winn got the nod over deLeon.
Berlin Lumber May Still Be In Play
The possibility of the Berlin Municipal Center at the Berlin Lumber location might still exist. The “For Sale” sign has been recently taken down at the location on Route 22, but it seems no new owners for the site have been found. According to Supervisor Jaeger, a real estate agent with Prudential Manor Homes Realtors, the property has not been sold. “The sellers have currently removed the property from the market,” said Jaeger. Presumably it could be re-listed. Should a new Town Council, in favor of the site be elected in November, negotiations could begin again. “It’s possible,” said Jaeger, who did not wish to comment further on the subject at this time.