Democrats Dominate All Races

During his acceptance speech, Mayor Anthony LaRosa thanked his wife, Patty, for making his victory possible.

"Without her, I couldn't do all this. I don't know if she likes me to run because she wants me out of the house. But, she always yells at me when we have to stay here on the weekends to do something."

LaRosa was elected to his fourth term as mayor of Rocky Hill after beating his Republican challenger, Marti Stiglich, by just over 700 votes. He was a member of the Town Council for four years before he became the mayor in 2005. The last Republican mayor was Todd E. Cusano in 2003.

"I think that the voters have validated the things that we have been doing," LaRosa said. "I am honored that the voters sent me back for another term. I look forward to serving the residents of Rocky Hill."

Stiglich conceded that LaRosa’s long family history in Rocky Hill and extensive local ties make him a tough opponent.

One of the first issues that LaRosa plans to tackle in his new term is the schools. He would also like to look at the old Ames Corporation building and the possibility of redeveloping it or taking it by eminent domain.

"We have to try and do something. I don't think we get it finished in one term."

Town Council

There were no shakeups on the Town Council, with Joe Kochanek taking the spot left by Mary Ellen Flynn. The Town Council will consist of:

• Democrat - Larrye DeBear 
• Democrat - Timothy Moriarty
• Democrat - Philip Sylvestro
• Democrat - Joe Kochanek
• Democrat - Barbara Surwilo
• Republican - Catherine Vargas
• Republican - Nadine Bell
• Republican - Frank Szeps

Jeff Murray, who lost his bid to capture a council seat by a mere 108 votes, said Rocky Hill’s historical voting patterns make it difficult political terrain for the GOP. 

“People around here are just used to voting the Democratic straight ticket,” he explained.

In spite of Republicans’ failure to make concrete political gains, Murray sounded a defiant note, which was resoundingly echoed by his fellow partisans at GOP headquarters on Old Main Street.

“We’ve got two years, and then we’re gonna take back the council and the mayor’s office. I lost by 100 votes to an incumbent with twenty years’ experience in town politics. I’d say that’s progress. And I could’ve gotten those 100 votes.”

Timothy Moriarty, who was the leading vote-getter for the Town Council, said his "passion" for the town helped him get re-elected.

"You've got to make tough decisions that are for the betterment of the majority. You've got to honest with people. And let people see who you really are."

Moriarty said the council will have to take a long, hard look at the budget and analyze the "needs and wants" of the taxpayers and town.

"One of these days, we are going to have to pay."

Another bright spot for the Republicans was the re-election of Councilwoman Nadine Bell, who admitted that the result, while gratifying, was also bittersweet.

“I’m grateful to those who supported me, but I’m disappointed that I won’t get to serve with some of the fine candidates we have who ran alongside me.”

Board of Education

All the Board of Education candidates were elected because only nine people ran for nine spots. The new Board of Education will consist of:

• John Bedalck
• Chris Buckbee
• Raffaella A. Calciano-Coler
• Dilip Desai
• Brian Dillon
• Maria Mennella
• Frank Morse
• Rene (Skip) Rivard
• Ronald Robbins

Marc Beliveau, former chairman Bill MacDonald and Edward "Alex" Silva did not seek re-election.

Maria Mennella, who was the highest vote-getter for the Board of Education, was "pleasantly surprised" with the results.

"I am really shocked. I'm so happy."

She added being an active parent helped her in the race.

Ronald Robbins, one of the newest Board of Education members, wants to focus on the immediate needs of the school buildings.

"Get some real plans on the table that everyone is interested in supporting, so we can go ahead and take care of the school system."

He also wants to build a "more positive relationship" between the Board of Education and the Town Council.

Republican Chris Buckbee, 22, pledged to push for a 10-year capital-improvement plan for the district and a revamped math and science curriculum. Buckbee, who is believed to be the youngest Rocky Hill school board member in history, emphasized “needs and not wants."

Voter Turnout

According to the final unofficial numbers provided by the Registrar of Voters, 3,042 residents or 27.33% of registered voters in town, voted in the 2011 municipal election. The voter turnout is down 2.40% from 2009 and is the lowest in at least 12 years, the numbers showed.

The absence of any controversial issues confronting the town was one explanation offered to account for the minimal participation in the elections.