Out of 4 Candidates Seeking Nod, Working Families Picks Pessina

Only one of four Middletown candidates seeking support from the Connecticut Working Families Party were endorsed at this week's state committee caucus.

The two sought the Working Families Party nomination for common council after being ousted from the town’s Republican party.

"The Working Families Party stands for economic justice. It stands up for workers and their families by advocating for issues like a higher minimum wage and paid sick days," Leake said in a press release. "The party made its determination after a lengthy process of reviewing questionnaires, meeting with the candidates and researching the candidates’ records in office. The decision was to support Phil Pessina."

Stephen Devoto, whose petition forced a Democratic primary on Sept. 10 for Planning and Zoning Commission, found out Thursday he was also denied Working Families support. 

"I'm disappointed, obviously, but I hope to be on the ballot for the Democratic party and I look forward to the primary," Devoto said. 

Stephen Smith, also not approved to run for the zoning board by the Democrats at the July caucus, wasn't chosen by Working Families. Still, all four candidates will appear on the November ballot under the Realistic Balance line after earning its endorsement last month.

The Democratic Town Committee approved Rob Blanchard, current commissioner Daniel Russo and Paul Turenne for the zoning board.

Today, education board secretary Ed McKeon wrote an editorial supporting Devoto's candidacy and asking voters to bullet vote for him at the primary election.

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