By Laura Bailey
More than 100 community members filled the Main Room at the Bristol Historical Society on Tuesday night for the 2023 Democratic Town Committee (DTC) caucus.
The standing-room-only crowd of local dignitaries and DTC members endorsed their slate of candidates for the upcoming municipal election.
“I am thrilled with the attendance at our endorsement, which shows the energy our supporters are showing toward the Democratic process while supporting our amazing slate of candidates,” said DTC Chairman Ken Rasmussen-Tuller.
“I am confident that all of our candidates are the best choice for Bristol and, under the leadership of Mayoral candidate Scott Rosado, we will enhance Bristol for all residents and businesses alike. More importantly they look like Bristol; there is a mix of ages, backgrounds and race from brown, black and white.”
Democratic mayoral candidate Scott Rosado. | Laura Bailey
Left: Former Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu. Right: DTC Chairman Ken Rasmussen-Tuller. | Laura Bailey
“Serving others is my passion,” said Rosado. “True leadership has no favorites, no room for political agendas, especially at the expense of the citizens of our community. I want to be at the forefront of building this great city, not dismantling it.”
“I want to create opportunities for all to grow. I want to make sure that city employees and volunteers who serve on the many boards and commissions know that they are appreciated for the long hours and hard work that they put in.”
Rosado was nominated by former Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, who had appointed him to fill the Council vacancy following Josh Medeiros’s appointment as Parks superintendent. Rosado went on to win the 2019 Council race, beating Republican Council candidates Jeff Caggiano and Kathy Faber.
Board of Education candidates: Shelby Pons and Maria Simmons | Laura Bailey
Board of Education Jill Fitzsimons-Bula and Corey Nagle, | Laura Bailey
Board of Assessment Appeals candidates Ann Marie Heering and Cynthia Chesky. | Laura Bailey
“From our first conversation with Scott back in 2019, we knew that he was going to be a natural,” said Zoppo-Sassu, “but the person we had to convince the most was Scott Rosado; a son of a single parent who was raised in public housing, a committed family man and someone who had honored his mother’s legacy by growing her business into a million-dollar-plus business enterprise.”
“There was really no good reason for him to be involved in politics other than the fact that he was already living his life in service to others; and so, he was convinced to do this, and we have all benefited since.”
In addition to Rosado’s mayoral endorsement, the Democratic Party endorsed candidates for several other positions. Nominees Cynthia Chesky and Ann Marie Heering received endorsements for Board of Assessment Appeals.
Three candidates were endorsed for four-year-term Board of Education positions, including incumbent candidates Shelby Pons and Maria Simmons, as well as newcomer Corey Nagle. Current Board of Education member Jill Fitzsimons-Bula will serve a two-year term to fulfill a previously vacated seat.
Diversity Council chair Jaymie Bianca was nominated for a four-term Board of Education position; however, did not receive the nomination from the DTC. Bianca has since registered as unaffiliated.
City Council District 1 candidates Andrew Rasmussen-Tuller and Kim Caron. | Laura Bailey
City Council District 2 candidates Morris “Rippy” Patton and Liza Salgado-Sirko. | Laura Bailey
City Council District 3 candidates Mark Dickau and David Landi. | Laura Bailey
Six candidates received endorsements for the two-year-term position of City Councilor. Kimberly Caron and Andrew Rasmussen-Tuller received the endorsement for City Council District 1, Morris “Rippy” Patton and Liza Salgado-Sirko for City Council District 2, and Mark Dickau and David Landi for City Council District 3. David Preleski was endorsed for the position of City Treasurer.
“All of us, working together, are in positions to promote economic growth with a focus on small to large businesses and matching them with resources,” added Rosado. As the owner of a thriving and expanding 30-year-old business, I believe I am the best candidate for this.”
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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