Democratic Mayoral Candidate McDaniel Says It's Time to Unite for a Common Purpose

Mayor Joe Jaskiewicz will not be running for a seat on the Town Council, though he was nominated for one by the Democratic Town Committee.

As the list of candidates was read at the Democratic caucus Thursday night, Jaskiewicz raised his hand and rose to speak.

"I wish to decline the nomination," he said.

"I want to thank the Democratic Town Committee," Jaskiewicz said, "but I have chosen not to run. Honestly, I want to look for the future and a spot at the next level, if I possibly can. Thank you for everything."

As a whole, the room rose and gave Jaskiewicz a standing ovation.

After the meeting, he spoke briefly about his decision.

"I've already done that job," he said, speaking of his six years as a council member. A job as a state senator or representative is what he would seek, if the opportunity presents itself, he said.

"I want to thank the people of Montville," he said, "for giving me the opportunity to be their mayor."

After the nominations were announced and decided, nominees stood to speak. Many gave tribute to Jaskiewicz.

"Eight years is a lot," said Billy Caron, "but I believe it's 14 or 16," he said, speaking of Jaskiewicz's years of service to the town. "I'd like to thank the mayor," he said, and turned to address Jaskiewicz. "You did a great job for the citizens of our town."

Caron, who serves on the town council, is running for another term. He had declared a candidacy for the mayor's position, but decided against it, saying that his kids were growing up, and now was the time to spend with his family.

Gary Murphy, who also serves on the town council, and also is running for another term, thanked the Democrats for their endorsement, and thanked Jaskiewicz for his service to the town.

Chairman Todd Pomazon also thanked Jaskiewicz for his work.

"You did a great job," he said. "We haven't always agreed, but that's OK. We have played golf together, and that's important. You learn a person's personality in three rounds of golf."

Ron McDaniel, nominated to run for the mayor's position, also thanked the Democrats for their support.

"It's been very, very heartwarming," McDaniel said. I'm honored, humbled and excited."

He said that it is time to put differences aside and "unite for a common purpose, to represent the people."

"That's what I pledge to do. It’s my fervent hope that we can… work together to move this town forward."

Here is the Democratic slate for the November election:

Mayor

• Ron McDaniel

Town Council

• Candy Buebendorf
• Billy Caron
• Gary Murphy
• Chuck Longton
• Laura Tanner

Board of Education

• Deborah Reed Iler
• Jim Wood

Board of Assessment Appeals

• John Geary

Zoning Board of Appeals

• Douglas Adams
• Ellen Lakowsky

To read about the Republican caucus, click here.

To read about the Independence for Montville endorsements, click here.