Just One Newcomer on Berlin Democratic Town Council Ticket

When news surfaced that five-term Mayor Adam Salina would not run for re-election, speculation was the Democratic slate of candidates could look very different than the one that swept all five possible slots in 2011.

It turns out it was just speculation, as the four incumbent Councilors are all running for re-election. The lone newcomer to the slate of candidates is Kevin J. Murphy, who will take the place of Salina in the November election. 

Deputy Mayor Rachel Rochette, William Rasmussen, William Watson and Maggie Morelli will all run for re-election along with Murphy.

Joe Annunziata will be the Democratic candidate for Police Commission and Michael Anderson will be the candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals. Annunziata is an incumbent who has served for six years and Anderson, also an incumbent, has served for eight years. 

While Salina will not run, he casts a long shadow in the party and was there to wish the candidates well.

"I think Adam has been the finest Mayor we've had since we've gone to the Town Manager Council form of government," Democratic Chairman Fred Jortner said. "He came in at the right time. The Council majority was going back and forth every two years and nothing was getting done. He stabilized the town and helped us keep the majority for 10 years. In that 10 years we have moved the town forward.

"Without him on the ticket we are going to have to work that much harder. It's important to keep the majority because if not the clock will turn backwards and we will go back to the old failed policies."

Rochette has served as Deputy Mayor and served for six years on Town council. She said she feels she needs to become more of a leader.

"We have huge shoes to fill but as a slate of candidates hopefully we can work together to fill those shoes," Rochette said. "We have a great record to stand on and we have accomplished a lot of great things in the last six years since I have been on the Council. 

"From an experience standpoint it makes sense for me to take on some additional leadership roles. Adam has prepared us well. He allowed us to have our say and present our ideas. He let us use our greatest strengths and we will rely on those as we go forward." 

Salina addressed the Town Committee before the meeting was adjourned. 

"I just want to thank you for allowing me to be the Mayor in Berlin, the town I love," Salina said. "I told Fred (Jortner) that when I met with the staff Friday that it was the most nervous I've ever been before any meeting because the staff and you have become my extended family."