Speculation: The Council Races

The race to take control of the Common Council has become something that many people have been watching. Republicans currently hold a 14-7 majority, this is down from the 17-4 majority they had two years ago. The question we need to ask ourselves would have to be: what's going to happen this year?

Well, many can guess the outcome, but it really has become a toss-up. Democrats have made it quite obvious that they are trying to take back control of the Council after a four year absence. They have rallied behind many candidates, for at-large seats as well as ward seats. Personally, I feel the Democrats have the advantage when it comes to doing well with the ward races, while the Republicans may do better at-large.

One Democrat who I see possibly winning at-large is Warren Levy who wants to get back on the Council, along with former member John Gogliettino. However, Republicans have many incumbents and well known candidates running, so I do feel Republicans will keep the majority when it comes to the seven at-large seats. Besides that, it may be tough.

Ward four and five have been Democratic strongholds forever, and I doubt anything will change this year. Ward six went Democrat last election, while the remaining four wards are in Republican control. The first and second wards could become a little competitive, especially the second as the Democrats have two very formidable candidates. Ward seven features Chris Halfar, who has rallied in favor of the "Danbury 11". Depending on whether voters view that as good or bad could be what makes or breaks her outcome.

There is no doubt that ward three is the most exciting of the seven. Democrats have put up Lynn Taborsak to try to overtake Council President Joe Cavo. Now, lucky for the Democrats, Taborsak's name is under Cavo's which makes the race even more interesting (I'll have more on ballot placing and explanation as we get closer to the election). James Kelly is also a valid candidate, and a former member, so he shouldn't be overlooked either.

I have tried to make lists after lists of what could happen with the Council, but it is just to hard. The majority could truly be decided based on the mood of the city at the time. I believe that we'll probably see a trend in the results, determining what happens here. For example, if someone like Pudgie nails out a win, along with Jean Natale, two Republicans locked in tough races, then Republicans have a pretty good shot at keeping the majority. However, if Abrantes has a very good showing, along with the rest of the Democrat's top ticket, then they will likely take control.

We may not know what truly is going to happen until a couple of days before the election, though I'm starting to believe that nobody can make a pretty accurate prediction, and we'll just have to wait until November 6th. Hey, I could be very wrong, who knows? One thing is for sure -- this is going to be a very fun October.