Democrat Steve Carpenteri announces candidacy for East Lyme first selectman
East Lyme — Steve Carpenteri, a Democratic member of the Board of Finance, has announced his candidacy for first selectman.
Carpenteri is the owner of both the Lyme Tavern Restaurant and Sports Bar and Rocky Neck Inn and Suites on West Main Street and has served on the Planning Commission and Zoning Commission. A town resident for about 45 years, Carpenteri, 62, is married and has two sons.
“I care about the town,” he said in a phone interview. “I’ve watched it grow and I’ve watched it change, and I want to be part of its future.”
He said he wants to balance the town’s budget and is concerned about taxes and keeping the town affordable for senior citizens and young families.
The Democratic Town Committee endorsed Carpenteri last Thursday and will hold a caucus, open to all registered Democrats in town, next month.
"I'm very pleased that Steve is taking the challenge," said DTC Chairwoman Beth Hogan. "He has the experience with four years on the Planning Commission, four years on the Zoning Commission, and four years on the Board of Finance.
"He deliberates carefully, and he uses his common sense when making decisions," she added. "He brings his strong business experience, and he’s accessible to his fellow citizens' concerns and input."
Carpenteri wrote a message announcing his candidacy on the Democratic Town Committee’s website.
“I do not look at the position of First Selectman as a career in politics or a step to a higher office, but instead as an opportunity to serve the Town of East Lyme in its effort to balance taxes to relieve the burdens that impact our senior citizens and young families,” he wrote. “I believe in our education system and its value to our children and to the economics of our town. I will bring positive and open business practices to the Town of East Lyme through straight talk and common sense in planning the future of our town together.”
A Republican candidate for the nomination has not yet been officially announced.
The party caucuses will be held in July.
k.drelich@theday.com
Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich
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