Thursday, August 8, 2019
www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 25
ELECTION 2019
Parties pick slates By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
The Democratic and Republican town committees have decided on their slates for November’s municipal elections.
Firefighter Brandon Butler puts a helmet on Ian DeJesus during the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department's open house on Saturday, July 27. Photos by Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen
Fire department opens its doors to the public By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
Though the fire-protective jackets went down past their knees and buried their hands in the sleeves, children were happy to waddle around in the garb during the recent open house at Kensington Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Jeff Pajor said this was the department’s first
time opening itself up in this way, and he hopes to continue inviting the public to come in and see its equipment. The chief estimated around 250 people visited the department’s 880 Farmington Ave. headquarters during the event, held Saturday, July 27.
p.m., but was cut short a few minutes by a call. “The idea was kind of community involvement,” Pajor said. “People can see what we have and get a feel for our equipment.”
Visitors didn’t just look at the gear. Guests got to spray a fire hose, albeit with reduced pressure, try The open house was sched- on helmets and clothing, uled to run from 9 a.m. to 2
See KVFD, A10
Councilor Karen Pagliaro was named the Democraticendorsed candidate for mayor and, barring unforeseen primaries, will be facing off against Republican-endorsed incumbent Mark Kaczynski. Pagliaro, who is serving her first term, said she sees a lack of transparency and accountability on the council and would like to see more cooperation between the parties. She also feels infrastructure funding has been shortchanged in recent budgets. The primary issue that Pagliaro wants to work on, however, is school funding. She joined her two Democratic colleagues on the council in voting against reductions to the Board of Education budget by Republican councilors. Kaczynski said he has presided over a council
which promoted economic development and focused on reducing the town’s debt. He said the town has attracted new businesses, including the Acura dealership on the Berlin Turnpike and Forrest Machine and Steel Wrist on Christian Lane. The mayor rebutted accusations that Republican councilors haven’t prioritized infrastructure, pointing out that the police and fire department radio systems were upgraded and the artificial turf at Scalise Field is currently being replaced. The Republicans added Donna Veach to their ticket to replace Councilor Alex Giannone, who decided not to run again because he is unsure if he will still be living in town in two years, according to Republican Town Committee Chairperson Anne Reilly. Councilor Charles Paonessa and Deputy Mayor Brenden Luddy will be seeking re-election. Veach said she hopes to bring the experiences she has gained as a member of local community organizaSee Election, A9
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