NEWINGTON
Town Crier
Mayoral debate Friday, October 18, 2013
Woods, DelBuono to square off on several issues facing town
By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
Newington’s mayoral candidates will face off Monday in a debate to inform voters before the upcoming Nov. 5 election. It hasn’t been an easy campaign season for anyone. Mayor Steve Woods, a Democrat, has been accused by his opponent, Beth DelBuono — and the Republican Town Committee — of unethical behavior. Their claim that Woods used his position in government Volume 53, No. 41
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to garner $233,000 in business for his company, Stonehedge Landscaping, was brought to the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation was closed in September with no action against Woods. The incumbent mayor called their accusations “defamation” and urged the opposing party to submit a complaint to the town’s ethics board if they still find fault with his actions. At recent Town Council meetings, residents have expressed frustration over the continued focus on the accusations as the election nears. They’ve asked the candidates to instead discuss their views on broader issues affectSee MAYORAL, Page 4
A 1965 Mack fire engine that has taken part in many a Memorial Day parade.
Veteran firefighters share memories that flow like water from a hose By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
Veteran firefighters in Newington celebrated their past, present and future at a banquet at the Sphinx Shriners Temple Saturday night. Over 100 people attended the event, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Newington Veteran Firefighters Association.
Established in 1953 by 12 Company 2 firefighters, the NVFA is now 75 members strong. “It’s quite unusual for a group to stick together this long,” said NVFA President Bob Seiler, a lifelong volunteer who also chairs the Newington Board of Fire Commissioners, is president of the Newington Kiwanis
Club, treasurer of the Memorial Day Parade Committee and recipient of the Chamber’s 2013 Public Service Award. Seiler enjoys the camaraderie of the group, which he refers to as “a brotherhood.” “We all share silly things that happened to us years ago; it’s quite different now than it was See MEMORIES, Page 10
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