Republicans to Face Off, Walker to Step Down

In a triad of political announcements this week, a second Republican first selectman candidate has come forward, coinciding with First Selectman Jeb Walker’s announcement that he will not seek re-election to the town’s highest elected post this fall.

“I made this decision late last year but had promised to wait until the completion of our recent budget preparation cycle before announcing my personal political intentions. That process concluded at the Town Council meeting last night,” Walker said in a statement released by his office Thursday.

In February, Walker said he would not make an announcement about his future political plans until the end of the budget process. The  met Wednesday night to vote on the town budget.

Earlier this week, Board of Finance member and former Selectman Paul Giusti announced that he will challenge Selectman Robert Mallozzi III for the Republican nomination for first selectman. The two first faced off four years ago, when Mallozzi ousted Giusti from his selectman’s seat.

“I’ve never even thought of being beat in a caucus,” Mallozzi told Patch Thursday morning about the Republican caucus that will decide who will be on the top of the ticket as the GOP's first selectman candidate this fall. Mallozzi said he and members of his campaign were out distributing bumper stickers in town Thursday.

“It’s been a very busy morning handing out bumper stickers for our campaign, which we ran out of, if that’s any indication of how well we’re doing,” Mallozzi said.

In a prepared statement issued to the media Thursday, Mallozzi didn’t mince words about Giusti, who apparently announced his campaign at a private gathering of supporters on Sunday.

“I welcome Mr. Giusti into the race for first selectman,” Mallozzi said. “They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. And the photo of Mr. Giusti surrounded by so many entrenched members of our town government certainly speaks volumes as to the direction, substance and style we all can expect under a Giusti-led town hall. I firmly believe our community is not going to stand for more of the same.”

In his announcement, Mr. Giusti mentions the word trust. I remind Mr. Giusti that trust can not be manufactured or created; it is something you earn over the course and conduct of many years of service to the community.  I believe my record and the overwhelming support I have received from all members of our community – Republicans, Democrats and Independent – during the past two elections, speaks for itself on that matter.”

Mallozzi said Giusti was a “worthy and formidable opponent” in 2007 when he defeated him in the Republican caucus for the Board of Selectman. 

“I expect a vigorous and respectful campaign to be waged by him and his supporters again this time around,” Mallozzi’s statement concluded.

As of April 6, Mallozzi’s campaign raised $9,800 without any formal fundraising. Mallozzi said after he  in February, “supporters just came in and dropped off checks, so that is an indication of the level of support and an honor.”

Mallozzi and his family own Bob’s Sports in New Canaan, a family-run 74-year-old business on Park Street.

Walker told town employees Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to a third term in November. Municipal workers received an e-mail Wednesday morning, inviting them to attend a meeting in the afternoon at  where Walker made the announcement. Members of media were not invited. 

Walker created something of a storm when he created the in May 2010. Established to create a plan for downtown New Canaan, the committee's formation and mandate quickly came under fire.  The group was  in October 2010, after two members of the original . On Wednesday night, the Town Council approved a  for the committee to continue with Phase 2 of its work.

In remarks made at a private announcement held on Sunday, Giusti outlined some broad themes, goals and aspirations that would guide his administration. The domain www.paulgiustiforfirstselectman.com has been earmarked as Giusti’s campaign website, but the site is not yet active.

Giusti and Republican Town Committee Chairman James O’Hora were not available for immediate comment Thursday.