By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
The pieces of the Democratic ticket for the city’s state representatives and state senator were put into place last Monday at City Hall.
But it didn’t happen without a little bit of drama… or to be more precise, musical theater.
The only contested race of the night before the Democratic Town Committee in council chambers came in the selection for a candidate in the 77th district.
The 77th currently is held by Republican Cara Ann Pavalock.
During the nomination process, both Laura Bartok and Christy Matthews were picked by committee members from the 77th district. During the roll call voice vote, Bartok was a clear winner over Matthews, who has had a combative relationship with the town committee since announcing her candidacy.
When the votes were tabulated, giving the party nod to Bartok, a group of Matthews’s supporters spontaneously stood and sang in chorus, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”
After several shouts of order, Matthews’s sympathizers left the room. As she herself left, Matthews told the committee that she would begin the petitioning process to get on the ballot for November to run against Bartok and Pavalock.
At press time, the status of that petition drive was not known.
After the disruption, Bartok took to the podium and thanked the committee for their support. She explained how she came from a “working class” background and her parents gave back to the community when she was growing up. That atmosphere of service, she said, led her to a career in social work. She said the legislature needs someone who knows how to look out for the people who need help the most.
In the 79th district, the Democrats picked Chris Ziogas as a successor to Frank Nicastro, who is retiring after this General Assembly session. Ziogas will square off against Republican Peter Del Mastro.
A former member of the Board of Finance, Ziogas said, “My goal is to do what Frank has done, help the city of Bristol.” With his experience on the Board of Finance, Ziogas said he has insight into how the General Assembly can help the city of Bristol.
Ziogas offered support to the school budget. “Education is the fundamental building block for a better Bristol,” he said. “Things will get better if we focus on that.”
Kevin McCauley was picked by the Democrats to run again as the registrar of voters.
In addition to tapping Bartok, Ziogas and McCauley, the town committee also met the two candidates running in broader districts that include Bristol.
In the state senate race for the 31st district, which includes Bristol and runs from Plainville up to Thomaston, Michael Nicastro will be running against the Republican Henri Martin.
Crystal Meyers will be the Democrat challenger against Republican incumbent Whit Betts in the 78th district, which includes Bristol and Plymouth.
Comments? Email mchaiken@BristolObserver.com.