Reprinted from The Trumbull Times © Copyright 2009
September 3, 2009

By Donald Eng

For the sixth election in a row, Charlie Pitcher is out campaigning. Only this time, he is opposing his own party's candidate.

Pitcher, a former four-term Democratic councilman, is leading a newly formed group: Democrats for Herbst. The group includes about 25 registered Democrats who are actively campaigning for the Republican challenger this year.

"As someone who ran on Ray Baldwin's ticket the last five elections and who served on the Town Council for eight years, I believe I am someone who understands the critical issues facing the town, Pitcher said. "While I personally like Ray, we simply can no longer afford him or his policies.

Pitcher said he intends to campaign mostly in District 7, which he represented before losing his seat in 2007. He said the new ideas Herbst brings to the table were key in gaining his support.

"The town is ready for a change, he said. "I think it's time for fresh blood with new ideas.

Specifically, Pitcher said he liked the idea of a comprehensive 20-year overview of the school buildings.

"My child goes to school in a portable classroom and has to go outside to the main building for lunch or to use the bathroom, and that's not right, he said. "Eight years ago we built Frenchtown School, adding a sixth elementary school to the town. And now, even the new school has portables.

Herbst said Pitcher's support was part of his campaign promise to contest every vote in town.

"As I said in my acceptance speech, we will concede not a single district, not a single neighborhood, not a single vote, he said.

Herbst added that support from members of the other party were especially key in a year when voters wanted bi-partisan solutions.

"Voters are paying attention more than ever, he said. "Ten years ago, you never heard voters asking about pension funds and school building projects. But taxes and the economy have everyone engaged.

Baldwin said he was not surprised to hear that Pitcher had thrown his support behind Herbst. Pitcher had previously announced a primary challenge to Baldwin but never submitted the necessary petition signatures. He said he doubted the Democrats for Herbst would affect the November election.

"How effective is he going to be when his own constituents un-elected him after eight years on the Town Council, Baldwin said.

Baldwin also pointed to his own administration's record of reaching across the aisle and plucking prominent Republicans to serve in key positions.

"Look at the Board of Finance, he said. "Tom Tesoro, Marty Shapiro and Kathy McGannon, the three Democrats on the board, all used to be Republicans.

This year, with McGannon opting not to run again, the Democrats have nominated Steve Lupien, a former three-term Republican councilman who served a term as deputy minority leader. Baldwin's own campaign chairman, school board chairman Steve Wright, also is a former Republican.

"We don't do announcements and press releases touting 'Republicans for Baldwin,' but you need only look at the people who used to be members of that party that are now serving in this administration to see it in action, Baldwin said.

Herbst also cited his time as chairman of the town's Planning & Zoning Commission as evidence of cross-party cooperation.

"The one thing people comment on when they come before our commission is that you can't tell who belongs to which party, he said. "With Republicans, Democrats and an independent member, you simply have to lead by forging consensus.