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Since she "doesn't blow her own horn," he pointed to such projects as the widening of Route 7, "which is very necessary for the town to grow"; working with state and federal governments to get the Grove Street/Route 67 major road realignment plan in gear; the extension of the sewer; obtaining grants for the Railroad Street improvements, a project that was brought in "on time and within the budget; and working with Kimberly-Clark regarding its regeneration plant. "She also worked hard with land preservation," he said, adding after the caucus that "just Google her name and you'll see how much she's done for the town."
He had added during his nomination speech that "if she goes for a fifth [term], she'll be vested."
Katherine Francis said the mayor is held "in high regard" by the town and by Republican and Democratic leaders in the area and beyond in making the second nomination speech at the caucus, which was held at the Holiday Restaurant on Kent Road with about 100 in attendance.
Ms. Francis, the Planning Commission secretary, cited the mayor's sense of integrity, respect, forthrightness and tirelessness and her creative thought and receptivity to new ideas. "She rises above petty politics," Ms. Francis said, adding that she also "possesses the aptitude for listening and sustaining a good sense of humor" in her dealings with the public, for whom she is "not just a leader but a friend" who uses her talents for the town's betterment.
Moreover, she said, Ms. Murphy is "proactive" regarding maintaining "the rural character of New Milford ... and sees the bigger picture for the town."
The mayor, who was unopposed for the nomination, was roundly applauded as the ayes carried the day in a voice vote, and she was teary-eyed giving a brief acceptance speech, saying it is "an honor to serve the people of New Milford and I thank you."
In a short interview after the caucus, as she continued to receive congratulations, Ms. Murphy shared that she doesn't know why she still responds so emotionally when receiving praise for her job. "My dad always said to just do what you know how to do," the mayor said of her upbringing.
When asked whether it was a foregone conclusion that she would seek another two-year term, Ms. Murphy said, "No. You think about it every day ... you want to make sure you're doing the right thing for the town. It's a thoughtful consideration."
Ms. Murphy, who had won the 2007 election with more votes than her challengers' combined total, is being challenged by Robert Coppola, whom the Democrats endorsed at their caucus Wednesday night (see story, Page A1). The New Milford First Party will hold its caucus next Wednesday, when it will present its slate.
The mayor acknowledged that there's a lot of unfinished business to attend to, such as "all kinds of grants" in addition to the major infrastructure projects that are under way or poised for the next step. "Right now, everything is a priority," Ms. Murphy said. "Everybody's topic is the priority."
"People want to have a town that is safe and well run," she said, adding that it's important for them to see that "you're there doing what you're supposed to."
On the longer finger, she said she wishes the "state and national economy would improve so things can improve here in town," pointing out that businesses that had an interest in establishing themselves in town haven't moved forward given the economic downturn.
When it was called to her attention that her office looks out across the Town Green to some unoccupied retail space, she said, "The town doesn't have any say because it's private property. But I wish we were more-or maybe less-aggressive with the rents in town, because maybe some rent adjustments would attract more business into New Milford."
In giving her overall perspective of the town, she echoed what she had expressed in an interview during budget season. "New Milford has enough variety to make it a good place to be, to live and do business in. It's in a good financial state, and people still support their community," Ms. Murphy said, adding that the recent tax collection rate was good, even in these tough economic times.
The caucus also endorsed four incumbents-Peter Bass, Roger Szendy, Raymond O'Brien and Robert Guendelsberger-as well as Cecelia Buck-Taylor and Thomas Esposito for a four-year term on the Town Council. The nominations were voted on by ballot because seven names were brought forward for consideration for the six slots on the slate, with Robert Sherry also seeking an endorsement.
For a four-year term on the Board of Finance, the caucus endorsed incumbents Mark Vendetti and Joanne Chapin, an alternate who is seeking a full term, as well as Larry Tripp for a two-year term. The slate also includes the following, who are all seeking four-year terms: incumbents Wendy Faulenbach and William Wellman, as well as candidates Stella Vendetti and Lynette Celli Rigdon for the Board of Education; Peter Eng, the current chairman, for the Planning Commission; incumbent William Taylor and candidates Charles Bradford and James Volinski Jr. for the Zoning Commission; and Martin Montiero, current chairman, and Pauline Brannigan for the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Party Chairman Pat Sherry noted that there are two openings on the Board of Education slate.
