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Primary looms as RTC picks Arbisi over Gardner for registrar of voters
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Written by Justin Reynolds
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Wilton Bulletin
© Copyright 2010 Hersam Acorn Newspapers All Rights Reserved.
Published On June 4, 2010
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Deciding against renominating their incumbent for over a decade, the Wilton Republican Town Committee has endorsed Mary Arbisi for registrar of voters. RTC Chairman Al Alper said the decision was brought about by the “political climate” and that it “was time for a change.”
“I am deeply honored by the endorsement of the RTC. I will work each day to live up to the faith they have put in me,” Ms. Arbisi said in a press release. “I believe that the roll of the registrar is not only to carry out the duties of the registrar’s office in a professional, diligent and ethical manner but also to be an example of what the party stands for. I look forward to being the person that Wilton’s voters look to when they consider choosing a party.”
Al Alper, chairman of the RTC, said the committee heartily endorsed Ms. Arbisi.
“Mary has been a terrific example of what the Republican Party is all about,” Mr. Alper said in the release. “She has volunteered for the last several election cycles to avail herself of the responsibilities and duties required of a Republican registrar. When positions were not available, Mary volunteered as a poll watcher for the party. She has demonstrated a personal commitment and work ethic to the position, and to the Republican community that is remarkable and much appreciated.”
According to the release, Ms. Arbisi has lived in Wilton for 16 years and has “deep roots in the community with activities ranging from coaching baseball, T-ball and soccer, to volunteering at Cider Mill and Driscoll schools, to singing at the St. Thomas Church.”
Ms. Arbisi, a preschool teacher in Wilton, is a member of the Republican Women of Wilton and the Wilton Republican Town Committee, according to the release. She “brings a bright, fresh face to the party and advocacy for its principles.”
Ms. Arbisi received the nomination instead of Tina Gardner, who’s served as the Republican registrar of voters since 1997. In a press release issued Tuesday, Ms. Gardner said she filed a petition to appear on the Aug. 10 primary ballot.
“I am eager to serve another two-year term using my training and extensive experience,” Ms. Gardner said. “I am proud to say I have played an integral part in the proper and ethical operation of the registrar’s office since 1997.”
Mr. Alper said the Republicans thank Ms. Gardner for her many years of service as registrar.
“Tina has been a familiar and welcome presence to voters at town hall and at the polls during many elections in Wilton,” Mr. Alper said in the release. “She also played an instrumental role in helping the town make the transition from lever machines to optical scan systems.”
But in what he described as a “very active political year,” Mr. Alper said several people stood up to show an interest in becoming re-engaged in the political process, and it is the duty of the RTC to vet everybody.
“Mary showed an enthusiasm and an excitement and a diligence and work ethic that was unequaled and so we chose Mary over Tina. We just felt that in this particular climate it was time for a change,” he said Wednesday. “We’re very appreciative of the 13 years of service that Tina gave Wilton and the Republican Party of Wilton. We appreciate all that she’s done. Mary was head and shoulders above that.”
“We are very proud to have her as the first person new voters meet and as the face of the Wilton RTC to the community on a daily basis,” Mr. Alper said in the release.
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