Edelson Campaign Raising Money Quickly

Thousands of dollars from dozens of Southbury residents have been donated to the campaign to re-elect First Selectman Ed Edelson.

Over $7,000 was contributed by over 80 people to the Friends of Ed Edelson, according to the preliminary review by the campaign in preparation for the second quarter required report.

“We are very pleased with the rapid response to our campaign request,” said Drew Morten, campaign chair. “Both the amount and the number of people who contributed were beyond our campaign forecast.  It shows the appreciation that the community has for the hard work by Ed and for what he and his team have been able to accomplish in such a short time.”

The campaign began formally asking for contributions three weeks ago, following an announcement by Republican candidate John Monteleone that he would challenge Edelson for Southbury’s top office. 

“The campaign committee did not really get established until we knew we had an opponent,” said Campaign Committee Treasurer, Kathy Fracassini. “I guess we were hoping the Republican Town Committee would give Ed another two years much as the Democrats did in 2009.  Once we realized there would be a contest, we moved quickly to finalize our committee and to begin to fundraise.”

In addition to fund raising, the campaign has secured a campaign office in Bennett Square that will open in early August. The campaign committee had its formal kick-off along with the DTC in May when the slate for Board of Selectman and Board of Education were announced.  The full slate was endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee in June.

“I continue to get compliments from many people at the strength of our slate,” said Denise Forgione, chair of the Southbury Democratic Town Committee. “People are pleased to see all the Selectmen running again.  They are very impressed by the new candidates for Board of Education and quite thrilled to see us endorse Pat Perry who formerly ran as a Republican.”