Selectmen Candidates Reflect on Election, School Woes

After standing outside in dreary weather with his family and friends for 13 hours on Tuesday, Windham businessman Al Letizio, Jr. was finally let inside Windham High to receive some bright news – he was going to be the town's newest selectman.

But cordial as the entire campaign against former selectman Alan Carpenter played out, Letizio and his wife Patti were quick to greet both Carpenter and his wife Diane with hugs and handshakes after the results were read.

"Alan and I have been friends for a long time, our families have been friends," said Letizio, who added that he will still seek plenty of advice from Carpenter during his upcoming three-year term.

But Letizio noted that while it's a victory and a nice feeling for him, much work needs to be done.

"We are not policy makers that are setting our own agenda," said Letizio. "We need to be interpreting the wishes of the people (and) translate that into a strategic plan."

"I look forward to working with members of the Board of Selectmen," he added.

In defeat, Carpenter focused on the message that was sent by the race between himself and Letizio.

"I hope next year when people go to think about signing up at election season they don't hesitate," said Carpenter. "That they're not worried about personal attacks. That they don't shy away from the fight."

"Al (Letizio) is a great candidate, he's a bright guy," Carpenter added. "He's going to work hard. The board is in great shape.

Both men expressed concern with the school district, which saw five warrant articles all slashed down by the Windham public. Casualties that came from yesterday's voting included a $31 school and turf field bond article, a negotiated contract for teachers and the school operating budget.

"I think the school board learns more with what happened tonight than they learned if everything passed," said Letizio.

Carpenter said he is both "very concerned" for Windham and worried that the town is going to lose good teachers.

"The word I would use is almost ignorant to come in and just blatantly vote 'no' without consideration of impact," he said.

Letizio also spoke to Dennis Senibaldi, who unseated three-term incumbent Dr. Bruce Anderson to gain a spot on the board. 

"They're going to miss a great guy on the board with Bruce (Anderson),"said Letizio. He added that Senibaldi will bring a completely different philosophy to the school board. 

On the town side, very few warrant articles failed and the operating budget cleanly passed. All zoning amendments also passed with 'yes' votes.