It's Now a 3-Way Race for Goshen 1st Selectman
1st Selectman candidates Todd Carusillo (L), Seth Breakell (C) and Paul Collins (R) appeared together at a debate on July 14th. Collins, who was not yet an announced candidate at that time, was the event's moderator./Goshen News Staff Photo
Goshen, July 23: At the Goshen Democratic caucus, last night, current Board of Finance member Paul Collins was endorsed to run for the office of 1st Selectman. While initially named as a placeholder to preserve the Democrats' options, Collins told The Goshen News that he is serious about seeking the office and will be on the November ballot. Collins will appear on that ballot alongside Republican endorsed candidate Seth Breakell and Unaffiliated candidate Todd Carusillo.
Carusillo, the incumbent 1st Selectman, reportedly left the Republican party the day after failing to secure the party's endorsement at their July 17th caucus and will run as a petitioning Unaffiliated candidate. In a lopsided 153 to 67 vote, Goshen GOP Caucus voters rejected incumbent Carusillo in favor of challenger Breakell.
Just two years ago, Carusillo won re-election, running unopposed, in a year when significant changes in Republican town leadership led to dramatic changes on the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Selectmen. A series of missteps over the past two years, however, led to sufficient discontent among Goshen Republicans with Carusillo's leadership to motivate long-term Goshen resident and Board of Fire Commissioners member Seth Breakell to challenge Carusillo for the nomination. Carusillo has been criticized for his handling of a book ban at the Goshen Library, a land purchase for a public works facility that voters later rejected, and missteps regarding the Region 20 school district merger. Breakell, in his campaign events, has addressed the bad reputation Goshen has acquired because of the book ban and has pledged strong support for making Region 20 successful. Breakell, who has a background in construction management, has also cited the need to improve the town's buildings and roads.
Collins, whose background was in supply chain management for a billion dollar paper distributor, cited Carusillo's "failure in management" in his statement to The Goshen News. He believes that a more methodical and professional approach to town infrastructure is needed. He also cited the need for better Town communication with residents.
This story is being developed with further details to follow.
