Report by Paula Antolini, February 28, 2019, 6:39PM EDT
Brian Terzian, Chairman of the Bethel Republican Town Committee, announced its unanimous endorsement of Steve Deuschle as the Republican candidate for First Selectman in the November municipal election. “Steve has dedicated the past 20 years of his life to serving the town whether it be as an elected official, a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church, lending a helping hand through Brotherhood in Action and numerous other volunteer activities. Steve’s moral compass is beyond reproach and his commitment to helping others is unparalleled. We couldn’t ask for a better candidate to lead Bethel with care and compassion”
“Deuschle is expected to run against Matt Knickerbocker, a Democrat who was elected first selectman in 2009. Knickerbocker has not yet said whether he is running.” states the News Times.
“We are not prepared to announce our candidates at this point in time,” said Nick Vitti, chair of the Democratic Town Committee. “I don’t expect for much to change at the top of the ticket, with Matt and (Selectman) Rich (Straiton) likely continuing on.” according to the News Times.
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Want to know more about the Bethel Republicans endorsed candidate for First Selectman?
Mr. Deuschle, a 23-year resident of Bethel, has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission since 2009. Currently, on the Commission he is working on updating the Plan of Conservation and Development for the Town of Bethel. In 2017, Mr. Deuschle received the revered Denis J. Riordan Award for outstanding and dedicated service on a Land Use Commission for the Town of Bethel.
Former State Representative Dan Carter enthusiastically said, “Steve Deuschle has been an integral part of the Bethel community for years. His leadership and his fresh perspective can help Bethel move forward in the tough economic times ahead.”
Nineteen years ago, Mr. Deuschle married Patty Brothers, and they have two daughters: Dee of Bethel and Nicole of Danbury. Both daughters attended and graduated from Bethel schools.
Mr. Deuschle has been an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church since 1998 where he has volunteered as a youth group leader, mission trip leader, Staff Parish Relations Chair, Church Council member, monthly pasta dinner cook, confirmation class mentor and Sunday School teacher.
Mr. Deuschle has been the Board President of the Bethel Community Food Pantry, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, for the past three years. He led the Board to relocate the pantry from St. Thomas’s Church to its current location at the Bethel United Methodist Church, allowing for easier access for clients and volunteers. The Bethel Community Food Pantry distributed over 90,000 pounds of food in 2017 to approximately 120 Bethel families. For the past 10 years, Mr. Deuschle has also served on the Board of Directors of Brotherhood in Action that provides food for Bethel’s families in need.
The SCOTTY Fund is a local charity close to Mr. Deuschle’s heart. For the past 20 years he has been behind the grill at the annual fund raiser picnic, helping with the annual gala, and cooking meals for families in the community. Mr. Deuschle volunteered with Bethel High School musicals for ten years (2004-2014), building sets for shows while his girls were in school – and for years after as well.
Mr. Deuschle is a Master Engineering Technician and has worked for the last twenty years in Research and Development for the related companies of Prestone, First Brands, Clorox Corporation, Honeywell, and Reynolds Packaging. Steve has extensive experience with streamlining processes, product development, and cost-saving projects. During his time with these companies, Mr. Deuschle has developed procedures, designed and built test equipment, managed project budgets, and coordinated projects and people to reach designated goals.
After receiving the endorsement of the Bethel Republican Town Committee, Mr. Deuschle said, “I am humbled and honored by the confidence that the Bethel Republicans have in me as their candidate for First Selectman. Every day, I awake thinking of how I can further improve the quality of life for Bethel residents through my work with the Bethel Community Food Pantry and on the Planning & Zoning Commission. As First Selectman, my focus on improving the lives of Bethel residents will expand to encompass all services provided by our Town and its school system.”
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