Knickerbocker and Straiton Seek Democratic Nomination to Run for Reelection

Report by Paula Antolini
June 4, 2015 9:43PM EDT

Knickerbocker and Straiton Seek Democratic Nomination to Run for Reelection

Bethel, CT –  June 3, 2015 – Matthew S. Knickerbocker, First Selectman and Richard C. Straiton, Selectman of the town of Bethel today announced their intention to seek the Bethel Democratic Town Committee’s nomination to run for reelection in the upcoming November municipal contest.  Both were first elected in 2009 and re-elected to second and third terms in 2011 and 2013.

In seeking a fourth term, the pair cited numerous accomplishments during their five years in office, including initiation of a comprehensive Road Recovery Project to improve Bethel’s roadways, which is still under way and entering its fifth year; ongoing support for Bethel Public Schools and purchasing the Franc and Hickok properties to preserve open space and control overdevelopment.  In addition, the pair cited their strong track record of conservative fiscal management, resulting in the town recently earned a AAA bond rating, the highest possible, from the international credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of Bethel,” Knickerbocker said.  “We have been able to accomplish a great deal by working together with mutual respect and without regard to party affiliation.  This is how our residents want their town government to function.”

Matthew Knickerbocker was formerly a marketing executive and served for ten years as a member of the Bethel Board of Education. During his seven years as chairman of the school board, he led the efforts to renovate Berry Elementary and Bethel High Schools.  As First Selectman, he has served as past Chairman of the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials, as Chair of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities transportation subcommittee and is currently serving as Chair of the recently chartered Western Connecticut Council of Governments.

Richard Straiton has participated extensively in town government.  He has served on numerous boards and commissions prior to being elected Selectman, including the building committees for the 1989 construction of Bethel Middle School and the renovations of Berry Elementary School and Bethel High School.  Rich is currently leading the effort to secure grant funding for a teen center space, which would allow expansion of the current senior center, as well as providing leadership on the $4.2 million Ameresco energy efficiency project that was approved by town voters in December.

###