Norfolk’s William Riiska is a Write-in Candidate

By Shelley Harms

State Representative George Wilber has resigned from his seat in the General Assembly and removed his name from nomination for re-election in the wake of publicity over alleged sexual abuse. John Rigby, the Republican candidate, will be the only printed name on the ballot for state representative in the 63rd district. Town officials, including Norfolk’s Anne Moses, are blacking out or covering Wilber’s name. Although it was too late to print another Democrat’s name on the ballot, Norfolk’s Bill Riiska is an officially approved write-in candidate for the position. Riiska faxed his application to the Secretary of State minutes before the deadline for becoming a write-in candidate. The application was denied because it was not a hard copy. Riiska went to court, where his candidacy was vindicated at a hearing on Monday, October 27. Anyone wishing to vote for Riiska will have to write his name at the bottom of the ballot in the column for state representative. Also on the ballot are two questions, and candidates for five other offices. Voters will choose among three pairings for president and vice president of the United States: McCain and Palin (Republican); Obama and Biden (Democrat); and Nader and Gonzalez (Independent); four candidates for representative to the U.S. Congress: David Cappiello (R), Chris Murphy (D and Working Families), Thomas Winn (I) and Harold Burbank II (Green); and two candidates for State Senator: Kevin Witkos (R) and Arthur House (D and WF). The only local contest is for Registrar of Voters. Donna Calder (R) and Kevin O’Connor (D) both will be elected as there is a position for each party. The first ballot question is whether to hold a constitutional convention to amend or revise the Connecticut Constitution. It was decided at the last constitutional convention in 1965 that this question must be on the ballot every 20 years. Certain taxpayer advocacy groups, and groups that oppose gay marriage, are urging voters to vote yes to this question this year. Others, including the League of Women Voters, believe the constitution works well as it is and are recommending a no vote. The second question is whether to amend the State Constitution to allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the time of an election to vote in the primary for that election. This question appears on the ballot because over three-fourths of the state Senate and House voted in favor of it. If approved, the constitution will be amended accordingly. On November 4, Town Hall will be open for voting from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.