Politics & Government

Your Voices: Reactions To Election Day Results

What you were saying after the vote counts came in on Tuesday evening

If you think civility has gone out the window in the digital age, think again. Although emotions ran high during this election on a number of issues, particularly the and the question of , the reactions after the results came in were generally of congratulations and gratitude. We've collected some of the comments from around New London Patch and Facebook to share here.

Mayor's Race

“We won in a landslide! Thank you New London!!” Daryl Finizio, on his campaign’s Facebook page.  

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“Congrats Daryl...the better person won. I know you will do New London proud just because of your passion for the city. Finally the start of something new in New London. I can't wait. I just hope people understand that change is good but slow and takes time and sometimes can be hard to swallow but it is imperative that change comes to New London.” James Foreman, on Daryl Finizio’s Facebook page.

“After quite a long evening, the results show that I did not win tonight's election. First and foremost, I wish Mayor-Elect Finizio all the best the next four years. Now New London, let's come together, and do what's right for the city. It's been a great 16 years. Thank you.” Republican candidate Rob Pero, on his campaign Facebook page.  

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“Rob, you have done many wonderful things for New London, I believe that it will carry on through the work of the new council because your spirit is still at City Hall. Thank you for making a change.” Rachel Smolenski, on Rob Pero’s campaign Facebook page.

“Good turnout by interested New London voters. While no candidate garnered over 50% of the vote, the energy in all campaigns attributed to the outcome. Monday morning quarterbacking will commence about the park vote and the race; it is what it is. Congratulations to all candidates for all positions who put themselves out there for scrutiny by their fellow citizens.” K. Robert Lewis, on New London Patch.

“Michael, you ran a great race. As I said numerous times last night, it was a sad night for New London. But, what I have seen and read about since you were on the council and throughout the campaign is the guy the city needs. Even though the majority did not realize it last night, you are still that guy. Keep your head as high as always!” Richie Smith, on Michael Buscetto III’s campaign Facebook page.  

“You ran a good campaign and brought many issues to the attention of the electorate. Thank you.” Alec Peterson, on Buscetto’s campaign Facebook page.

“I want to congratulate Mr. Finizio; he did a great job. It is great to see that hopefully the citizens who have suffered over the losses in Fort Trumbull may be able to start some type of healing process. This city must move forward and must finally lead and not follow. The very sad thing is we may lose Riverside Park, which I can't understand with so many Democrats doing well, especially with their endorsement to keep the park. I am hoping that we will win that battle; it has certainly divided this community. As for me, I will always advocate for the citizens of New London and the United States. I want to thank everyone for their respectful comments. Mr. Finizio never played dirty politics with me and we discussed the issues, which many were right on point with each other.” Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Lockwood, on New London Patch.

“Congratulations to Daryl, Todd, Billy, and the hardest working and SMARTEST campaign supporters one could imagine. Congratulations NEW LONDON!!! Mssrs. Pero, Olsen and Lockwood - You've made yourselves - and your city - proud!” Alan Green Jr., on New London Patch.

Riverside Park referendum

“We love everyone of you folks that voted with us YES! to sell Riverside Park. Bless you everyone, a very hard battle.” Fr. Russ Carmichael, on New London Patch.

“What a sorry day for New London.” Independent mayoral candidate Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh, on New London Patch.

“I understand it is a park but it has been neglected for so long. It seems like the idea was that keeping it under mismanagement and in a condition that no one wants to visit is better than having it improved, maintained, and possibly put to use once its under new management. It's not going anywhere. Just improved.” Carol Nossek, on New London Patch.

“I can't even read this article...and I will say it MUST be challenged! On the day of the election I drove people to the polls. NO ONE UNDERSTOOD THE BALLOT! I had 15 people ask me what the question meant, not teenagers, but intelligent grown adults. They all found the question itself confusing and I MUST say the signage from the [Friends of Riverside Park] was just as confusing to many people. STOP this SALE! March on the City Hall, it is our right, 13 people is not enough votes to let this lovely ancient forest slide away!” Lorain Ohio Simister, on New London Patch.

“I am pleased that our men and women of the Sea Service, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard will have the opportunity for the best training facility. Everyday, around the globe, these men and women and even dogs put their lives on the line to protect our shores and seas. Thank you New London. I look forward to meeting those who come from around the world that visit our city while attending training at the only, our own, USCGA.” Tambria Moore, on New London Patch.

“The sad thing is that in their support of the CGA, or quest to divest the City of what some mistakenly refer to as a "run down" piece of land, the taxpayers of New London are taking it on the chin. There are financial ramifications to this sale, that I suspect many never thought of. That notwithstanding, the neighbor against neighbor split is the true loss. The WIN/WIN, was a myth and will present itself as such in time.” Wayne Vendetto, on New London Patch.

“Accusing the south side of New London for being the sole reason the Riverside Park sale passed is unfair and presumptuous; voters from all districts turned out to vote, please remember that. I hope for the sake of this city, everyone, regardless of their political stance is able to stand proud of New London and discontinue the disrespect, accusations, and mudslinging. It is time to show the rest of Southeastern Connecticut what we are really made of.” ConcernedNewLondoner, on New London Patch.

“My sincere hope is that the park prevails in the recount!!!! Don't give up hope!!!” City Councilor-elect Marie Friess-McSparran on the Friends of Riverside Facebook page.

City Council

“An impressive count for the Greens - it looks like 1 in 4 voters chose at least one Green candidate.” ELComandante, on New London Patch.

"New London is very lucky to have gotten someone so dedicated on their City Council!!! I have complete faith in your abilities and wish you much success!!!" Erin Spitale-hansen, on Marie Friess-McSparran's Facebook page.

“No better person for the job. I vote for the person who can better represent me than myself and I am confident in my vote for you Anthony. Love and Support you and know that you will represent me and New London as professionally and passionately as I would, and even better. Now get out there and help make the big changes that we all need and want.” Judi Cox, on City Councilor-elect Anthony Nolan’s Facebook page.

“Congratulations to all of today's election winners. You now have the future of New London in your hands. Please try to see the city as an 80 million dollar business and not a political entity. I'll miss serving and wish you all well.” Outgoing City Councilor John Russell, on his Facebook page.

“New London is so lucky to have someone with such compassion for their community - Way to go Mike, keep up the great work your doing.” Bonny Greene-Dyer, on City Councilor Michael Passero’s Facebook page.


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