Democrat Dallas Dodge informed the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee Monday that he will not run again this fall.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Democratic Town Committee (DTC) met Monday night to begin the process of nominating candidates for this fall’s municipal election, and one incumbent has announced that he will not be running again.

“Serving the town I grew up in has been a great privilege. At this time, however, I want to focus on my family and professional career, and so I will not be seeking re-election,” Democratic Town Council member Dallas Dodge told We-Ha.com. “I’ve enjoyed working with all of my colleagues on the Council, but I especially want to thank Mayor Cantor, both for her leadership and her personal friendship. We are truly fortunate to have a person of her skill and vision leading West Hartford – someone who remains grounded in reality yet is always looking to the horizon. West Hartford is a wonderful community, and I am very proud of the work we’ve done to keep it that way.”

Dodge was appointed to the Town Council in May 2016, filling the seat vacated by then-Mayor Scott Slifka, who resigned due to work obligations. Dodge won re-election in November 2017.

Cantor said she understands Dodge’s choice and thanked him for his service. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Dallas on the Council,” she said. “He is bright and committed, kind and witty. I understand the demands that being on the Council can have on someone’s personal life and Dallas’ wonderful family needs him right now. I am so grateful for his service and know he will continue to be an advisor and a friend.”

Those interested in running for either Board of Education or Town Council were invited to attend Monday night’s DTC meeting, and were given the opportunity to make brief, three-minute, presentations. The next step – interviews with the Executive Committee – will take place Wednesday, June 12, from 6-8 p.m. in Council Chambers according to the DTC Facebook page, which states that the process applies to incumbents as well as potential new candidates.

Candidate recommendations will be shared at the June 20 DTC meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, and the nominating convention will follow at a date to be announced.

Information about whether or not other incumbent candidates will seek re-election was not readily available Monday night.

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