Windsor is no longer a two-party town.
The local political landscape has been altered drastically, as a group of self-described "concerned citizens"officially filed paperwork with the secretary of state's office to form the Windsor Independent Party.
According to party representatives, the party was created in an effort to increase political competition and give voters more options in municipal elections.
Traditionally, Windsor voters provided the task of choosing nine of the ten candidates for office — ten (five democrats and five republicans) campaign, just one candidate loses.
The newly-formed Independent Party has made clear its intentions of also putting up five candidates for the town council and the board of education, bringing the total number of candidates running to fifteen.
Party representatives say 25 signatures were needed to form the party, and 33 signatures were received.
Additionally, the Windsor Independent Party intends to form a town committee, with Jeffry Ingram as interim chair. The committee's first meeting will be held on February 25 at town hall.
The party's formation comes just months after two Republican elected officials left their party and became Independents — Town Councilwoman Lisa Boccia and board of education member Kristin Ingram.
According to a statement released by the Independent Party, "The Windsor Independent party believes our government should be more transparent, accountable and user-friendly. Budgets should be presented in a way that is understandable for the average voter. Residents should be able to participate in the political process and rules for participation should be consistent and understandable."
Additionally, the party's statement addressed concerns that have been raised over the past year at town meetings — concerns regarding the respect elected officials show their constituents.
"Officials should respond to residents' inquiries and be respectful to all members of the community," the party's statement reads. "Public officials, including board and commission members, should be held accountable to the voters. A number of our appointed commissions have a lot of power over the operation and development of the town, yet there is no way to currently hold these commission accountable to the residents of the town."
Representatives of the Windsor Independent Party are encouraging Windsor Independent voters and those who are unaffiliated to attend the town committee's meetings, which will be held on the fourth Monday of each month.
Those interested in learning more about the Windsor Independent Party or the Windsor Independent Town Committee (WTIC) are encouraged to visit www.windsorindependents.com or contact Jeffery Ingram by calling 860-219-0012 or e-mail windsorindependents@gmail.com.
