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<h2>What is The Woodstock Democratic Town Committee?</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/22f556c2-1f3e-497f-b764-865a4bd56dca/22f556c2-1f3e-497f-b764-865a4bd56dca.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4284%2C5712&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">A Democratic Town Committee (DTC) is the official local organization of the Connecticut Democratic Party in each of the state's 169 towns and cities. Members are elected by registered Democrats in the town every two years under Connecticut General Statutes and party rules.The Woodstock DTC has several core responsibilities:<ul><li>Recruiting and endorsing candidates for municipal offices — Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education, and others — as well as for state legislative seats representing Woodstock. Finding strong, qualified neighbors willing to serve is one of the most important things we do.</li><li>Supporting campaigns through volunteer coordination, fundraising, voter outreach, and communications.</li><li>Engaging voters on the issues that shape life in our town: education funding, property taxes, town services, and the future of Woodstock as a rural community.</li><li>Connecting Woodstock to the broader party — working with neighboring DTCs, our state legislative delegation, and the Connecticut Democratic Party.</li></ul>The committee meets monthly (usually the first Wednesday of the Month at 6:30, at Woodstock Town Hall - <a href="/1b8d191d-3ee8-4a82-b644-f75aa351f0b4#block-0a44edda-b133-4312-8119-1fc7a66506ac">click here to find the next meeting</a>) and welcomes participation from anyone who shares our values — whether or not you're a registered Democrat. (Under state party rules, only registered Democrats may serve as voting members of the committee, but everyone is welcome at the table.)

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If you have an event that you want us to add to our calendar let us know!Fill out the form to the right and submit. We will contact you if we need more information.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/4d435c4f-9be0-4923-a7ac-3594eb000c1c/4d435c4f-9be0-4923-a7ac-3594eb000c1c.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C513%2C640&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">

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Our Local Democratic Candidates

35th State senate

Ethan Werstler

52nd State Representative

Vincent Tocci

50th State Representative

Pat Boyd

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These are not the roles that often grab headlines, but they are all important positions on the ballot this fall. Click through to their websites to learn more.

Additional Candidates on the ballot this fall

26th Probate Judge

Kate Cerrone

registrar of voters

Jessica Weaver Boose

LT. Governor

Susan Bysiewicz

Comptroller

Sean Scanlon

Attorney General

William Tong

Secretary of the State

Stephanie Thomas

Treasurer

Erick Russell

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The Woodstock DTC has not yet endorsed a candidate for governor. We have two great candidates in Gov. Ned Lamont and Rep. Josh Elliott. We encourage everyone to get to know both of them - their platforms and plans for Connecticut. There will likely be a primary this summer between them.

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<h2>August 3rd-9th</h2>

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/ab5c4086-3625-4788-9ec4-f5345e8cfb31/ab5c4086-3625-4788-9ec4-f5345e8cfb31.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C432%2C576&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="42" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h4>The Woodstock Democratic Town Committee believes that government works best when it is honest, accountable, and grounded in the lives of the people it serves.</h4><h4>To put that belief into practice, we work to:</h4><ul><li>Build a strong, inclusive local Democratic organization.</li><li>Advocate for our priorities in Woodstock's town governance.</li><li>Promote transparent, accountable government that works for every resident.</li><li>Recruit and support candidates who reflect our values and serve our neighbors.</li><li>Elect Democrats who put people first at every level of government.</li></ul>

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/b8c83784-f237-4264-9fdf-7533931d23c2/b8c83784-f237-4264-9fdf-7533931d23c2.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C940%2C545&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">It was a packed house at the Hilltop Restaurant in Willington for the 35th Senate District convention. More than 75 attendees from across the 13 towns of the 35th gathered to celebrate the start of this campaign as we work together to elect Ethan Werstler (a proud member of the Woodstock DTC) to this seat.We think this is best said in Ethan's words:Nomination by acclamation, activation, motivation and celebration. But make no mistake, everything up to this point has been the easy part.We will leave no stone un-turned, no lesson un-learned, no road un-walked, no door un-knocked. We will find the answers, we will make our case, and—Mark. My. Words. We will win this race.<h4><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CcdoFjAMZ/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Watch Ethan's full acceptance speech</a> .</h4>

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35th Senate District Convention

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/d6dfa51c-e8f8-4783-a1a3-f7ad6304d671/d6dfa51c-e8f8-4783-a1a3-f7ad6304d671.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4284%2C5712&amp;w=1500" alt="dueling coffees" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Just before the convention kicked off, the small town caucus of the CT Dems had a meet up of small towns over coffee and breakfast. Our full delegation was there representing Woodstock and connecting with other small towns from across the state. We often focus on the Quiet Corner (as is appropriate) but it was interesting to learn more about towns that we don't have much connection with - we were surprised how Woodstock and Woodbury have more in common than we thought - not just the start of our town names! Looking forward to continuing the work with the small town caucus in the future.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/19ece88e-7009-4056-85ef-5b87127cf341/19ece88e-7009-4056-85ef-5b87127cf341.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5712%2C4284&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">While the reason for this get-together was to connect with small towns, it didn't take long for that to go a bit off the rails as elected officials and those running for office stopped by. We got a photo of most of our delegation (Ethan was off schmoozing somewhere) with a contemplative Josh Elliott.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/d5db389a-ce31-44d9-abf8-9c3eef1d5720/d5db389a-ce31-44d9-abf8-9c3eef1d5720.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C1448%2C4284%2C3359&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/112ad72f-c7d6-4da2-b3fc-971d0058b04c/112ad72f-c7d6-4da2-b3fc-971d0058b04c.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=1145%2C0%2C3885%2C4284&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Governor Lamont also stopped by and we had a chance to talk with him as well. We didn't ask for a group photo there since some of our members were pretty visibly supporting his challenger. Kevin did his thing and engaged with everyone as if they had known each other their whole lives. Toward the end, Pat Boyd stopped by to say hi - and then we were off to our seats and the work of the convention.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/af799cd7-2f6e-4b73-802a-42a4e3acdf73/af799cd7-2f6e-4b73-802a-42a4e3acdf73.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5712%2C4284&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">

Small Town Caucus Meetup

The Woodstock Democratic Town Committee held its May meeting on May 26th to a full house, including a special visit from Governor Ned Lamont and State Representative Pat Boyd. Governor Lamont highlighted Connecticut's fiscal turnaround — from multi-billion dollar deficits to a healthy rainy day fund — and outlined priorities for his next term, including reform of school funding, universal free school lunches, and expanded affordable health care. He also took questions from attendees on topics close to home: Eversource rate regulation, Day Kimball Hospital's integration into the UConn Health system, and the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on education reform, which aims to find regional solutions to the rising costs of special education. The Governor also gave a strong endorsement to DTC member and candidate for the 35th State Senate Seat Ethan Werstler, and made it clear why having Ethan in Hartford representing us would be a fantastic improvement for the region. While the Woodstock DTC has not yet endorsed a candidate in the gubernatorial primary, there was universal appreciation for the Governor taking time to visit our DTC.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/c1da45d0-d0df-4895-b741-6d63c4f24154/c1da45d0-d0df-4895-b741-6d63c4f24154.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2046%2C2046&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">The committee also heard from two candidates running in northeastern Connecticut House districts. Dr. Angelina (Lina) Wagner, candidate for the 51st District, spoke about her commitment to listening to constituents and her advocacy on environmental issues including the fate of Old Killingly Pond. Marcus Palumbo, running in the 47th District, outlined a platform centered on lowering costs for working families, supporting labor rights, and increasing Education Cost Sharing funding as a path to property tax relief. Members also heard from Max Gigle of the Quiet Corner Democrats, a regional organization working to support Democratic campaigns and flip seats across northeastern Connecticut.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/b51b187d-e562-42e0-b21e-ca7a76cb1afa/b51b187d-e562-42e0-b21e-ca7a76cb1afa.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1535%2C2046&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">On the organizational front, the committee formally adopted a new mission statement and party platform, launched its new official website at <a href="http://WoodstockDTC.org">WoodstockDTC.org</a>, and endorsed Jessica Weaver Boose as the committee's nominee for Registrar of Voters. The committee set an ambitious fundraising goal of $15,000 for the year to support voter outreach, digital advertising, and Get Out The Vote efforts ahead of the August 11th primary and the November elections.

Lamont Visit &amp; May 26 Meeting

The final convention of 2026 was for the 29th district Judge of Probate. Kate Cerrone was endorsed for this district that covers the Northeast corner of the state - Thompson, Putnam, Woodstock, Pomfret, Brooklyn, Eastford and Ashford. Stacy, Suzanne, Greg, Mike and Ethan represented Woodstock. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/d80e0c7d-0e42-41ec-b23c-b25e55b4006f/d80e0c7d-0e42-41ec-b23c-b25e55b4006f.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5712%2C4284&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="47.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

Probate convention

Woodstock is a rural&nbsp; town in Northeast Connecticut consisting of working farms, small businesses, strong schools, and neighbors who look out for each other. The Woodstock Democratic Town Committee believes that government works best when it is transparent, responsive, and grounded in the everyday lives of the people it serves. We bring Democratic values — fairness, opportunity, stewardship, and respect for each and every resident — to the practical work of running a small town. This platform defines our guiding principles and outlines our aspirations for the town and its governance. It is meant to guide our work, set the standard for the candidates we recruit and endorse, inform the voters we serve, and hold us accountable to our community.

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Preamble

The Woodstock Democratic Town Committee stands with the Connecticut Democratic Party on the core values that define our party: defending voting rights and democratic institutions, advancing economic fairness, protecting reproductive rights, addressing climate change, and ensuring civil rights and equal opportunity for every resident regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, faith, or background. This platform focuses on the issues that are uniquely local to Woodstock; on the broader matters that shape life in Connecticut and in the nation, our position is one of full alignment with the <a href="https://www.ctdems.org/platform" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">state party platform</a>.

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Alignment with the State Party Platform

Safe roads, reliable emergency services, and well-maintained town infrastructure are core obligations of local government. We support adequate funding and staffing for our volunteer fire and emergency services, sensible traffic safety measures at intersections and along corridors that residents have repeatedly identified as dangerous, and careful planning for the long-term maintenance of roads, bridges, and town buildings. We also believe Woodstock's infrastructure should serve all who use it — whether they travel by car, by bike, or on foot. Deferred maintenance is not savings; it is debt, paid later at higher cost. We support facing those obligations promptly rather than pushing them to the next budget cycle or the next administration.

Safe roads, reliable emergency services, and well-maintained infrastructure are core obligations of local government. We support adequate funding for our volunteer fire and emergency services, sensible traffic safety measures, and honest long-term planning for roads, bridges, and town buildings. Deferred maintenance is not savings; it is debt, paid later at higher cost.

Public Safety and Infrastructrure

A small town takes care of its own. We support strong, year-round programs and support services for seniors, accessible services for veterans, and broader attention to the residents — across every age and circumstance — for whom Woodstock is becoming harder to afford or more difficult to navigate. The ability to age in place, achieve food security, obtain easily accessible transportation, and connect to regional services are all part of what it means to be a community and not just a municipality. We will work with town agencies, regional partners, and community organizations to make sure no neighbor falls through the cracks.

A small town takes care of its own. We support strong, year-round programming and support services for seniors, accessible services for veterans, and broader attention to residents for whom Woodstock is becoming harder to afford or navigate. Aging in place, food security, transportation, and connection to regional resources are part of what it means to be a community.

Seniors, Veterans and Neighbors in need

<span class="image video image-left" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/P2w9rXIitZc?si=59bVzxQ8bZfzW_hA&amp;amp;start=13&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" style="width: 40%;"><img imageurl="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/2f5a917c-819a-41d3-8476-1fb92c82dbbc/2f5a917c-819a-41d3-8476-1fb92c82dbbc.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C990%2C1760&amp;w=1500" embedcode="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/P2w9rXIitZc?si=59bVzxQ8bZfzW_hA&amp;amp;start=13&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" alt="" align="left" alignwidth="40" src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/2f5a917c-819a-41d3-8476-1fb92c82dbbc/2f5a917c-819a-41d3-8476-1fb92c82dbbc.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C990%2C1760&amp;w=1500" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/P2w9rXIitZc?si=59bVzxQ8bZfzW_hA&amp;amp;start=13&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;"><span class="video-button-placeholder" data-embed="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/embed/P2w9rXIitZc?si=59bVzxQ8bZfzW_hA&amp;amp;start=13&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;">The delegates for the 52nd State House district met up in Stafford to nominate Vincent Tocci for this seat. It will be a big lift to turn this seat blue, but Vincent is ready and so are we!Vincent presented a clear focus of bringing the issues facing small towns front and center when he is elected.The 52nd district spans the covers all of Somers, Stafford and Union and about half of Woodstock - mostly the northern/western part of town. Click the video to watch Vincent's acceptance speech.

52nd district convention

Town government belongs to the residents of Woodstock, and its workings should be visible, accessible, and easy to engage with. We support clear and timely communication from town offices, accessible meeting schedules and materials, and meaningful opportunities for public input before decisions are made — not after. We believe professional, well-supported town administration produces better outcomes than ad hoc decision-making, and we support investing appropriately in the staff and systems that keep town government functioning. Above all, we expect every elected and appointed official, including our own, to conduct the public’s business in public with respect and appropriate decorum.

Town government belongs to the residents of Woodstock. We support clear communication from town offices, accessible meetings, and meaningful chances for public input before decisions are made. We believe in professional, well-supported town administration, and we expect every elected and appointed official — including our own — to conduct public business in public.

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Open and Accountable Government

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May 26 Meeting Recap

Sound town finances require both prudence and fairness. We support disciplined budgeting, honest and informed long-range planning, and a tax structure that does not place a disproportionate burden on those least able to bear it. The 2025 revaluation made it clear that the impact of broad tax changes can fall unevenly across our community. We believe the town has a responsibility to monitor those impacts, communicate them honestly, and respond — including through tools available under state law, such as property tax deferral programs for income-qualifying residents. We trust voters to weigh in on the town budget at the referendum, and oppose preemptive cuts to essential services made in anticipation of how voters might react.

Sound town finances require both prudence and fairness. The 2025 revaluation showed how unevenly tax changes can fall across our community, and the town should respond honestly — including through tools like property tax deferral for qualifying residents. We trust voters to decide the budget at referendum, and oppose preemptive cuts to essential services.

Responsible and Equitable Town Finances

While the Woodstock DTC has not endorsed a candidate for Governor, some of our members certainly have their favorites. Matt and Stacy went to a convention eve event with Josh Elliott tonight &amp; as delegates will be casting their votes for his nomination tomorrow at the convention.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/959720b6-42cb-4f2a-b530-7c7ab8acbf7d/959720b6-42cb-4f2a-b530-7c7ab8acbf7d.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3024%2C4032&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="47.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

Matt and Stacy met up with Josh Elliot in his convention eve gathering Click through to see more!

Convention eve with Josh Elliott

Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and Woodstock's commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive community must extend fully to those residents with disabilities. We believe disability rights are civil rights — not a matter of charity or accommodation, but of equal participation in the life of our town.That means working to ensure that town buildings, meetings, communications, and services are genuinely accessible — not just technically compliant. It means recruiting and welcoming residents with disabilities to serve on boards, commissions, and in elected office. It means recognizing that accessibility improvements benefit the whole community: a virtual option for board and commission meetings, for example, allows a resident with hearing loss to use captioning, a neighbor recovering from surgery to participate from home, and a parent putting a young child to bed at seven o'clock to still have a voice in their town government. Inclusion, in this sense, is not a special accommodation — it is simply good design.We support accessible formats for town communications and meeting materials, and a standing commitment to ask — in every planning and policy decision — whether all of our neighbors can fully participate.

Disability Rights and Accessibility

Woodstock's working farms, forests, and open space are essential to who we are, and protecting them requires active choices. We support open space preservation, the protection of working agriculture, careful stewardship of natural resources, and land use planning that respects our rural character while accommodating thoughtful, appropriately-scaled development. We believe climate resilience — protecting our roads, water systems, and homes from increasingly volatile weather — is a local issue as well as a state and federal one. The Woodstock our children inherit should be at least as healthy and beautiful as the one we received.

Woodstock's working farms, forests and open space are essential to who we are. We support open space preservation, support for working agriculture, careful stewardship of natural resources, and land use that respects our rural character. Climate resilience — protecting our roads, water, and homes from volatile weather — is a local issue, not just a federal one.

Land, Environment and Rural Character

Woodstock should be a place where working families can afford to put down roots, where young people who grew up here can stay, and where seniors can age in place without being priced out of the community they built. That requires an honest acknowledgment that housing in Woodstock — like much of Connecticut — is becoming less affordable, and that local land use decisions shape who can live here.We support zoning and planning policies that expand housing options without sacrificing our rural character, and we encourage the town to actively explore the tools available under state law to make housing more accessible to working families, young people, and seniors.A town that cannot house its teachers, its young families, or its aging residents is not a town that is planning for its future. Housing affordability is not just an economic issue — it is a question of what kind of community we want to be.

Housing affordability and community vitality

The Woodstock Democratic Town Committee held its monthly meeting on May 6th. Here's a summary of what we discussed and decided.<h3>Special guest: Adam Richardson, Courtney for Congress</h3>We welcomed Adam Richardson, campaign manager for Congressman Joe Courtney, who shared an update on the race and broader electoral picture. Key takeaways: Democratic voter turnout in our area has been strong — up from 65% to 81% in recent cycles — and Woodstock's active civic participation has been noticed statewide. Adam discussed the importance of phone calls to the Congressman's office in shaping his priorities, the competitive landscape heading into 2026, and the ongoing fight to protect fair district maps following recent Supreme Court gerrymandering developments. There was also a lively discussion about clean energy policy, including the Revolution Wind offshore project and rising electric rates.<h3>Woodstock recognized at 35th District State Central Committee Convention</h3>Five Woodstock delegates attended the Democratic State Central Committee Convention for the 35th District, and our town was recognized by other communities as a model for consistent participation and grassroots engagement. We're proud to be a leading voice in the Quiet Corner. Quiet Corner PrideMembers shared a positive report from the recent Quiet Corner Pride event. The WDTC table drew strong engagement around our theme of staying engaged and getting out to vote. Great conversations were had throughout the day.<h3>Town budget passes — what comes next</h3>We celebrated the passage of the FY2027 town budget, which passed by 240 votes. Members discussed the importance of countering misinformation and continuing to engage constructively in town discourse. A broader conversation emerged about how the DTC can help shape the narrative around how new state funding is put to use for Woodstock residents.<h3>Fundraising and candidate support</h3>The committee discussed a goal of raising $20,000 in the near term to support our local candidates and organizational priorities. Members identified four key spending categories — mailings, events, candidate support, and outreach — and agreed that building a compelling vision for donors is essential. We're focused on efficient, high-impact activities as we head into the election cycle.<h3>New website launch underway</h3>We reviewed a new WDTC website built on the Designed to Run platform, with a goal of going live by end of May. Volunteers — Greg, John, Kevin, Karen, and Jim — signed up to help develop content, and we discussed adding updated photos, graphics, a news section, and an events calendar. The committee also approved spending up to $150 for initial setup and up to $50/month for ongoing hosting.<h3>Next meeting moved to May 26th</h3>

May 6th Meeting highlights

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/a389a001-6c7b-4bff-a8a5-86d1ee687f82/a389a001-6c7b-4bff-a8a5-86d1ee687f82.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1280%2C853&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Less than a week after Governor Lamont visited our DTC, we had a great crowd as Josh Elliott came to visit. Thank you to Polly for hosting and to Stacy for organizing. Close to 50 people came - Josh spoke for a little while, then took a range of questions from folks for another hour or so. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/98756277-f6bb-4362-af81-9a899a72d4a5/98756277-f6bb-4362-af81-9a899a72d4a5.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1280%2C960&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">While he had a tight schedule and needed to leave, we continued the conversations as many people stayed more than 2 hours after Josh left! It was a great evening to hear from a candidate from Governor, but also to meet new folks and to reconnect with others.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/3c26e17e-ecff-4013-b3cc-82c89c0cf0be/3c26e17e-ecff-4013-b3cc-82c89c0cf0be.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1280%2C853&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

Josh Elliott Visit

Woodstock's public schools are central to our community's present and future, and we believe in funding them adequately to meet the needs of every student. We respect the Board of Education as an independently elected body and support a budget process that respects its work rather than treating its requests as a starting point for reduction. We support transparent, long-term planning for school facilities and capital needs, including any decisions about consolidation. All plans and decisions should be made on the basis of educational quality, fiscal honesty, and genuine community input — not pre-decided behind closed doors. Strong schools will allow the town to keep its vibrant young families, attract new ones, and invest in the generations that will inherit Woodstock.

Woodstock's public schools are central to our community's future, and we believe in funding them adequately for every student. We respect the Board of Education as an independently elected body and support taking its budget seriously. Decisions about facilities and consolidation should be made on educational quality, fiscal honesty, and genuine community input.

Strong Public Schools

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/8f569ea4-d8ac-4a15-a490-ebf151ca158e/8f569ea4-d8ac-4a15-a490-ebf151ca158e.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4896%2C3672&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h4>Our delegation all set to go - the convention was both "conventional" and at times inspiring. The only competitive race was the Governor's race - that was the main event. Each town went alphabetically announcing their delegates votes for Josh Elliott and Governor Lamont - by the time we got to the "P"s, Josh had already cleared his hurdle of 15%, so it was a bit anticlimactic when we got to Woodstock. Last alphabetically among CT towns - but not least! Stacy represented us and shared our allotment of 3 delegates for Josh and 2 Delegates for Ned.</h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/79f0be8d-45a0-45c3-b5e4-3b50f19374b4/79f0be8d-45a0-45c3-b5e4-3b50f19374b4.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4032%2C3024&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/65ca67e7-6ca6-4ae8-80bf-896742775b08/65ca67e7-6ca6-4ae8-80bf-896742775b08.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=894%2C599%2C2130%2C3433&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h4>Surprisingly, the order of the nominations was fixed - so the "main event" of Governor was second (after Lt. Gov). After that there were still uncontested nominations for Comptroller, Attorney General, Treasurer and Secretary of the State. Hearing the heartfelt nomination and acceptance speeches was a surprise highlight. We must admit that we didn't know much about Treasurer Erick Russell (as one of the least visible constitutional officers) before this, but left deeply impressed!</h4>

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State Convention

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/2794aa23-effe-4d7a-8162-6e62c96d3b50/2794aa23-effe-4d7a-8162-6e62c96d3b50.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C590%2C502&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Another great year at Pride! Always a fun event and it was great this year that the Quiet Corner Democrats were sponsors. Also fun to meet up with local candidates running in the Quiet Corner - Lina Wagner, Sam Derenthal and Marcus Palumbo were all there representing House Districts 51, 44 and 47.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/63aa6ba7-5ef3-4637-84d3-971c1c970359/63aa6ba7-5ef3-4637-84d3-971c1c970359.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5712%2C4284&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

Another great event this year at Quiet Corner Pride in Putnam. We joined with Dems from across the Quiet Corner to participate. Click through for pics and details.

Quiet Corner Pride

Kevin, Christine and Laura represented Woodstock at the 50th District Convention for Pat Boyd. The 50th District is somewhat sprawling, covering Part of Woodstock, Pomfret, Part of Brooklyn, Hampton, Eastford, Ashford, and Parts of Mansfield. Delegates from across these towns met at Grill 37 in Pomfret.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/5146c63d-872f-4067-ad3b-8bf53738f9fb/5146c63d-872f-4067-ad3b-8bf53738f9fb.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1440%2C1920&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

50th district convention

Democracy in Woodstock most of all depends on residents who show up — to vote, to attend meetings, to serve, and to speak. We support broad access to voting, including the new early voting system, and we support the recruitment of capable, committed neighbors to run for local office regardless of their previous political experience. We welcome participation in the work of our committee from anyone who shares our values, whether or not they are registered Democrats. And we believe political discussions in a town of our size should be conducted with integrity and respect — including with those who may hold very different views. Local democracy is built one meeting, one conversation, one neighbor at a time.

Democracy in Woodstock depends on residents who show up — to vote, attend meetings, serve, and speak. We support broad voting access and the recruitment of capable neighbors to run for local office. We welcome participation from anyone who shares our values, whether or not they are registered Democrats. Disagreement should be conducted with respect.

Civic Engagement

Woodstock is the steward of significant public resources, including the Herbert W. Bowen Fund — a roughly $20 million endowment held in trust for the benefit of the town and its residents. We support transparent, professional management of these assets, including clear public reporting, prudent diversification to limit concentration risk, and faithful adherence to the obligations established by the donor and by Connecticut law. Decisions about how and when these resources are to be used should be made openly, with the long-term interests of Woodstock residents at the center of the decision process. The Bowen Fund is too important to be managed quietly.

Woodstock holds significant public resources in trust, including the roughly $20 million Herbert W. Bowen Fund. We support transparent, professional management of these assets — clear public reporting, prudent diversification to limit concentration risk, and faithful adherence to donor obligations and state law. The Bowen Fund is too important to be managed quietly.

Stewardship of Town Assets

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/5730ac5f-057a-4cd8-953c-92354a4662fb/5730ac5f-057a-4cd8-953c-92354a4662fb.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1280%2C993&amp;w=1500" alt="2nd congressional district map" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">The Woodstock Delegation had a great time representing our town at the Second Congressional District Convention this week. It is amazing that the Second District covers 64 towns covering all of eastern CT. Joe Courtney won the nomination with 322 of the 356 delegates. This was the first of six conventions we will participate in this year.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/d4c88b04-614e-400c-a80d-d86c78b24728/d4c88b04-614e-400c-a80d-d86c78b24728.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5712%2C4284&amp;w=1500" alt="Joe with Woodstock Delegates" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

Updates from the 2nd District Convention

Congressional Convention

Once the convention adjourned, we moved to Pratt Street for an after party hosted by the CT Young Democrats along with Senators Blumenthal and Murphy.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/a9177513-c002-4e3f-b0fa-afaa12cada3e/a9177513-c002-4e3f-b0fa-afaa12cada3e.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5712%2C4284&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">This unstructured time where we could connect with other Democrats was some of the most fun and engaging of the convention day. We were able to chat with Senator Chris Murphy and Comptroller Sean Scanlon as well as many other local Democrats - including folks running for office in the Quiet Corner like Sam Derenthal (44th), Lina Wagner (51st) and Marcus Palumbo (47th). Unwinding with a beverage and a bite to eat before headed home after a long day was critical!<img src="https://run.imgix.net/64cd38ab-00d1-42d0-9625-18d6d3318162/138ede4d-f805-45b4-9ec7-bdce345797f4/138ede4d-f805-45b4-9ec7-bdce345797f4.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2046%2C2046&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

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