Political Race Heats Up Early On

It might be months away from local election season, but it's already heating up along with the weather, as a new ad from local Democrats aimed at incumbent Republican Councilman Dominick Stanzione hit the airwaves recently – as did a volley from the Independence Party defending him.

Democrats ask – and answer – in the radio spot: "If your colleagues from your own political party think you’re irresponsible, unreliable and untrustworthy, what are you supposed to say? I guess you could claim to be an independent."

Stanzione, endorsed by the Independence Party, agreed – at least with the second half of the ad – in an interview on Thursday. But he defended any allegations that he was untrustworthy, a character trait the ad attempts to highlight by quoting Supervisor Bill WIlkinson speaking about his colleague on the board, saying some of his actions had "led to an atmosphere of distrust."

"They are basically criticizing me for making independent decisions about policy, and being criticized by people who want me to go along with the party line," he said.

Jeanne Frankl, chairwoman of the local Democratic Party, said that the ad shouldn't be construed as negative – which Stanzione charges – but rather nothing more than a reflection of what they have seen during the councilman's tenure.

"We think people should understand that Dominick is not completely trustrworthy," she said. "Although there are some appealing things about Dominick – his support of food pantries, for example – he stands for some things we profoundly disagree with. He switches back and forth in his allegiances in opportunistic way."

Stanzione said the allegation that he's "re-inventing himself" is off base, and an Independence Party spot in response to the ad – which makes no mention of any Democratic candidates –  calls the ad "gutter politics."

Plenty of time remains, however, for Republicans and Independence Party members to take aim at the other side.