In a close race in Dresden, voters chose challenger John Rzasa over incumbent John Ottum as the town’s First Selectman, 281-273.
“It’s always a challenge,” Rzasa said. “Hopefully, I’ll be up to it.”
The choice was a familiar one for Dresden. Rzasa and Ottum are perennial opponents. Both men called their relationship a “friendly rivalry” before Tuesday’s election. According to Rzasa, the margin of victory has never been in double digits.
“I certainly enjoy the job,” said Rzasa, who last left office in 2006. “There’ll be some new folks I’ll be working with.”
As soon as possible, Rzasa said, he intends to “figure out what needs to be done, prioritize and move forward.”
Ottum, meanwhile, accepted defeat with dignity. “I had a really good run,” he said. “I served for 20 years.”
“I thank the people of Dresden for their support,” Ottum said.
Ottum isn’t sure if Dresden’s future holds yet another Ottum-Rzasa showdown. “You can’t tell, but probably not,” he said. “A year is a long time… I’m getting up there in age.”
For now, Ottum will direct his attention to the home front. “With the spread I’ve got here, I’ve got enough to keep me busy morning, noon and night,” he said.
In unopposed races, David Probert (498 votes) and incumbent Alan Moeller, Sr. (501) will serve as second and third selectmen, respectively. Kim Rzasa received 518 votes for town clerk, 508 for excise tax collector and 502 for treasurer. Daphne White received 494 votes for property tax collector.
