Voting Under Way In City; Candidates Greeting Voters

With the polls open just over two hours, more than 250 ballots had been cast at the City of Groton municipal building polling place and moderator Harry Watson, a Groton Town Councilor,  described the voting as “steady.”

“Pretty slow early on, but steady for the last hour,” he said just before 9 a.m.

Voter Charito Faustino said she and her parents came out early in anticipation of possible lines. And she shared her feelings on why every local election is important.

“We should all be more involved in local government; federal can just do so much. If we care about things here at home, locally, than we need to (act) locally…start here at home,” she said. “That’s why we’re voting today.”

On the roadway election signs peppered the curb, red and blue, mostly red – Democratic city candidates. The lone blue sign was for Keith Hedrick, the only Republican seeking re-election to the City Council. Hedrick stood with Marian Galbraith -- who will likely be elected Mayor given she is running unopposed – greeting voters, shaking hands and answering questions.

“I feel pretty good about (the election),” Hedrick said. “I’ve gotten out and talked to a lot of people. We’ll see. I did all I was supposed to do, hit all the doors. But it’s up to the voters.”

Galbraith, who with Hedrick has worked tirelessly to promote and see passed the Thames Street project, said that while the two are on different parties, she’s a Democrat; they work together for the benefit of the whole community. She said that while she does expect to be elected today, she “doesn’t take it for granted.”

“I’m so grateful for the support and I’m here today telling people that,” she said. “It’s not just winning by default. I don’t take it for granted. It’s not about me, it’s about the people.”

As Galbraith spoke to a voter, Mayor Dennis L. Popp – who will soon give up the seat he’s held for 12 years -- showed up with his ‘I Voted Today’ sticker on his lapel. He said he believes he is leaving the city “in good hands, absolutely.”