Newcomer Republicans Eileen Uhrik and Brian Griner seek election.
By: Kara Fitzpatrick
ROCKY HILL Two Republican candidates have filed to run for Borough Council, according to Borough Clerk Raymond Whitlock.
Eileen Uhrik and Brian Griner will seek two vacant seats on the six-member council.
Incumbents Connie Hallman, a Democrat, and Peggy Harris, a Republican, have chosen not to run in the November election. Ms. Harris has been on the council for 19 years, and Ms. Hallman is finishing her first term.
Serving on the council, Ms. Hallman said, "hasn’t been as pleasant an experience as I hoped it would be. This particular council has been, on occasion, at odds with each other."
Ms. Hallman said she would continue to serve as vice president of the Rocky Hill Community Group, where, she said, her efforts are more fruitful. "I didn’t find council to be all that rewarding," she said.
Ms. Harris has decided not to run, although, she said, "It’s really been great to work for residents of the community." She added she felt it was time to allow other interested residents to join the council.
"The last couple of years, it hasn’t been the team effort that it’s supposed to be," Ms. Harris said, adding that, nevertheless, she has enjoyed the opportunity to work with other council member and Mayor Brian Nolan.
And, Ms. Harris said, just because she is not running, doesn’t mean she’ll disappear from local politics.
"I can sit on the other side and voice my opinion," she said.
Mr. Griner, a resident of Rocky Hill for five years, is a consultant in a data information firm that focuses on the pharmaceutical industry. He has a doctorate in public policy research and analysis and a master’s degree in public administration. Mr. Griner is the father of two children.
"I am sort of going in with my eyes wide open," Mr. Griner said. "I enjoy the people here in this community."
Ms. Uhrik declined to speak to The Packet for this story.
"I choose not to comment at this time," Ms. Uhrik said. She abruptly hung up the phone, leaving no opportunity for further questions.