Weston “Democrats of the Year” were honored in a gathering on June 4, with some of the state’s top Democrats in attendance.

The party recognized long-serving members Dick Bochinski, Don Scarborough, Michael Schlechter, and Sarah Schlechter.

Democratic Town Committee chair Gayle Weinstein emceed the event, but First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor introduced Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, recounting how one phone call to Ms. Bysiewicz solved a pressing problem very quickly, the need for nearly $500,000 extra from the state to begin the first phase of sidewalks construction, now underway.

Mr. Bochinski was honored for his 50 years volunteering in Weston, beginning in the early 1970s on the town’s Youth Commission, then on the boards of Selectmen, Assessment Appeals, Education, Finance, and on the charter revision commission.

Mr. Scarborough was honored for his years of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals and for longstanding hands-on work for Democratic campaigns.

Mr. Schlechter was recognized for his work on Weston EMS, which he joined shortly after moving to Weston, later becoming lieutenant and training officer, and then chief of the service in 2017.

Ms. Schlechter was honored for community advocacy, being a Girl Scouts leader, and service on the Conservation Commission, which she now chairs.

Party leaders

Lt. Governor Bysiewicz thanked Weston Democrats for their support of the party’s statewide ticket, as did Senator Richard Blumenthal, who added, “I don’t think there is a stronger local team running in Connecticut this fall.”

State Treasurer Erick Russell highlighted the new state budget, tax cuts, debt reduction, and the recent approval of “baby bonds,” a trust for Connecticut children born into poverty that will grow over their lives and have a “transformational impact.”

State Senator Ceci Maher commented on the children’s mental health bill she championed and on new gun safety legislation, but said more work remains to be done. “One of the things I’ve learned being a senator is that it’s incremental work,” said Ms. Maher.

At the same time, said State Representative Anne Hughes, “we also need to do bold things,” and encouraged people to run for office or become deeply involved in the community in other ways.