Merit Awards Becoming Politicized??

I heard something quite disturbing the other day. Apparently in past years, the Democratic Town Committee has purchased a "table" at the annual Merit Awards dinner, held just prior to the Fall Festival. When approached this year DTC Chairman Ruocco said that they would not be buying any tickets for this year's dinner. When asked why, he response was that it was because of 2 of this years recipients. Pete and Janet Cianelli have links to the EH Republican party and for that reason, the DTC will not be attending or supporting the awards function.

It was my understanding that the Merit Awards dinner and presentations was, like the Fall Festival itself, not a political event. It's intent is to acknowledge those town people that have contributed to the betterment of the town, many times doing so with little or no immediate recognition. To take such a childish stance - not supporting a function of this type - just because 2 of the recipients are not of your political persuasion is very sad. More should be expected from the Democratic Town Committee and its leadership.

To present both sides of this story, I would like to ask the following - does the Republican Town Committee buy a "table" each year for the Awards dinner and presentations? And if so, did they or did they not do so when Robert Hoff (currently running for Town Council from the 3rd district on the Democratic slate) received his Merit Award a couple of years ago?