Michael Denice Announces Run for Selectman

Michael Denice announced his intention to run for a three-year term on the Milford Board of Selectmen Tuesday night, setting in motion a potential challenge to longtime member Dino DeBartolomeis.

DeBartolomeis, the longest-serving member on the three-member board of selectmen, is seeking re-election. were validated Monday.

Denice, a resident of 22 Debbie Ln., obtained his nomination papers Tuesday at , Town Clerk Amy Hennessy Neves said in an email.

In a press release distributed late Tuesday afternoon, Denice said he was excited at the opportunity to run for the open seat. The town election is April 2.

Denice is the older brother of the late , a 23-year-old who was killed Aug. 20, 2011 after his motorcycle was struck by a large pickup truck and he was dragged for a quarter-mile. The driver of the pickup, , is citizen of Ecuador who was living in the U.S. illegally. He is charged with second degree murder, driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license and numerous other offenses in the death of Matthew Denice.

Michael Denice, who at his funeral, did not mention his brother by name in a press release announcing his intention to run. But he cited the issues of illegal immigration, and increased crime in Milford, and said he wanted to work with people to take actions that would address the problems.

"The citizens of Milford need a voice on town issues," Denice said, in the statement. "I have seen many changes occur in Milford over the past several years, including a rise in crime, an increase in immigration-related issues and a decline in the local economy and businesses. We need selectmen that will not only work for the people, but more importantly work with the people in the community.”

Denice has already established a campaign Facebook page, called the Michael Denice for Selectmen facebook page.