A look back at Woodbridge's close election in 1973
52 years ago, just half a dozen votes separated the candidates for First Selectman
As Woodbridge awaits results from its 2025 election recanvass, there’s a new story posted on TownHistory.org that looks back at another nail-biter in local history: the 1973 contest in which longtime First Selectman Ted Clark narrowly defeated challenger Joseph Anastasio by just six votes — the slimmest margin in town history.
This local history essay, written by TownHistory.org author and WTC editor Sheila McCreven, traces both candidate’s lives of public service and the legacy their family members have continued, from Clark’s 28-year leadership guiding Woodbridge through postwar growth to Anastasio’s decorated Marine Corps career and later civic contributions. Together, their stories remind us that every vote in Woodbridge has always mattered — just as it still does today.
