#MiddleburyCT #SpecialElection #BrianShaban #CaseyLarkin
Congratulations to Selectman Brian Shaban for his win in the June 23, 2026, special election! He has been serving as a selectman since January 2026 and now will continue as a selectman until December 2027.
We don’t recall ever seeing two candidates, Shaban and his opponent, Casey Larkin, work as hard or as tirelessly as those two did as they campaigned for the selectman position. Both were out there pounding the pavement, both were appearing at public events, and both were posting regularly on social media. They invested an enormous amount of time and effort in their campaigns. In the 20-plus years we’ve lived in Middlebury, we never had a candidate knock on our door until this year. What a surprise and delight that was!
With the election behind us, we are looking forward to improving conditions in Middlebury. Each of us will have a part to play in breaking down the barriers that divide this town. We hope we can do that, and, as mentioned on the page 1 article on the election results (www.bee-news.com/2026/06/24/shaban-wins/), Shaban said he believed both he and Larkin wanted to work to end the division here. That is very encouraging.
Also encouraging are thoughtful Facebook comments from Josh Hubbard which we share here. Before the election he posted, in part, “I want to thank both candidates for stepping forward and being willing to serve our community. While people may disagree on policies, priorities, or approaches, it is clear that both Selectman Brian Shaban and Casey Larkin care deeply about Middlebury and want what they believe is best for our town.”
This was a great reminder to all of us of the sacrifices candidates make because of their desire to serve the community they love. We may disagree with a candidate’s position on issues, but we should always honor that candidate for their willingness to serve our community.
Hubbard also reminded us of our relationship to each other, saying, “At the end of the day, we are all neighbors. We all want safe neighborhoods, responsible government, and a strong future for our town. My hope is that whoever earns the opportunity to serve will focus on bringing people together and moving Middlebury forward.”
“How easy it has been, in the heat of all the campaigning, to forget the simple fact that we all want many of the same things. We have much more in common than not, and we need to treat each other with kindness and respect.
“Following the election, Hubbard posted, “Congratulations to Selectman Brian Shaban on his victory in yesterday’s special election and thank you to Casey Larkin for stepping forward and offering to serve our community. Running for office takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, and commitment, and both candidates deserve credit for their willingness to put themselves forward in service to Middlebury.
“Now that the election is behind us, my hope is that all members of the Board of Selectmen will work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, focusing on what is best for our town and its residents. While there will always be differing opinions and perspectives, Middlebury is strongest when our leaders put the needs of the community ahead of partisan politics and personal differences.
“Thank you as well to everyone who participated in the election process, from the candidates and volunteers to the poll workers and voters who made their voices heard.
“Wishing Brian success as he continues to serve our town and looking forward to seeing Middlebury move forward together.”
Hubbard’s comments remind us again of how hard both candidates (and all the volunteers and town officials) worked. Shaban now will be working to achieve the goals he has set for himself to break down division in this town and make Middlebury an even better place to live.
Surely these goals are shared by many. Each of us can help in our own small way to break down the divisions and make Middlebury an even better place to live.
One way to do that is by staying active in our town government. Go to meetings, follow the issues, share your thoughts during public comment. Our town officials always benefit when we participate in town government. We hope the many residents who have gotten involved will not lose their momentum.
This editorial is hopefully our contribution to helping rid the town of divisiveness and encourage folks to work together despite their political or philosophical differences. As Hubbard said, “At the end of the day, we are all neighbors. We all want safe neighborhoods, responsible government, and a strong future for our town. “
