It's pretty hard to go some place in Cheshire and not run into S. "Woody" Dawson (shown at left).

Visit the One Stop, a convenience store in the town's South End, and it's a good bet that you will find Woody discussing the affairs of the day with anyone who comes through the door. And every September, when the Cheshire's Fall Festival rolls around, there's a pretty good chance that you will find him giving somebody a warm greeting and slap on the back.

 I mention this, not as an endorsement of his candidacy, just as an illustration that Woody is old school and very well know in the community. And following Friday's announcement that First District Councilman David Schrumm was not going to seek re-election, Dawson is now looking to play a much bigger role in town government by taking his fellow Republican's place on the ballot.

 

Dawson will face former Councilman Michael Ecke in the First District race.  Like Dawson, Ecke  (who is shown at right) has the name recognition having served on six terms on council.

Dawson has already spent more than 20 years on the Cheshire's Planning & Zoning Commission. And on Monday, his campaign, managed by former Cheshire resident Thomas Pinkham, sent out its first press release. 

The release said all the right things, mentioning how Dawson has lived in Cheshire for his entire life and how much he cares for the community. In addition to serving on the PZC, he has also served on the town's beautification committee, its zoning board of appeals and the economic development.

 "I have always loved Cheshire, and promise to do everything in my power as Councilor to protect Cheshire and nourish it," Dawson said is statement that was part of the press release.

The odd thing about the release is that it is everything that Dawson isn't. He's not much much on artifice and smooth edges. 

Listening to Woody speak at PZC meetings is an adventure because I'm never quite sure what he is going to say.

 Most people filter what they say when they speak in public. That's not Dawson's style and depending on how you like your politicians, he can he either seen as breath of fresh air or someone who needs to be a little less blunt.

And it is that last perception of Dawson that could get him into trouble in the campaign.

Municipal elections don't usually tend to be decided on what those running for office say, unlike state and national campaigns. But this race could be different and should be close.