MONROE, CT — Republicans hold a 6-3 majority on the Monroe Town Council, but members need a strong showing on Election Day to keep it that way. Democrats are running five candidates in hopes of winning a 5-4 majority.
Chairman Jonathan Formichella said continued Republican leadership is important “to keep delivering results for the people of Monroe, to improve their lives, maintain fiscal responsibility and to continue to improve our infrastructure.”
Formichella has served on the Town Council since 2019.
“I’m passionate about my community,” he said while attending a Meet the Candidates event at Monroe Social recently. “I want to give back to the town that has given me so much in my life.”
Dona-Lyn Wales, a Town Council member of about five years, also wants to keep the town red.
“We have a very good solid focus on fiscal responsibility and that works well with the Board of Finance,” Wales said of the Town Council. “To me, it’s important to maintain fiscal responsibility.”
Wales said that focus benefits the Town Council when working with the finance board at budget time, as well as on contracts, projects and grants.
“Everything has the question, ‘can you afford it?'” she said. “That’s what I’m always looking at — what affects the voters. Being on the Council, you get a very good view of the entire operation of a municipality. It’s a learning experience. It’s very eye opening to see. There’s a lot of work that goes into running a town.”
Wales also said it’s important to provide services to residents in a growing town. “It’s a very attractive place to live,” she said of Monroe. “You want to keep that growth and maintain the fiscal responsibility, ensure you have quality schools and emergency services.”
Formichella and Wales’ Republican running mates include Enid Lipeles, Sean O’Rourke, Vin Duva and Kevin Reid.
During her career in the pharmaceutical industry, Wales said the research has benefited society. Wales said this coincides with her love of volunteering and community involvement to benefit Monroe, driving her decision to seek reelection.
“I’ll be retiring next year,” she said. “I’m able to enjoy my time and fill it with that service. I feel like part of the community. I want to do this as long as I can.”
‘A wonderful place to live’
Vin Duva, who has served on the Town Council for one term, was recognized as a Republican Rising Star at the annual Lincoln Dinner two years ago.
“It is important for Republicans to maintain the majority on Town Council, so that Monroe can continue to flourish and be an attractive town to live in with excellent schools, recreation, public services, and programs for seniors without the higher expenses of some of the lower Fairfield County towns,” Duva said.
“What motivated me to run again is that I’ve enjoyed the work being on Town Council for these last two years, helping to keep the town moving in the right direction,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot in my first term and I look forward to continuing to learn about town government and how to, not only keep Monroe a wonderful place to live, but to also improve it for all it’s citizens.”
Enid Lipeles, a retired town teacher, who was recognized as the 2013 Outstanding Citizen of Monroe and 2014 Republican of the Year, is a longtime member of the Town Council and a former chair.
“I can help by making use of the fact that I have been on the Town Council for 16 years,” Lipeles said. “When the newer Council members suggest ideas that have been proposed before and were not successful, I can tell them why it didn’t work.”
Reid has served on the Town Council for four terms.
“Over those years, I’ve focused on keeping taxes low, improving our roads, and supporting responsible growth that preserves our town’s rural charm,” he said. “I’ve worked hard to bring logic, accountability, and follow-through to every decision.”
Reid expressed his belief that his experience as an IT executive and a contractor help him evaluate projects with a balance of data and practicality.
“I know how to ask the right questions, find cost-effective solutions, and make sure residents get real value for their tax dollars,” he said.
Reid said a Republican majority ensures the town will continue to live within its means, while planning responsibly for the future.
“We believe in fiscal discipline, smaller government and protecting taxpayers first,” he said. “Having a united, experienced Republican team allows us to make smart investments without overspending and to promote business growth that helps lower the overall tax burden. It’s about keeping government efficient, transparent and focused on results, not politics. Stability and shared purpose are how we protect the quality of life that makes this community so special.”
“I’m running again because I care deeply about this town — its people, its small businesses and its future,” Reid said. “We’ve made real progress, but there’s more work to do to keep taxes stable and make it easier to do business here. I want to continue improving our infrastructure, supporting responsible development, and keep our community safe and welcoming. Serving on the Council is not about a title for me, it’s about protecting the place we all call home. I want to make sure our kids inherit the same strong, beautiful town we’ve been proud to build together.”
O’Rourke, a Town Council member of 14 years, is this year’s Republican of the Year. He made a video message for voters:
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