MONROE, CT — Many townspeople have written letters of support for the two first selectman candidates, Town Councilman Terry Rooney, a Republican, and Board of Education member Jerry Stevens, a Democrat, over the past month, but voters will finally get to decide which one will be Monroe’s next municipal leader on Election Day this Tuesday.
This year’s municipal election also features other races, including head-to-head contests for town treasurer and tax collector, as well as a fight for the majority on Town Council.
Treasurer Frank Dutches, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat, Nick Kapoor, and Tax Collector Deborah Heim, a Republican, faces Democrat, Nina Gagnon.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. this Tuesday.
“On Tuesday, we ask that the residents of Monroe come out and vote,” said Republican Town Committee Chairman Ryan Condon. “It’s so important to do so. One of the things that makes our country great is our right to vote. I ask them to vote Line B and support the Republican team that historically has proven to be fiscally responsible and motivated to continue to lead Monroe into the future.”
“Our candidates are individuals that have the experience, because they’ve been doing these jobs and they’ve been doing them exceptionally well,” Condon said, “and if you like the town of Monroe and the direction it’s been going in, I ask that you come out and support the individuals who know how to do the job.”
Fred Martin, the acting Democratic Town Committee chairman, asks voters to think about the amount of money involved to run Monroe’s municipal services and public school system.
“This is essentially a choice to determine who the CEO will be for this corporation,” he said. “It’s essential to understand when there is no incumbent in this race that the candidates will determine the direction of the town, so it’s important to know your candidates.”
The candidates
The following is a listing of all of the candidates running for government positions and seats on the town’s boards and commissions. Those who participated submitted a profile sharing their background and answering a question at the end. To learn more about the candidates, click on their names.
First Selectman: Terry Rooney (R), Jerry Stevens (D)
Town Treasurer: Frank Dutches (R), Nick Kapoor (D)
Tax Collector: Deborah Heim (R), Nina Gagnon (D)
Town Clerk: Vida Stone (R)
Town Council (Nine will win): Republicans: Enid Lipeles, Jonathan Formichella, Dona-Lyn Wales, Sean P. O’Rourke, Vincent “Vin” Diva, Kevin Reid; Democrats: Jason Maur, Jessica Katuska, Janice Persico, Kathie Loehr, Cathy Kohut and Susan Bannay
Board of Education (all will get in): Republicans: Greg Beno, David Ferris; Democrats: Alan Vaglivelo, Chrissy Fensore Martinez
Board of Finance (all will get in): Republicans: Katherine Stauffer, Rebecca O’Donnell, Nick Sentementes, Democrats: Steven Kirsch, Samantha Spino ( two year vacancy term)
Planning and Zoning Commission (all will get in): Republicans: Bruno Maini, Ryan Condon, Democrat: Leon Ambrosey
Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate (all will get in): Republicans: Nicole Lupo, Dominic Smeraglino, Democrat: Domenic Paniccia
Constables (both will get in): Victor Yanosy (R), Pat Tomchik (D)
Voting information
On Tuesday, November 7, 2023 all four regular polling places will be open 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the Municipal Election:
District 1: Fawn Hollow Elementary School, 345 Fan Hill Road
District 2: Stepney Elementary School, 180 Old Newtown Road
District 3: Monroe Elementary School, 375 Monroe Turnpike
District 4: Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Turnpike
Election Day Registration for new, unregistered voters will be available in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. An I.D. and proof of residence are required.
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