Report by Paula Antolini
October 13, 2015 2:44PM EDT
An In-Depth Look at the Bethel Democratic Candidates 2015 for the Nov. 3 Election
Introducing the 2015 Democratic Candidates:
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MATTHEW KNICKERBOCKER
First Selectman (Incumbent)
First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker and his wife Adrienne moved to Bethel from Michigan in 1979. He has been active in civic life in Bethel as a volunteer coach with the Parks and Recreation department and with the Bethel Jaycees, where he served as President from 1994-1995. In 1999 Matt was elected to the Board of Education and was a member for ten years, serving seven years as chairman.
Matt brings a wealth of experience from over 35 years of private sector corporate management and 6 years of public sector management. His background includes business administration, communications, human resources, general management, labor negotiations, finance and law. Since his election to the position of First Selectman in 2009, significant achievements include securing grant funding for the renovation of Reynolds Ridge, Bethel’s senior citizen housing development; securing several millions in grants to cover road construction, new sidewalk installation and energy efficient dual-fuel boilers for our schools; completion of renovations of Bethel High School and the Bethel Public Library; and a comprehensive 20 year capital improvement plan for Bethel’s public utilities.
In addition to serving the Town of Bethel, Matt is an active participant in regional and state governmental activities on issues of importance to Bethel residents. He is a member of the state legislature’s MORE Commission on education and regional governance. He is the past chairman of the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials (HVCEO), the former regional planning agency and is currently serving as chair of the newly formed Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WCCOG). Matt is also a member of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), serving as chairman of the subcommittee on transportation.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University and is nearing completion of his Master’s degree in Public Administration. Matt and Adrienne have two adult children, both graduates of the Bethel Public School system, and two grandchildren.
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RICHARD C. STRAITON
Selectman (Incumbent)
Rich Straiton has served as Selectman of the Town of Bethel since 2009, his latest role in a lifetime of involvement with the Bethel Democratic Party. He says, “I have had the honor of working side by side, with not only my parents and my brother, but with many greats such as Bill Shannon, Dave Deakin, Cliff Hurgin, Chad McCollam and Jim Mannion. They all taught me how important it is to serve your Town and the Townspeople of Bethel.”
Rich served as Chairman or as a committee member of many of the Town’s major building projects over the past twenty-seven years including the construction of the Bethel Middle School and the renovations of the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, Berry School, Bethel High School and the Bethel Public Library. While Selectman, he was instrumental in finding a temporary home for the Teen Center and is working diligently to secure a permanent home for Bethel’s teens. Rich serves on the Bethel Public Utilities Commission, as an alternate on two regional commissions: the Housatonic Council of Elected Officials and Housatonic Resource Recovery Agency, and has been designated Acting First Selectman in the absence of the First Selectman.
Rich is a Justice of the Peace, a Constable, and a member of the Danbury Exchange Club. He received the Bethel Schools Superintendent’s CHAMP award for his dedicated service to the Town of Bethel. Rich attends Ridgebury Congregational Church.
Rich, a life-long resident of Bethel, attended Bethel elementary schools before graduating from Henry Abbot Technical School. After graduation, he joined his father’s construction business. When his father retired Rich ran the business for the next 16 years. During this period he represented the U.S. as a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Today, Rich is the Physical Plant Director at Bethel Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Rich and his wife Sharon have been married for 22 years, and have a blended family of seven children (all of whom graduated from Bethel Public Schools) eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
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WHITNEY VITTI
Treasurer
Whitney is a long time Bethel resident with over fifteen years of accounting experience in both the private and non-profit business sectors. She is employed as a Staff Accountant in the business office at Sacred Heart University. At Sacred Heart she has gained substantial experience analyzing tax exempt bond compliance and preparing large-scale, tax exempt financial statements, and the Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax form (Form 990).
She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fairfield University where she attained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at Fairfield, Whitney was the recipient of the Passarelli-Guinta Award for Academic Excellence in Politics and was also inducted into Phi Betta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Whitney continued her studies in the accounting field at Northeastern University where she earned a grade point average of 3.9. She is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Sacred Heart for accounting (MBA completion slated for 2016-17).
Whitney grew up in Redding before moving to Bethel with her husband Nick Vitti (lifelong resident and Democratic Town Committee Chairman). She said that the combination of Bethel’s historic small town charm, close-knit community and thriving educational system are a few of the reasons she chooses to call Bethel home. When asked why she is running for Treasurer Whitney said that “Bethel deserves a Treasurer with extensive financial experience; one who will strive to protect the financial interests and AAA bond rating of the Town.” However, Whitney’s proudest accomplishments are her two young daughters, Logan, age 7 and Peyton, age 2.
CLAUDIA J. STEPHAN
Board of Finance (Incumbent)
Claudia loves to serve the community. Her career in financial planning and analysis has been a great fit with her twelve years on the Board of Finance where she currently serves as Vice Chairman. Claudia has a BA degree in Economics from Colgate University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Connecticut. She is a 23-year resident of Bethel, a parishioner of St. Mary’s, a former member of Bethel PTO and the Bethel Newcomers, and is currently Colgate University Alumni Admissions Chairperson of Fairfield County. Claudia and her husband, George Braden, have two grown children.
EILEEN FREEBAIRN
Board of Finance (Incumbent)
Since 1959 Eileen and her family have been active participants in the life of Bethel. Following her thirty-year banking career holding positions of branch manager, commercial loan officer, auditor and credit officer, Eileen continues to volunteer her financial expertise to the community, currently serving her first four-year term as a member of the Board of Finance.
Eileen previously served as Treasurer on the Bethel Public Library Board of Directors, and now serves as Treasurer for the Friends of the Library. She is a twenty-year member of Quota International of Candlewood Valley and its past President, volunteers on a regular basis at Dorothy Day, and is a former committee member of Bethel’s Relay for Life. She was a member of the Western CT Chapter of the American Red Cross for twelve years, serving as its Treasurer for six. Eileen is a member of St. Mary Parish, and has four children and nine grandchildren.
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PATRICIA SMITHWICK
Board of Finance (Incumbent)
Pat says Bethel is a wonderful community where people care about their surroundings and neighbors and wish to make it a better place. As a member of the Board of Finance she thinks she can help with many of the decisions that keep us moving forward in those endeavors and stop some of the negativity that always seems to come to the surface. Pat has been most active as part of the business community, as owner of Bethel Baby Boutique and as President of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce for ten years. In addition to serving on the Board of Finance for the last four years, Pat is currently the Community Liaison for the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association where she does marketing and grant writing.
Pat grew up in the Bronx, raised her family in Yorktown Heights, and worked many years as an office administrator before moving to Bethel 16 years ago. She is a member of the Bethel Emergency Preparedness Committee, and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board of Directors where she is Chair of their Worker Training Committee. Pat is a member of St. Mary Parish, enjoys gardening and dancing, and has enjoyed watching her two daughters and five grandchildren grow into wonderful caring and productive people who care about the world we live in.
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ROBIN A. RENNER
Board of Education (Incumbent)
Robin believes her experience and background make her well qualified to continue for a sixth term as an informed, hardworking and dedicated BOE member. Robin has served on the Board of Education for ten years, and is the current Secretary. She is the Central PTO President, Bethel High School PTO Secretary, and past PTO President of Berry, Johnson, and Bethel Middle Schools. She is involved with NJROTC both as an Administrator and Medical Mom Chaperone for summer Leadership Academy in Newport, RI. Robin teaches 7th and 8th grade Science at Schaghticoke Middle School in New Milford, has an MA in Special Education from the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford and a BS in Medical Technology from the University of Bridgeport. A member of St. Mary’s Church, Robin, with her husband Tom and two daughters, has lived in Bethel since 2000. Both daughters attended Bethel Public Schools. Robin currently serves on the Cable Advisory Council, and previously served eight years on the Parks & Recreation Commission, including three years as a Park & Rec basketball coach. She is an avid runner with six marathons to her credit.
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JENNIFER M. LARSEN
Board of Education
Jen is a teacher who is not only aware of the needs of schools, students and families, she also understands how the Board of Education works as she has been a regular at meetings for the last 14 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University, and recently obtained her 112 Certification which allows her to teach birth through kindergarten in Connecticut. Jen worked for Head Start of Northern Fairfield County in Danbury as a Lead Preschool teacher from 2009 to 2015, and is currently employed as a Preschool 3’s teacher by the Bridgeport Board of Education. Since her three children began their school careers, Jen has been involved in PTOs running many committees and events, and serving as President of Berry, Johnson, BMS and BHS PTOs, and Secretary of Berry and Central PTO.
As parent liaison for the Berry Building Committee she ran the Playground Building Committee and parent workshops. Jen has also worked with BYSA recreational league soccer, and has taught Religious Education for St. Mary Parish for 15 years. With her husband Stuart and their children Stephan, Claudia and Anna, she has lived in Bethel for the last 22 years and loves this town.
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PENNY KESSLER
Board of Education
Penny is a Cantor at the United Jewish Center in Danbury and has lived in Bethel with her husband Stanley since 1985. Though her 3 children graduated from Bethel public schools many years ago, she feels a strong sense of responsibility for the next generation, “My children succeeded in the Bethel schools because they had teachers that supported their learning and took the time to know my kids’ quirks and hopes. For the most part, their schools were guided by principals and administrative staffs that were loving and nurturing.
I believe that each generation of parents must be and remain responsible for ensuring a solid education for the next generation. Someone provided for my children, and it’s my responsibility to make sure that the Bethel public schools continue to offer the finest public education possible. One of my responsibilities as a Cantor is to teach kids and grownups; I’ve been teaching in synagogue schools for almost 25 years and I ran a religious school for two years – probably the most challenging two years of my professional career – so I know how much support our administrative staffs need. If my voice and considered and educated opinion can help keep our schools providing the best education possible, then I will have done my job. We owe our kids a quality education that both opens their minds to this complex world and gives them tools to find career fulfillment in their future years.”
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MICHELE CONDERINO
Board of Education
Michele has worked for Catholic Charities Homeless Services for ten years and is now Regional Director of Northern Fairfield County. She says, “Working with the homeless, I have seen the results of poor education systems and the lasting effects that can have on an individual.” Michele has a BA in Social Work from WCSU, and an MSW in Social Work Administration with a focus on International Development from UConn. Beginning as a case manager working with homeless individuals diagnosed with a chronic mental illness, Michele later helped create the Morning Glory Breakfast Program.
She has worked statewide on initiatives to end chronic homelessness, requiring extensive committee collaborations and negotiations. Michele is co-chair of the Continuum of Care, a collaboration that brings housing resources to the area targeting homeless individuals and families. She chairs the Danbury Housing First Collaborative, and the Housing Placement Committee, which target housing the chronically homeless population. She is also a member of Danbury Hospital’s Community Care Team which targets homeless individuals that are high utilizers of the Emergency Department and creates individual care plans to meet the individual’s needs in a more impactful way. Michele has lived in Bethel for the past 10 years.
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CARRIE KILIAN-SIROIS
Board of Education
Carrie is an Educational Consultant who supports local school districts in implementing and sustaining current trends, and both state and federal mandates in education. She has worked as an Assistant Principal in New Fairfield, and as Principal of Center School in Brookfield. She is currently Vice President of the CT Northwest Reading Association. A lifelong resident of Bethel and Danbury, she has a BS in Political Science and Elementary Education and an MS in Elementary Education from WCSU, and a Sixth Year in Administration and Supervision from the University of Bridgeport.
Carrie says, “Having spent time as a classroom teacher, building principal, educational consultant and parent I have a deep understanding of policy, budget, curriculum, instructional best practice and the importance of community within the education system. I feel strongly that it is critical that our town not only maintains but continues to support and move forward our schools for the sake of, first and foremost the children and adolescents who live here, but also for the economic development of the community.” Carrie also volunteers for Regional Hospice and Home Care. She lives with her husband and two children.
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CHRISTOPHER McCOLLAM
Police Commission (Incumbent)
Chris is a lifelong Bethel resident and has served for the past sixteen years on the Police Commission. He has also served as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chris has worked for the Town of Bethel for the past 28 years in the Public Utilities Department. He is a 33-year member of the Bethel Fire Department and has served as its president. Chris is a parishioner at St. Mary Church. Chris lives with his wife Laurel and their children.
AMY C. MANNION
Police Commission
Amy is a former elected member of the Bethel Board of Education. She says, “I am interested in serving on the Police Commission because of my belief in civic responsibility coupled with my experience collaborating with the Police Department through my work in the Bethel schools. I believe in the continued positive relationship between the Bethel Police Department and our community.”
Since 2011, she has worked as a School Counselor at Bethel Middle School. Previously she was employed as a counselor at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, and provided therapeutic case management in community mental health. Amy graduated from Bethel High School in 1993. She received her BS in psychology from Mary Washington College in Virginia, and a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology Counseling from WCSU.
Amy is a member of St. Mary Church, the Catholic Charity Morning Glory Advisory Board, and the Bethel Democratic Town Committee. She is an avid runner, and previously coached cross-country running. Amy and her husband, Suat Islami, are life-long Bethel residents. They have three sons, Kaden, Benjamin and Delin.
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RICHARD THODE
Police Commission
Richard is an Assistant Fire Chief with the City of Bridgeport Fire Department. He has 30 years experience in emergency public service and understands very well the working conditions that go with it – dealing with shift work and rank structure, work place safety, unions, public service, and working 24/7. He is also familiar with radio communications, new equipment purchase process and the requirements of serving on various committees. Richard is also a 20-year member of Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department, and a former member of the EMS Advisory Committee. He and his wife, Julie have lived in Bethel for 23 years. Their three children are all graduates of Bethel High School. He enjoys outdoor activities, boating and biking.
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DONALD W. BROWN
Planning and Zoning (Incumbent)
Donald is a 45-year resident of Bethel. He attended Bethel schools and graduated from Henry Abbott Tech. In addition to serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission, Don is a member of the Ad-hoc Bethel Transfer Station Committee. Don owns and operates a local property maintenance company. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Far East and the Middle East while employed in the corporate sector.
He is a graduate of Norwalk State Technical College, where he received an Associate’s Degree in electrical engineering. He is the co-founder and current member of the board of Success Residential Homes, Inc. a charitable corporation and a former Big Brother with the Newtown Big Brothers-Big Sisters Organization. He is a licensed insurance and financial service professional. Don resides with his wife of 24 years, Mary Jo and his son, John.
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SANDI RICHARDS FORMAN
Planing and Zoning
Sandi has served one term as an Alternate member of the Planning & Zoning Commission. About that, she says, “I have a strong commitment to Bethel and I understand the need to grow but to grow in a way that protects the investments and quality of life of Bethel residents. My term as an Alternate has been a time of learning through participation. My business experience has given me the tools to understand the perspective of local businesses and my participation in Bethel government has made me aware of not only government processes but of the range of possibilities and opportunities we face in the short term and their effect on the long term future of our town.”
Sandi is a marketing director in the computer software industry. Previously she was a CPA and held numerous public and corporate finance positions. She is Vice Chair of the Bethel Economic Outreach Committee, and the current President of Bethel Toastmasters. Sandi is a graduate of Bethel High School and holds a BBA with a major in Accounting from WCSU and an MBA in Finance and International Business from NYU. She was a Girl Scout leader and volunteer for seven years, a Resource Chairperson for Habitat for Humanity, and a volunteer marketing consultant for Creative Connections. Sandi and her husband, Jim have three children, all graduates of Bethel High School.
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ROB SCHWEITZER
Planning & Zoning
A Connecticut native and 12-year Bethel resident, Rob has previously served on Bethel’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. He helped draft Bethel’s current Town Plan of Conservation and Development, a modern approach to land use that bridges the town’s industrial and manufacturing past with its diverse present and future.
A voice for Bethel’s downtown residents, he was a strong advocate for new Village District regulations that the Planning and Zoning Commission ultimately adopted and that were premised on the following: eliminate outdated, incompatible industrial zoning; protect historic properties; require additions and new construction to be harmonious with their surroundings; and encourage innovative, mixed-use solutions that benefit downtown residents and shoppers. If elected, he looks forward to continuing his advocacy of smart zoning that improves quality of life and promotes Bethel’s assets.
A marketing and public relations executive and strategist, Rob’s areas of professional expertise include consumer-facing external communications, media strategy, and messaging tactics. Passionate about animal welfare, he is a Humane Society of the United States “Humane Leader” and a member of the Fundraising Advisory Council of the Danbury Animal Welfare Society. He enjoys tennis, New York City, Cape Cod, and vibrant, walkable downtowns.
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RICH TIBBITTS
Planning and Zoning
Rich is a lifelong Bethel resident (34 years) who supports “smart, sustainable growth and thoughtful development of open space.” He is a graduate of Bethel High School and studied Communications and Organizational Psychology at WCSU where he developed an expertise in corporate communications. He continues to study the psychology of change in the workplace. Rich is currently working for The Research Board as a Research Analyst and Program Manager. He is a coach for Bethel Youth Lacrosse, organizing and running free clinics to introduce the sport in the area. He lives with his wife, Heather and their daughters.
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LOUIS VALENTI
Planning and Zoning (ALTERNATE) (Incumbent)
A life-long resident of Bethel, Lou is currently an alternate member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He is an attorney by profession and Director of AmeriCares HomeFront. Lou also volunteers his time as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bethel High School All Sports Booster Club, the Bethel High School Gridiron Club, the Danbury War Memorial Association, and the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Danbury. Lou also coaches girl’s basketball and has served as a coach for many other boys and girls youth teams. Lou is a graduate of Bethel High, received a BA degree in History and Political Science from Colgate University and JD degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
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JAMES NADDEO
Planning and Zoning (ALTERNATE)
James says, “I want to serve my community and be a voice for responsible, thoughtful development that will keep the town of Bethel beautiful while taking the necessary steps toward modernization. I want to work to attract businesses to our town while preserving the safety and beauty of each neighborhood in our community.” James followed his wife, Diana DiBuono, a lifelong resident, to Bethel in 2011. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a BA in 2003 and currently works as Director of Ad Sales Marketing at Univision Communications, Inc. He previously worked for the Fantasy Sports Network, Specific Media, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
In Bethel he is a member of the Public Site & Building Commission and the Bethel Democratic Town Committee. He also volunteers at DAWS and Off The Streets, and is a member of Bethel Arts. He and Diana have two 3-year old boys and a 5-year old Vizsla named Hazel. “I am a good candidate because I care about the future of this town, the place where my wife and I are raising our family. I want what is best for all my neighbors, and will do everything I can to ensure the health and safety of all Bethel residents.”
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DON GOODRICH
Inland Wetlands Commission (Incumbent)
Don has served on the Inland Wetlands Commission since 1996 and been its chairman for the past ten years. He says he is running for another term, “because of my continuing dedication to protecting our environment. I have been totally involved in environmental concerns since before the first Earth Day in 1970. I believe because of my dedication to the environment and my 20 years of experience on the Inland Wetlands Commission I will continue to be an asset to Bethel and to the environment.” Don earned his BS degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa, his Master’s degree in Special Education from Fairfield University, and a Sixth Year degree in English from Western Connecticut State University.
Don retired seven years ago after a 38-year career as an English teacher at Turn of River Middle School in Stamford. In addition to serving on the Inland Wetlands Commission, Don is a member of the Bethel Land Trust.A 39-year Bethel resident, Don and his wife, Eileen, herself recently retired from teaching at Danbury High School, have three grown daughters and four grandchildren.
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PAT PERREFORT
Inland Wetlands Commission (Incumbent)
Pat, a Bethel native, is Senior Technical Operations Manager with Comcast Communications. He is an Inland Wetlands Commission incumbent, serving his third term. Pat attended Western Connecticut State University. He and his wife Maria have two grown children.
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LOUIS DAVID
Inland Wetlands Commission (Alternate) (Incumbent)
Louis cares about the environment and the safety of the people of Bethel. He is running for a second term as an Alternate on the Inland Wetlands Commission. Louis is a lifelong Bethel resident who attended Henry Abbott Tech and Waterbury Tech earning degrees for Machinist and Tool & Die. He has worked for 31 years as a tool & die maker for Burndy Corp., LLC. Louis is a member of St Mary’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Bethel Democratic Town Committee. He is also a small business owner for the past 35 years, operating David Photos, and donating his photography service to as many charity functions as possible.
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DIANA M. CARLINO
Board of Assessment Appeals
An attorney working in Stamford, Diana says, “My education and experience will allow me to objectively review matters brought before the Board of Assessment Appeals, and properly apply tax relief and exemptions, and help members of the community better understand the assessment process.” Diana earned her BA in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Vermont, where she is actively involved in alumni relations. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Pace University School of Law and is admitted to practice law in Connecticut, New York, the United States Supreme Court, and several U.S. District Courts.
Diana is a member of the Insurance and Pension Commission and previously served on the Franc Property Land Use Committee. She has volunteered as a grant writer for the American Red Cross, and for a women’s shelter. Diana and her husband Andrew Coffey enjoy the company of several rescued pets.
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ROBERT F. PITT, JR.
Board of Assessment Appeals
Bob is a 28-year resident of Bethel. An attorney specializing in real estate title research, he previously served as Chairman of the Board of Assessment Appeals and is a former member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Finance. Bob holds BA and JD degrees from the University of Notre Dame. He has served as Bethel’s representative on the Comcast Cable Advisory Council, and is a former volunteer for VISTA and Recording for the Blind. Bob and his wife, Jane Bickford, raised two children in Bethel and now have four grandchildren.
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JUSTIN HURGIN
Zoning Board of Appeals (Incumbent)
Justin is a lifetime resident of Bethel with a proud family history of public service in town. For the past twelve years, he has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, currently as its chairman – a position for which he is seeking re-election this November. “I take great pride in the work I do to help others,” says Justin. “I have dedicated much of my time to the town and its residents, developing programs and engagement platforms both in the community and via social media.”
VICTOR HOLOMAKOFF
Zoning Board of Appeals
Victor says he wants to become, “an active Bethel resident and help the people of Bethel – to give back to Bethel in some positive form”. Born in South Norwalk, Victor served in the US Air Force from 1976-1981 at Langley AFB in Virginia, and moved to Bethel in 1987. He is an electrician by trade, and helps run a family owned preserve/farm in Dover Plains, NY. He is an avid bow hunter and serves as a state Bow and Fire Arms Safety Instructor.
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GREGORY J. MENTI
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate)
Greg comes from a family whose Bethel ties span multiple generations. He is a graduate of Bethel High School, and has a BA in Politics with a minor in Communications from the University of Connecticut. Greg says he is, “reliable, engaged and knowledgeable about politics on a local and national level” and is “always willing to learn more about local politics and become more engaged in them.”
Currently he is a Reporter at the Weston Forum and The Redding Pilot. Formerly he worked in Public Relations at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and completed a two-year internship in the Communications Department of IBM Global Financing. Greg plays in a band, likes to ride his bike, eat good food and see places he has never seen before.
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GARY PASSINEAU
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate)
Gary is a 24-year resident of Bethel and has been involved in town activities since assisting with the initial effort for the Berry School/Stony Hill Fire Department/Bethel Public Library bonding approval. He has served several terms as an appointed member of the Board of Directors of the Bethel Public Library and is currently Vice Chair of the board. A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Gary later earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Haven.
He is a licensed, full-time REALTOR® who has been affiliated with William Raveis Real Estate since September 2004. He has been recognized with numerous awards for customer service and performance and is a member of the Top Producer’s Club as well as The President’s Club. He is an active member of the National Association of REALTORS®, a former State Director of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS® and is member of the Greater Fairfield County Multiple Listing Service and the Connecticut Statewide Multiple Listing Services. Gary successfully completed the National Association of REALTORS® requirements as an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, as a Senior Real Estate Specialist, is a certified e-PRO and also has earned designation as a GREEN® REALTOR®. The Connecticut Association of REALTORS® recognizes him as a Professional Standards Certified Specialist.
His personal interests include American history, reading and college basketball. Gary is a Lector at St. Mary Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pavia Council, St. Mary Parish. His wife, Gail Cowan, is a distinguished elementary school teacher, recently retired. He is the proud father of three sons and has one grandchild.
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