Avon Republicans Announce Candidate Slate

AVON, CT — The Avon Republicans have announced what they are touting to be "an experienced" slate of candidates to run in this Fall municipal elections.

Election Day is Nov. 7.

“We’re all keenly aware of Connecticut’s dire fiscal decline that will trickle down to hurt Avon, which is why we are excited to present a slate of 17 candidates whose experience and diverse backgrounds are well suited to face the challenges ahead with the caliber of leadership, discipline, consistency and superior planning Avon has come to expect," Avon Republican Chairman Brian Ladouceur said.

Returning for re-election to the Town Council are Heather Maguire, James Speich and William Stokesbury, who Ladouceur said have, "helped deliver exceptional town services with responsible budgets all while keeping bonding costs low."

Also on the slate are Jeff Bernetich, a lifelong Avon resident and small business owner, who has served on the Board of Finance and Board of Education.

For the Board of Finance, incumbents Margaret Bratton and Catherine Durdan are returning for re-election.

"Their long time service has been a key part of delivering a reasonable and low tax rate and maintaining Avon’s AAA Bond rating," Ladouceur said.

They are joined by Kenneth Birk, an insurance industry actuary, whose "business background and prior service on the Board of Education will be a tremendous asset as Avon faces uncertain funding from the state," Ladouceur said.

"The impressive skillsets of our Board of Education Candidates will bring a much needed approach to that board as it charts the future of our schools with new leadership in a rapidly changing environment," he said.

The candidates are Jeffrey Fleischman, a high school educator and department chair with advanced degrees in educational technology, leadership and administration; Bogdan Oprica, an insurance industry learning consultant with advanced degrees in economics and education; David Cavanaugh, who works in IT management for a major corporation and is locally active in Scouting; Stephen Hunt, a current Board of Assessment Appeals member with a employee benefits and insurance background; and Diane Hornaday, a lifelong resident and community volunteer, who has served on the Board of Education, Board of Finance and Town Council.

"They will bring a firm perspective as we move Avon forward," Ladouceur said.

Rounding out the candidate slate are Zoning Board of Appeals incumbents Ames Shea (the current vice chair) and Andrew Bloom. Joining them is John Boullie, an AVFD member and director with an engineering and supply chain management background.

List of Candidates

• Town Council: Heather Maguire, James Speich, William Stokesbury and Jeff Bernetich.
• Board of Finance: Margaret Bratton, Catherine Durdan and Kenneth Birk.
• Board of Education: Jeffrey Fleischman, Bogdan Oprica, David Cavanaugh, Stephen Hunt and Diane Hornaday.
• Zoning Board of Appeals: Ames Shea, Andrew Bloom and John Boullie.
• Board of Assessment Appeals: Richard Connel and Venkat Anapoju.

Patch File Photo