Election 2015: Bethel Appeals Boards, P and Z, Inlands Wetlands, Police Commission Candidate Profiles

Information is provided by the Republican and Democratic Town Committee’s websites.

Board of Assessment Appeals
Linda Curtis
Incumbent: Endorsed by the Independent Party: 14-year resident; Human Resource and Financial Manager, Central Communications Inc. & Security Solutions, Inc. Current member Library Board of Directors; Board of Assessment Appeals; current President, Friends of the Bethel Public Library; Vice-President New Plumtrees Heights Board of Directors (6th term); Vice President Bethel Lions Club; member Women of the Moose; member Bethel Republican Town Committee; former Literacy Volunteer. Graduate, WSCU, B.A. Communications, M.B.A. Business Generalist.

Alfred J. Bernard
Incumbent: 29-year resident; self-employed real estate broker; Real Estate Professionals of CT LLC, Broker of Record. Current Chairman Board of Assessment Appeals; member Ad-Hoc Transfer Station Committee; member Bethel Republican Town Committee. Past offices held Bethel Housing Study Committee, Danbury Tax Study Commission, Danbury Fair Rent Commission, Danbury Airport Commission. A.J. Bernard holds 15 Real Estate and Appraisal Certifications. A.J. has two children.

Planning & Zoning Commission
John N. Lennon
Incumbent: Endorsed by the Independent Party: 48-year resident; retired, former co-owner Bethel Power Equipment Co.; 12-year member Planning and Zoning Commission; helped develop Bethel’s Plan of Conservation and Development and the Route Six Study; member Elks Lodge #120; member St. Mary’s Church; member Bethel Republican Town Committee; American Red Cross volunteer. Henry Abbott Graduate, Automotive Specialty. John has one child.

Earle Finch (I)
Incumbent: 9-year resident; self employed – Farming; Experience in the building trades and real estate. Eight-year member on Planning and Zoning Graduate, Fairfield University, BA English.

Robert Legnard
Incumbent: Endorsed by the Independent Party: 46-year resident; retired from UPS; 8-year member P/Z, Vice Chairman; Justice of the Peace; Constable; past offices held, Selectman, Police Commissioner, ZBA, Charter Revision, HRRA, HVCEO, Franc Property Use Committee, Permanent Building Committee, PUC. Community Service and past offices held includes: Scotty Fund Volunteer, Brotherhood in Action, Volunteer BBA, BYSA, St. Mary Carnival, St Mary Home School Assoc., St. Mary Parish Adv. Council, Bethel HS Sports Hall of Fame Committee, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 100, Police Commissioners Assoc. of CT. Graduate, Sacred Heart University, BS Personnel Management. Bob and his wife, Mary, have three children and four grandchildren.

Marc Fierz (I)
10-year resident; VP Sales Advertising Technology PocketMath, Inc.; Graduate, SUNY Old Westbury, Business and Marketing; Mark and his wife, Jody, have two children.

Planning & Zoning Commission (Alternate)
Frances Pulle
Endorsed by the Independent Party: 3-year resident; College Instructor (Political Science), Naugatuck Valley Community College; Past Offices held, Elmira College Alumni Board of Directors, served on various committees during college career; Graduate, Elmira College BA, Fordham University, MA. Frances and her husband, Dunstan, have two children.

Kenneth Parsons, Jr.
6-year resident; self employed; served on the Pool Committee. Ken and his wife, Lada Bedriy, have one child.

Inland Wetlands Commission
Richard Merritt
Endorsed by the Independent Party: 38-year resident; retired from General DataComm, Inc. Senior Telecommunications Applications Engineer. Currently, member of the Bethel Republican Town Committee; Treasurer, Executive Committee Board Member on the Bethel Library Board of Directors, Chair of the Technology Committee, Chair of the Finance Committee and member of the Planning Committee. Past offices held include Permanent Municipal Renovation Building Committee; Board of Finance 2 years; Youth Commission Member 2001-2015 (8 years as Chairman). Graduate, Norwalk Technical College, Barnes Engineering Certified Infrared Technician; member Bridgeport CT Civil Defense & Auxiliary Policeman. Richard and his wife, Marcia, have one daughter.

Inland Wetlands Commission (Alternate)\
Christopher Nazro
Endorsed by the Independent Party: 10+-year resident; Information Technology Consultant. Member Bethel Republican Town Committee; Delegate, Connecticut Republican State Convention 2014. Graduate, American Intercontinental University, B.B.A. Mgmt; University of Phoenix, completed coursework towards M.B.A.

Zoning Board Of Appeals
Melanie Ryan (I)
Incumbent: 22-year resident; Contract Administrator at Copyright Clearance Center. Past experience, Paralegal with 15+ years in personal injury and worker’s compensation. Graduate, Western Connecticut State University, B.S. in Justice and Law Administration, UCONN Paralegal Certificate. Melanie and her husband, Brendan, have one child.

John Kelly
Endorsed by the Independent Party: 35-year resident; self-employed attorney; appointed to the Ethics Commission 2002, chairman July 2002 – July 2015; former Coach Board Member and President of the Bethel Softball Association. Graduate, Pace University B.B.A., Iona College M.B.A., Quinnipiac University J.D. John and his wife, Essie, have two grown children.

Zoning Board Of Appeals (Alternate)

Susan M. Dolan
Incumbent: 21-year resident; Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway, New England Properties. Currently or formerly: member Franc Property Commission; Board of Directors, Bethel Education Foundation; Saint Mary’s CCD instructor; Cub Scout Den Leader; Public school Classroom volunteer; Hospice Breakfast Committee member; Board of Directors Newcomers and Neighbors; member Bethel Republican Town Committee. Graduate, Bentley University, A.S. Communications/Marketing. Susan and her husband, Bob, have three children.

Susan Catino (I)
Incumbent: 8-year resident; Real Estate Broker. Achievements include: President Newtown Board of Realtors; VP Newtown Board of Realtors; Chairman Fund Raiser Tercentennial; Educational Chairman NBOR 2014. Graduate, Ohio University, English Major; Certifications GRI, CRS, PSCS, Broker. Susan and her husband, Dennis, have four children.

Police Commission
Michael Duff (I)
Incumbent: 58-year resident; current Chairman of the Bethel Police Commission; self-employed – Bethel Mail Service Center; U.S. Navy pilot 1959 – 1965 flying search and attack aircraft off the USS Hornet; employed by American Airlines as a Command Pilot retiring in 1996. Past Municipal service includes Chairman of and member of the Bethel Assessment Board Review; appointed to Elderly Tax Relief Committee. Community service includes life member of the Knights of Columbus and has served as Grand Knight of Pavia Council and District Deputy in the State of CT. Graduate, United States Merchant Marine Academy, B.S. Marine Engineering. Michael and his wife, Sylvia, raised seven children.

Kent Rollison
Endorsed by the Independent Party: 20-year resident; an extensive career as a corporate executive and business owner, president KRA field Services. Past offices held include Republican Town Committee Member 10 years; Economic Development Commission 4 years; Vice-Chairman, Golf Authority 4 ½ years; Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate 1 year. Attended University of Alaska – Business. Kent and his wife, Molly, have two grown children.

Richard H. Barton
Incumbent: life-long community resident; retired. US Army 3 years; Bethel Police Officer 1968; 30 years in industrial security. Appointed to the Police Commission in 2011; community service includes 8 years PTSO (High School) Treasurer; Boy Scout Leader entire adult life. Education includes 1 year WCSU Business Admin., 1 year Norwalk Community College Police Admin., attended and passed the Municipal Police Training Academy. Richard has one adult son.

Christopher McCollam [D] 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.

Richard Thode [D] 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.

Donald W. Brown [D] 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.

Sandi Richards Foreman [D] Planning 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.

Rob Schweitzer [D] 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.

Rich Tibbits [D] 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.

Louis Tibbits [D] 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.

James Naddeo [D] 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.”

Don Goodrich [D] 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.

Pat Perrefort [D] 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.

Louis David [D] 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.

Diana CArlino [D] 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.

Robert F. Pitt, Jr. [D] 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.

Justin Hurgin [D] 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.”

In addition to his work with the ZBA, Justin also serves as the Chairman of Bethel Arts, and of Bethel Artspace, as well as on the Board of Directors of Bethel’s Chamber of Commerce. Justin graduated from Bethel High School and Western Connecticut State University, and owns the custom architecture and millwork design company, Page One Design. He and his wife enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking and biking in their free time. They welcomed their first daughter this past Spring. Justin adds, “I will always stand up for what is right for the town and its people, and take the responsibilities of this office very seriously. It would be an honor to continue to serve, and help guide Bethel forward.”

Victor Holomakoff [D] 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.

Gregory Menti [D] 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.

Gary Passineau [D] 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.

Any Mannion [D] 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.