Politics & Government
Darien League of Women Voters Guide to Candidates: Part 1
This Darien League of Women Voters guide to candidates has information on those running for offices on the Darien ballot.
The League of Women Voters has compiled this information on candidates Darien voters will have on the ballot this Tuesday. The information is from the league’s website. If you’d rather read it on paper, it’s also published in the current week’s Darien Times (or you can print it out).
This is Part 1, for Patch’s purposes, since the whole thing is difficult to view and publish on one Web page. Part 2, with information on Representative Town Meeting, can be found here. Darien Patch also publishes a guide to voting, polling places and candidates here.
Vote Tuesday, November 4th, 2014
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Remember: Democracy Is Not A Spectator Sport
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that encourages the informed and active participation of all citizens in the process of government. The LWV of Darien is a local group of both men and women who strive to improve the quality of democracy by increasing voters’ knowledge of candidates and issues.
Find out what's happening in Darienfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Voters’ Guide is designed to provide information about the candidates to the public in a nonpartisan and balanced way to assist them in casting an informed vote on Election Day.
Questionnaires were submitted to all candidates, asking one or more specific questions. Responses were limited to a specific word count and are printed exactly as submitted by the candidates.
(*) Signifies that the candidate is an incumbent
This year Connecticut voters will also be voting on a ballot question concerning amending the Constitution of the State.
Note: All offices appear in the order in which they appear on the ballot. The ballot question will be in a separate box on the right side of your ballot.
Ballot Question
On Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th, 2014, Connecticut voters will vote on this ballot question:
“Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to remove restrictions concerning absentee ballots and to permit a person to vote without appearing at a polling place on the day of an election? Vote Yes or No”
What does this mean?
The Connecticut Constitution currently requires in-person voting on Election Day, with specifically delineated exceptions for absentee ballots. In 2012, the Connecticut General Assembly approved a resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution which, if approved by the majority of the voters in the upcoming election, would grant increased authority to the General Assembly regarding election administration. This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment for the stated purpose of:
- Eliminating the requirement for electors to gather on Election Day to cast votes for state officers and legislators
- Removing the constitutional restrictions on absentee voting.
What will a YES vote mean?
A YES vote means that restricting language in the State Constitution would be removed, allowing the General Assembly greater authority to pass a law allowing voters to cast their ballots without having to (1) appear at their polling place on Election Day or (2) provide a reason for voting by absentee ballot. The amendment does not change current election practices, but it would enable the General Assembly to consider changes in the future.
What will a NO vote mean?
A NO vote means that the State Constitution remains unchanged and the Connecticut General Assembly will be unable to consider any changes in election administration with respect to in-person voting on Election Day and the expanded use of absentee ballots.
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Vote for one
Thomas C. Foley and Heather Somers (R) and Independent Party
Dannel P. Malloy* and Nancy Wyman *(D) and Working Families Party
Joe Visconti and Chester Frank Harris Petitioning Candidates
Representative in Congress
Vote for one
Dan Debicella (R) and Independent Party
Jim Himes* (D) and Working Families Party
State Senator for 25th Senatorial District (Darien Districts 1,3,5 and 6)
Vote for one
Question: What is the biggest issue facing the State and how would you address it?
Bill Dunne (R)
Connecticut is in trouble. Despite an occasional positive sign, our economy is still sputtering, our job growth is still poor. This is the direct result of policies pursued by Gov. Dan Malloy and the supermajority of Democrats in the State Assembly, particularly State Sen. Bob Duff. Those policies have us in a race to the bottom among the 50 states in several key measurements. And a Gallup Poll suggests that half of our residents would move elsewhere if they could. How odd, then, that my opponent thinks we are doing just fine. I disagree. We must reverse the decline. We must restore Connecticut to its once-enviable status as a great place to live and work. The basic way forward is simple: Reduce our tax burdens and stop the excessive growth of our state government, which is occurring almost entirely at the expense of the middle class.
Bob Duff (D)*
It’s still the economy and I’ve been addressing this issue all along. Not with quick fixes bound to fail in time, but with thoughtful, comprehensive planning that will ensure the wellbeing of our children and the many generations to follow.
The problems we face today are not solely the result of the 2008 recession. They date back generations. A slow, steady demise of manufacturing prowess caused by an inability to change, adapt and reinvent. With few exceptions, the 21st century has been passing Connecticut by.
As Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee I led a vote to approve legislation implementing Connecticut’s first-ever Comprehensive Energy Strategy. This long-range plan means a cleaner environment and lower utility bills for consumers and businesses. Maybe as much as 50% lower. A nice incentive for businesses to call Connecticut home. And just one step toward making Connecticut competitive in a global economy.
State Senator for the 27th Senatorial District (Darien Districts 2 and 4)
Vote for one
Question: What is the biggest issue facing the State and how would you address it?
Eva A. Maldonado (R) and Independent Party
Connecticut is one of only 5 states not to restore all of the jobs lost during the recession. Current policies have failed and often discourage new business and job creation. We need representatives in Hartford that understand the interrelationship of the elements that attract and retain businesses – fiscal policy, state debt, transportation, education, business environment and community. Each has deteriorated with spending outpacing inflation and tax increases; neglecting maintenance on our roads and rails; underfunding education; increasing debt; not addressing our unfunded state employee pension liabilities and providing incentives to a select few rather than all businesses. Hartford continues to drain our region and not reinvest locally. Fairfield County provides $2.468 billion in taxes and is returned $146 million excluding Bridgeport (Darien 1¢ and Stamford 6¢ per dollar sent to Hartford.) Our representative should do better. You deserve better. When elected, I promise to think globally and reinvest locally.
Carlo Leone (D) *
The growth of our economy is the most pressing concern facing the state barring any natural calamities. As the economy improves, so do other important issues that are critical and important to our constituents. Of course job growth is a key factor and go hand in hand for the improvement of the economy. CT was hit hard in the great recession of 2008, it was the last in and therefore the last out to recover. We now have consistent growth and it will soon take hold at the “main street level”.
Creating job opportunities, opening doors for all levels of business, establishing diverse industries and sectors, investing in much needed and overdue infrastructure are direct ways to positively impact the economy and create job growth. Reigning in our spending and upholding our obligations are also just as important to restore and maintain confidence for all affected.
David Michel Green Party
To answer all of the challenges we face in this state we need a responsive government. That’s why I’m running for State Senate.
So what does a responsive government look like?
Other cities across the U.S. are exploring exciting and innovative transportation solutions. I can’t wait to follow their lead.
A responsive government will negotiate directly with energy companies and get our communities a preferred rate (Municipal Utilities)..
A responsive government could emulate North Dakota’s state bank to spur economic growth, create jobs and lower the debt cost for local governments.
A responsive government will also empower our teachers to do what they do best – teach our kids to be educated and responsible citizens while suggesting new major focusses of study on sustainable living and renewable energies.
The two major parties have been living in a bubble. It’s time to burst that bubble with fresh ideas.
State Representative for the 141st House District (Darien Districts 1,2,4,5 and 6)
Vote for one
Question: What is the biggest issue facing the State and how would you address it?
Terrie E. Wood * (R)
While there are many important issues that we face as a state, the economic health of Connecticut is the most immediate and crucial.
We are dead last in virtually every survey measuring economic vitality. A massive tax hike forced by the Democratic majority has not benefitted Connecticut. We need to foster success for businesses in our state with lower taxes and straightforward regulatory processes.
In addition, we need to cut government spending. Our existing state human services is an area where savings can and should be realized. Connecticut is one of the few states that run a dual delivery system – big state agencies and the local nonprofits deliver the same human service needs. Efficiencies in these state services would enable us to reallocate those savings to our businesses and citizens.
Simply, we need a more common sense and fiscally sound approach to running our state.
State Representative for the 147th House District (Darien District 3)
Vote for one
Question: What is the biggest issue facing the State and how would you address it?
Dennis Mahoney (R) and Independent Party
“How do we restore Connecticut to financial stability?” After years of neglect from leadership, often kicking the can down the road, Connecticut has accumulated significant debt, large unfunded infrastructure projects, educational challenges and contractual obligations that are unsustainable. This has resulted in a stalled economic recovery. The prior solutions have not worked. My opponent’s eloquence in words belies his inaction, track record and poor judgment. The interrelationship of the component parts that attract businesses and create an environment fostering job creation needs to be addressed in earnest. We need to get our financial house in order; fix transportation infrastructure; address state pension plans that are unsustainable and create economic incentives and zones available to all businesses, not just a select few. Only then will Connecticut join the rest of the nation and emerge out of our current economic malaise.
William Tong* (D)
Job Growth. To generate jobs and grow our economy, we must build on our structural strengths like Metro-North. We are never going to be Texas or North Carolina. We do not have cheap real estate, swaths of open space for new highways, and good weather year-round. But they are not Connecticut, either. They do not sit between New York and Boston, and they do not have our combination of a highly-educated and productive workforce, the highest income per capita in the nation, one of the nation’s healthiest populations, great universities and colleges, and a strong foundation of large, Fortune 500 employers. Connecticut must build on those strengths and create long-term and sustainable economic advantages by focusing on Metro-North, and also by investing (1) our colleges and universities; (2) in private and public partnerships; (3) focused use of economic development incentives; and (4) creating leading business institutions.
Secretary of the State
Vote for one
Peter Lumaj (R) and Independent Party
Denise W. Merrill * (D) and Working Families Party
S. Michael DeRosa Green Party
Treasurer
Vote for one
Timothy M. Herbst (R) and Independent Party
Denise L. Nappier *(D) and Working Families Party
Comptroller
Vote for one
Sharon J. McLaughlin (R) and Independent Party
Kevin Lembo *(D) and Working Families Party
Rolf W. Maurer Green Party
Attorney General
Vote for one
Kie Westby (R) and Independent Party
George Jepsen* (D) and Working Families Party
Stephen E. Fournier Green Party
Judge of Probate
Vote for one
Question: What are your qualifications to serve as Judge of Probate?
William P. Osterndorf (R)
I have been an attorney for over thirty-two years. I have had my office in New Canaan since 1991. Over the past twenty-four years, a substantially part of my practice has been in probate administration, tax and estate law and drafting wills and trust. My probate work has covered all matters routinely handled by the Court. I believe that my work experience will enable me to make a smooth transition to probate judge. Very simply, I am running for probate judge because I believe that I have the knowledge, experience and temperament to be a good probate judge.
Registrar of Voters
Vote for one
Question: With reference to your mission statement, what are your biggest challenges or objectives?
John J. Visi (R) *
By statute the Registrars of Voters of Darien are elected to serve all voters. Each party elects one Registrar who will represent the interests of that party when necessary. On a day-to-day basis the Registrars impartially facilitate voter registration and conduct elections on an impartial basis. In office the Registrars do not promote any political issues or candidates but seek to make voting readily available to all the town’s eligible residents.
Kathy Hammell (D) *
Our office seeks to broaden the visibility of voter registration using pop-up booths at the Library, Darien High School, the Sidewalk Sales, Atria, and Farmer’s Market. In November, a DHS student will work at the polls for the first time. This year’s poll relocations accommodated school security concerns and the need for voters to have easy poll access. The hiring of additional poll workers ensures that all polls are fully staffed. On a lighter side, we again sponsored “Vote November 4” windows for the town-wide Halloween Painting Contest which have high visibility in the town’s two train stations.
BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES
The nine members of Darien’s Board of Education (BOE) are elected by the Town but they serve as state officials. The BOE is an independent authority responsible for formulating education policy and administering the operation of the school system. Its annual appropriation must be approved by the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting through the general budget adoption process.
Each year, three members of the BOE are elected. This year four candidates are vying for three positions.
Vote for any two
Question: What motivated you to be a candidate for the Board of Education and what special skills do you bring to the position?
David P. (“Duke”) Dineen (R) * Elected 9/9/14 to fill vacancy. and serve on BOE.
I am honored to be on the Board of Education at this time and would welcome the opportunity to serve a three-year term. Darien has been home for 17 years. I feel it is important to give back to the community that you call home. It is easy to get into the spirit of giving back to a community that focuses on being the best and shows it in the passion of the people that are involved every day.
I bring a combination of volunteer service, board experience and twenty-nine years of business experience in leadership roles across finance, sales/marketing and operations. As a banking professional, I bring strong financial skills to the budget process and ongoing monitoring of the business side of the Board’s operations.I’ve served on the Darien Environmental Protection Commission, the Darien Fire Department and the Downtown Revitalization project.
Michael Anton Harman (R)*
Three years ago, my motivation stemmed from a desire to better understand the financial information I received as a Finance & Budget RTM member and a personal interest in the K-5 math curriculum. I also wanted to bring the elementary perceptive to the board, as at the time, there were no board members with elementary school children.
The board’s ultimate goal is to achieve educational excellence in our schools, through the creation of policies that enhance education, engage families, and broaden opportunities for our students. Board members bring with them diverse backgrounds and together work to support and provide leadership to our Administration. Come November, there will only be one sitting member with at least a full-term’s experience; and the Board is recruiting a new Superintendent and considering a long-term plan for our facilities. Now my motivation is to help retain institutional knowledge and to build on the progress made.
Tony Imbimbo (D)
I am running for the Board of Education because I want to maintain the quality of Darien schools. Great public schools are important, in general, and to our community, in particular. They help prepare our children for college and for life, and they help make our town a desirable place to live.
I believe that my professional, personal, and RTM experience would serve the Board well. As an RTM member, I served on the Education Committee, went through the budget process, and am aware of the tough choices that need to be made each year. As a children’s publishing professional, product developer, and former journalist, I can help the Board improve communications, and facilitate processes for achieving goals and finding solutions for difficult challenges. I also bring the perspective of a parent-volunteer who has helped guide two children through the Darien school system from kindergarten through high school.
Michael J. Burke (D)
The BOE will be making decisions concerning selecting and supporting a new superintendent, ensuring that we do not endure another special education crisis and providing a superior education for our students. Those decisions are important and exciting. I would like help make them.
I believe my experience that will add value to the BOE.
I am a member of the RTM Education Committee and have examined BOE budgets, questioned administrators and made recommendations to the RTM on passage. I have served on the Board of Trustees of Skidmore College, which gave me invaluable opportunities to work with board members and administrators to create a vision to meet the needs of its students. Much of that work also involved conducting vigorous oversight.
As a litigation attorney, I zealously pursue facts, perform critical analysis and apply law in order to resolve problems. I think those skills would mesh well with the BOE.
Editor’s note: This guide continues with information on Representative Town Meeting candidates, here.
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