Politics & Government
Darien League of Women Voters Guide, Part 2: Representative Town Meeting Candidates
Although there are more seats up for election on the Representative Town Meeting than candidates, you may want to know about them.
Here’s part of the Darien League of Women Voters Guide for Darien’s 2014 elections, with information on this year’s candidates for Representative Town Meeting (the guide has also been published by the Darien Times):
The Representative Town Meeting is determined annually by elector apportionment and cannot exceed 100 members. Legislative powers for the town are vested in this body. Members serve two-year terms, do not get compensated and are not elected based on party affiliation. Its responsibilities include passing laws and ordinances, appropriating money and approving collective bargaining contracts involving town employees.
Though any Darien registered voter is eligible for election, it is unusual for any of the vacancies on the RTM to be contested. To win the election a candidate must receive at least one vote.
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Ballots will vary depending on the voting district. There may be write-in candidates in some of the districts, but you must ask at your polling location. Write-in candidates must receive a minimum of 25 votes to serve on the RTM.
Attendance records for incumbents have been provided by the Town Clerk’s office for your information.
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Please note the polling location of your District.District I
Poll Location: 35 Leroy Avenue
Vote for any eleven candidates
Question: Why do you want to serve on the RTM and what are important RTM issues?
Diane G. Conologue*
216 Leroy Avenue
Serving on the RTM is a way to give back to the town I have lived in for forty years. Listening to constituents, studying issues and making informed decisions in the best interests of the town have been my priorities in my twenty-six years on the RTM.
Forthcoming issues include the use of the Short Lane and Hollow Tree properties and the proposed purchase of the house at 32 Hoyt Street. I continue to believe that we must strive to control our tax rates while maintaining the quality of life we currently enjoy.
No response
District II
Poll Location: Darien Town Hall, Renshaw Road
Vote for any eleven candidates
Question: Why do you want to serve on the RTM and what are important RTM issues?
Elisabeth C. Bacon*
59 Delafield Island Road
I have tremendous respect for the residents of Darien who contribute their time, talent and energy to the various Boards and Committees that make this town work. In my role as a member of the RTM, I get to play my part in that process as the town considers issues large and small that will have a real impact on individuals and the future of our community. As a longtime resident of Darien, I value that highly.
Anne O’Connor Finn*
22 Contentment Island Road
Serving on the RTM is a privilege, and at the same time, a great way to stay informed and engaged in our community. A top priority in our town currently, is to keep up the momentum on downtown and Noroton Heights redevelopment and planning. The town’s plan of conservation and redevelopment is very important to continue the success of a vibrant downtown, attracting folks to visit, live and work in Darien. Important issues: parks/beaches maintenance/enhancement, town wide parking needs, expanding sidewalks and marking bicycle lanes on our roadways around town, and continued acquirement of open space.
James Henry Howe*
52 Old Farm Road
I serve on the RTM because I believe in providing service to the community. I feel that we are lucky to live in a town in which each of us can have the opportunity to participate in the decision process if we so choose. The most important issue facing the RTM is the need to ensure that the town maintains its independence by effectively managing resources and providing services and infrastructure for the residents. In doing so, RTM members must ensure that the desires of their respective districts are represented in this process.
Spencer J. McIlmurray*
27 Pheasant Run
I enjoy being on the RTM because of the other members and because I think it is a good way to “give back” to the town in which I grew up. Hopefully we’ll make improvements for the generations to follow.
Pedestrian Safety is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. To get our elders, our children and our handicapped out walking, biking and cruising has mental and physical benefits as well as environmental and financial. Better awareness of surroundings, more social interaction, great exercise and less traffic congestion. Not everyone can afford a gym.
Clara C. Sartori*
161 Old King’s Hwy, South
I would like to use the experience I gained in Town government through service on the Board of Education and RTM to work with others to continue to make Darien an outstanding home town for people of all ages.
Important issues facing the town will be thorough discussion of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development and providing for a safe, secure, up – to- date learning environment for an increasing school population. Preserving Darien’s environmental, natural and fiscal resources will be important priorities as the Town continues to develop to meet the needs of its citizens.
Joann R. Sawitsky*
67 Hecker Avenue
My name is Jo-Ann Sawitsky, I grew up in town, attended Darien Public Schools and work for the Darien Board of Education as a District Library Secretary. I have been involved in many town events over the years and I believe that I possess a unique mix of experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and skills that can be an asset to the RTM. I will be a voice for the community, on such issues as Education, Budget, Flooding, Senior Care and Taxes, to mention a few. By serving on the RTM I will be impartial and responsible to the people of Darien.
Sarah C. Seelye *
1 Siwanoy Road
Darien is beginning the update to the Town Plan of Conservation and Development with the Planning and Zoning Commission. Planometrics has been hired to help gather the information and the report will be ratified in June 2016. This important document outlines the priorities and goals for the town over the next 10 years. I encourage all town residents to participate in the focus groups and discussions during the coming year. This gives us a chance to express our thoughts about the priorities for our hometown. The Town Plan offers areas ranging from open space to the infrastructure of Darien.
Barbara L. Thorne*
37 Dickinson Road
I am willing to continue to serve on the RTM. Institutional history provides a valuable perspective to current issues that come before the RTM. My past experience on the Board of Selectmen, Park and Recreation Commission , and as a Board of Education employee and member of the RTM Education committee provide this view, as does work on affordable housing. As we move to a new regionalism I remain committed to maintaining those institutions that make Darien unique and strong while cooperating with our neighbors as appropriate.
Marc E. Thorne*
37 Dickinson Road
Serving on the RTM is important to civic life. The major continuing issue is the value of existing and proposed town services, some essential and some desirable. The level of services is constrained by the tax level. I have been a member of The Finance and Budget Committee, which participates in detailed budget meetings of both the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen. The F&B Committee then recommends action to the RTM as a whole. The RTM has the final say in the budget process. I would like to be re-elected so I can continue to participate.
District III
Poll Location: Noroton Heights Fire Department
Vote for any ten candidates
Question: Why do you want to serve on the RTM and what are important RTM issues?
Robert Cardone*
17 Park Lane
No response
Nancy W. Coyle Downs*
15 Echo Drive
Being new to the RTM, I’m still learning about our local issues, but one thing I think needs to be changed is the budget process/ timing to give us more opportunity to make changes before voting. Having the good fortune to have grown up in Darien, we spent lots of time at the beach swimming out to the floats, using the diving boards, our masks, snorkels, fins, and kick boards. I am currently on the Parks & Rec . Committee, and would like to bring back the floats, and allow the kick boards, masks etc. Today’s kids are board silly!!!
Jack H. Davis*
45 Greenwood Avenue
I have lived in Darien for 29 years and raised four children in this community. Darien is a special place, with volunteers donating their time to charities, community groups, schools and sports leagues. Others serve on town boards, commissions and the RTM. We all care about Darien and want to give back. This is why Darien is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. The significant challenge facing our community is to provide needed town services and a quality education for all our children while maintaining infrastructure in a financially prudent manner that does not burden our residents.
Cassandra L. Hegarty*
31 Barringer Road
Over the last couple of years, the town has faced a crisis of confidence. We are paying a large price for oversights – special education, the Shuffle, a weak infrastructure, to name a few. I want to continue to be on the RTM in order to challenge these issues and
encourage additional accountability, so that we can plan better and more efficiently for the future. The RTM isn’t just a rubber stamp – members must educate themselves and take responsibility to be up to speed on all planning and discussions so that they can make a well-informed vote.
Dennis J. Maroney*
I am seeking another term on the Darien RTM to continue to push for pedestrian safety initiatives in town. We have many areas that need to be addressed, and I hope the RTM will be afforded the opportunity to move some of these projects forward in the near future.
District IV
Poll Location: Hindley School
Vote for any seven candidates
Question: Why do you want to serve on the RTM and what are important RTM issues?
Joan V. Davis*
29 Dubois Street
I feel it is important to be involved in the RTM to learn about and vote on the town issues our officials are dealing with. I have served for twenty-six year on the RTM Education Committee. One issue I feel should receive more consideration by that Committee, the School Administration and the Board of Education is the need for more attention to and challenge for the average students. The scholars, top athletes, and those with learning disabilities are well provided for but the average student often gets lost in the shuffle.
Werner K. Domittner*
25 Nearwater Lane
I believe an important town issue is managing our budget more efficiently to keep property taxes low. We have seen significant tax increases over the past years and need to start better distinguishing between needs and wants. Within Fairfield County only Darien offers the combination of a top school system, a short and fairly efficient commute to NYC, location at the Long Island Sound with beach access and one of the lowest mill rates. We need to balance our expenditures to maintain our high standards with the goal to keep tax increases low and property values high.
Courtney K. Haidinger*
It has been a privilege to represent District IV on the RTM. My first year’s committee assignment was Town Government Structure and Administration which gave me a first-hand knowledge of how our local government works. For my second year I’ve served on the Parks and Recreation Committee during which time – among a number of important issues – we approved the Darien Garden Club’s gift of cherry trees to Cherry Lawn Park and the purchase of 4 Short Lane which abuts Weed Beach. I care most about protecting the quality of life and environment that we enjoy in our beautiful town.
Brian J. Rayhill *
6 Pleasant Street
As the Chair of District IV for the past 3 years, I have focused on meaningful RTM involvement by our District IV members and accountability to our constituency. Being educated on Town of Darien issues, both present and future, is one of the main reasons for my participation in the RTM. Going forward, I am anxious to see the RTM promote the growth of our marvelous new Mather Center and encourage the upkeep and development of our Town and Board of Education playing fields that service our youth so well. I encourage all District IV residents to become involved.
District V
Poll location; Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road
Vote for any nine candidates
Question: Why do you want to serve on the RTM and what are important RTM issues?
Mark R. Adiletta*
I enjoy participating in town government and believe I have unique public office experience to share, having served nine years on the Board of Education (including four as Chairman), and seven years on the RTM. The most important RTM issue is to ensure that the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education budgets reasonably and efficiently fund the Town and school operations.
Terrence J. Duffy, Jr.*
One Lantern Lane
I have been serving on the RTM for the past 8 years. During the past eight years there have been many changes in town and it is important to stay focused on the values that make Darien a great place to live. I am a strong proponent of maximizing our tax dollars to see that are used efficiently. Serving on the F & B and Education committees has provided me with the knowledge of how we spend our tax payer dollars and areas of concern for all residents. I urge all residents to be involved to have their voices heard.
Dana H. Fead*
21 Hillside Avenue
The reason that I want to continue to serve on the RTM is because I feel strongly about giving back to the community. As a residential real estate agent my participation in the RTM helps to keep me connected to what is going on in the town and the priorities that are in current focus. My specific interest is in preserving and enhancing the resources the town offers its residents such as the parks, beaches, and community center. These amenities draw people to our town and help to define it.
Joanne K. Hennessy*
72 Holly Lane
I currently serve as Chair of the RTM Planning, Zoning, and Housing subcommittee and would like to continue to serve. I believe that growth in Darien should be controlled, that increasing density should be carefully monitored to avoid overcrowding our schools and overburdening our infrastructure. Also, given the economic environment it is important to restrain budget growth and tax increases. The RTM serves a check and balance function in our town and gives citizens more of a say in how the town works.
Derek M. Lublin*
28 Edgerton Street
Serving on the RTM is an opportunity to represent an active, caring and wonderful community (District V). A shifting demographic, new large housing developments and challenges from 8-30g will pressure our aging infrastructure, including our ability to manage school enrollment. Maintaining a desirable Town and a strong education system requires continued investment and careful planning. A proactive approach to resource management and thoughtful long term solutions should drive efficient outcomes and cost savings to achieve our Education and long term Town planning goals.
Laura R. Mosher*
16 Edgerton Street
I have lived in Darien for 17 years and witnessed the community’s growth. A consequence of creating this wonderful community in which to raise a family is that our infrastructure is strained. Darien is 98% developed. I am most interested in the Town’s long term planning to maximize the effectiveness of our resources, public properties, and systems. I wish to tackle pedestrian safety and traffic concerns, as these are crucial issues. Now currently serving on the Public Health and Safety committee, I wish to continue on the RTM to participate actively in addressing the many challenges facing the town.
Cheryl Russell*
18 Holly Lane
I thank my constituents for giving me the opportunity to serve on the RTM for 26 years. I look forward to different challenges every year.
The most important issues the RTM faces are the budgets for the Town and the Board of Education. We must get both under control in order to make our taxes reasonable. Other issues coming forward will be the use of recently purchased Town properties along with the Hollow Tree property. I look forward to hearing tax payers input at the public hearings regarding these properties.
District VI
Poll Location: Old Library, 35 Leroy Avenue
Vote for any nine candidates
Question: Why do you want to serve on the RTM and what are important RTM issues?
Frank H. Adelman*
3 Harriet Lane East
No response
Joseph J. Cherico*
31 Brookside Road
I have lived in Darien for nearly 14 years with my wife, Beth. We have two children who both attend Middlesex Middle School. I am an attorney in the Stamford office of McCarter & English.
Serving on the RTM is a meaningful way to serve our community. Important RTM issues include ensuring that all children are raised in a safe environment and receive the best possible education, balancing the need to provide a wide variety of services to the entire community while not overspending, and generally making the Town an even more desirable and inviting place for everyone to live.
Janet F. Grogan*
16 Ward Lane
As a member of the RTM since 1988, it has been my privilege to serve the voters of my districts for so many years.
I welcome calls from constituents, and particularly this year. The RTM needs to know what specifics residents have in mind to keep both town and education budgets “in control”, and taxes from rising significantly.
When RTM members vote on the budgets, they should assess and appropriately represent the views and concerns of the people in their districts. That it what I expect to do.
Edgar M. Hawkins, III*
65 Mansfield Avenue
As a resident of Darien for 39 years and old DHS Graduate, I think it is important to participate in town government where you feel you can make a contribution. I think the two most important issues now facing the town and RTM are: getting a better handle on controlling government and education expenses and secondly, seeing that the new Town Plan of Conservation and Development, which is just getting underway, reflects properly all of the priorities of our residents and maps out a direction to achieve them.
S. Lloyd Plehaty*
187 Old Kings Hwy. No.
The Darien Town Charter is obsolete, and in need of revision. The charter defines the town government, but should be sparse. (At the municipal level, the charter corresponds to the Constitution.) Details should be covered in ordinances that are subsidiary to the charter.
I’ve done a lot of work on the charter and I’d like to continue, since more needs to be done.
Richard Poli*
1 Little Brook Road North
The Town of Darien is a desirable place to reside due to the numerous contributions of volunteers in many organizations. As a member of the Public Works Committee being involved and contributing to the resolution of issues is very satisfying.
Important RTM Issues:
Affordable Housing
Purchase of Properties adjacent to town properties
Public Works Projects for Flood Control
Property Taxes
POLL LOCATIONS
District I Old Library, 35 Leroy Avenue
District II Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road
District III Noroton Heights Fire Department
District IV Hindley School
District V Darien Town Hall, 2 Renshaw Road
District VI Old Library, 35 Leroy Avenue
Representative Town Meeting Attendance Records
The following are the attendance records for the Representative Town Meeting members during the past year. There have been eight meetings (seven regular and one special) since the last election but some members joined after the year’s session began. The attendance record notes both how many meeting were attended as well as how many meetings for which they were eligible. Candidates on this year’s ballots are noted by **
District 1
Stanley M. Buchesky 5 out of 8
Patricia Finn Bumgardner 7 out of 8
Diane G. Conologue** 8 out of 8
Frederick B. Conze ** 4 out of 5
George F. Dupont 3 out of 8
John Dweck** 3 out of 5
Wm. Shedd Glassmeyer 8 out of 8
Brent T. Hayes 5 out of 8
Noelle Nevins Henderson 5 out of 8
Peter K. Kelly 7 out of 8
Lois J. Schneider 5 out of 8
Thomas Brady Valentino, III 6 out of 8
John W. van der Kieft, III** 8 out of 8
District 2
Elizabeth C. Bacon** 5 out of 8
Sumathi P. Ebrahimi 4 out of 8
Anne O’Connor Finn** 5 out of 8
Kirk P. Hoffman 7 out of 8
James Henry Howe** 7 out of 8
Kate L. Keith 6 out of 8
Jeffrey L. Marston 6 out of 8
Carol Matton 5 out of 8
Spencer J. McIlmurray** 6 out of 8
Monica M. McNally 6 out of 8
Helen M. Miller** 8 out of 8
Clara C. Sartori** 4 out of 5
Cecelia Mundt 6 out of 8
Joann R. Sawitsky** 7 out of 7
Sarah C. Seelye** 8 out of 8
Barbara L. Thorne** 6 out of 8
Marc E. Thorne** 8 out of 8
District 3
Steven A. Anderson 8 out of 8
Christopher L. Camuti 3 out of 8
Robert Cardone** 7 out of 8
Jose A. Cepeda 4 out of 7
Adele M. Conniff 7 out of 8
Eugene F. Coyle 7 out of 8
Nancy W. Coyle Downs** 6 out of 7
Jack H. Davis** 7 out of 8
Thomas L. Foley 2 out of 2
Robert C. George MD 2 out of 5
Cassandra L. Hegarty** 4 out of 8
Gary T. Larkins 6 out of 7
Dennis J. Maroney** 4 out of 8
Thomas W. Moore 7 out of 8
Holly L. Schulz-Amatruda** 6 out of 8
District 4
Martha A. Banks 8 out of 8
Angus James Cameron 7 out of 8
Joan V. Davis** 7 out of 8
Werner K. Domittner** 5 out of 7
Lucy Fiore 7 out of 8
Courtney K. Haidinger** 8 out of 8
Joseph H. Hardison, III** 7 out of 7
Phyllis H. Hawkins** 6 out of 8
Frank B. Kemp 7 out of 8
Joseph D. Miceli 8 out of 8
Andrew C. Millar 7 out of 8
Susan E. Morrison 5 out of 8
William D. Peters, III 6 out of 8
Brian J. Rayhill** 7 out of 8
Anita Rycenga 6 out of 8
Sandra A. Savage 6 out of 8
Carolyn P. Schoonmaker 1 out of 1
District 5
Mark R. Adiletta** 7 out of 8
Carolyn Golden Bayne 8 out of 8
John V. Boulton** 5 out of 8
Michael J. Burke 5 out of 8
R. Ellyn Coyne 3 out of 8
Terrence J. Duffy, Jr.** 7 out of 8
Dana H. Fead** 6 out of 8
Kenneth A. Fiveson, Jr. 7 out of 8
Joanne K. Hennessy** 7 out of 8
Susan S. LeHan 6 out of 8
Derek M. Lublin** 6 out of 8
Harry D. McLachlin 7 out of 8
Laura R. Mosher** 8 out of 8
James M. Patrick 8 out of 8
Cheryl Russell** 8 out of 8
Allison L. Stolar 5 out of 8
Robert E. Young, Jr. 5 out of 8
District 6
Frank H. Adelman** 8 out of 8
William F. Ball 6 out of 8
Arden A. Broecking 5 out of 8
Beth W. Cherico 4 out of 5
Joseph J. Cherico** 3 out of 3
Janet F. Grogan** 8 out of 8
Edgar M. Hawkins,III** 8 out of 8
M. Caroline Luz 8 out of 8
Emily Quinn McDermott 5 out of 8
John G. McLean, Jr. I out of 8
James Robert Palen, Jr. 8 out of 8
S. Lloyd Plehaty** 3 out of 8
Richard Poli** 5 out of 8
Debra McGarry Ritchie 7 out of 8
Gary C. Swenson 8 out of 8
William R. Van Loan, Jr. 7 out of 8
John T. Whitehead 3 out of 8
David L. Young 8 out of 8
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