Darien Republicans Endorse Slate Of Candidates For November

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Republican Town Committee has endorsed four candidates for the Nov. 3 municipal election, backing contenders for the Board of Education, Judge of Probate and Registrar of Voters.

The endorsed candidates are Greg Grambling, who is seeking re-election to the Board of Education; Zach Fleitman, who is also running for the school board; Michael Nedder, who is running for Judge of Probate; and Cara Gately, who is seeking re-election as Registrar of Voters.

"These are exactly the kind of principled, community-rooted leaders Darien deserves. Each of them understands that the best decisions for our town are made right here in Darien — by people who know our schools, our neighborhoods, and our families," Darien Republican Town Committee Chairman Jameson Riley said in an announcement.

"They share a commitment to keeping government accountable to the residents it serves, to spending taxpayer dollars wisely, and to preserving the small-town character that makes this community special."

Grambling, a lifelong Darien resident, currently serves on the Board of Education as vice chairman and chair of its finance committee. He is chief financial officer and managing director of Guernsey Holdings, LLC. His volunteer activities have included service with American Legion Post 53, Noroton Presbyterian Church, youth sports teams and the Representative Town Meeting.

The Darien RTC said Grambling's priorities include academic excellence, transparency and accountability, and keeping politics out of the classroom.

"I love Darien and have benefitted greatly from growing up here. I want to give back and ensure future generations, including my own three children at MMS and Ox Ridge, get the same great education I received and provide the same opportunities to succeed when they graduate," Grambling said.

Fleitman is chief executive officer of WorkUp Health, Inc., an artificial intelligence platform focused on health care staffing. He previously served with several nonprofit and educational organizations and serves on the Youth Commission and RTM.

The Darien RTC said he brings a focus on student outcomes, responsible use of technology in education, board governance experience, and 15 years of data-driven management.

"The open seat on the Board of Education represents an opportunity to support our amazing public school system. I believe I offer a unique combination of skills, including a decade of education-focused non-profit work, deep board experience, 15 years of data-driven management, and daily involvement in the practical adoption and advancement of artificial intelligence," Fleitman said.

Nedder, an attorney and founder of Nedder & Associates, LLC, has lived in Darien for more than 50 years. His volunteer service has included work with the Darien Library, Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as organizations in New Canaan, which shares the probate district with Darien.

The Darien RTC said Nedder's ties to the community make him suited for the role.

"I have lived in and loved this community for over 50 years. Serving as Probate Judge would be an honor and a privilege, an opportunity to give back to the families of Darien and New Canaan at some of the most important moments in their lives," Nedder noted.

Gately is seeking another term as registrar of voters. She has overseen two election cycles, implemented early voting and recruited, trained and supervised more than 100 poll workers, the Darien RTC said. She has volunteered with the Planning & Zoning Commission and volunteers with several community organizations.

The Darien RTC said Gately's priorities include maintaining secure elections, keeping voter rolls accurate, and expanding voter education and outreach.

"The efficient, secure, and proper administration of elections is crucial to voters’ faith in election integrity. With a Presidential election approaching and high participation anticipated, having a well-run election has never been more important," Gately said.

Riley said the party’s candidates are focused on local government and community service.

"This November, Darien voters have a clear choice. Our candidates are not career politicians, they are parents, professionals, coaches, and volunteers who love this town and want to keep it strong. We encourage every Darien resident to learn about these candidates and to make their voice heard on November 3 by voting Row B," Riley added.