Selectman Ed Bailey to Run for Middlefield First Selectman

Jon Brayshaw seeks seat on board, Mary Ann Zieminski seeking re-election as Town Treasurer

Citing a record of achievement during his six years on the Board of Selectmen, Ed Bailey today launched his bid for election to the top job at Middlefield Town Hall.

“The past six years have allowed me to work with the citizens of the Middlefield and Rockfall community and make our town the best it can be,” Bailey said. “My experience on the Board of Selectmen has served the town well and I look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our town and its residents.”

Bailey has been a trusted leader in Middlefield for many years. Besides his half-dozen years as Selectman, he has served as Chairman of the Middlefield Water Pollution Control Authority, as a member of the Lake Beseck Environmental Committee and as the Chairman of the bipartisan Charter Revision Commission.

“My heart truly is here in town and I am very well prepared to take on the full-time duties as First Selectman,” Bailey said. “I have a passion for public service and serving as First Selectman will provide an opportunity to make a difference every day.”

Bailey has demonstrated leadership and reliability as he has reached out to residents, listened to their concerns and helped to resolve them.

As First Selectman, Ed Bailey has pledged to:

• Provide town services while minimizing tax impact
• Preserve and enhance the quality of life in Middlefield and Rockfall
• Maintain an open, helpful, efficient, nonpartisan continuation of good government.

“Our quality of life in Middlefield is second to none, with great schools and an enviable location. Middlefield has been around for nearly 150 years – my job will be to ensure its viability for many more,” Bailey said.

Current First Selectman Jon Brayshaw is stepping down and will run for a seat on the Board of Selectman as Ed Bailey’s teammate.

The Bailey-Brayshaw team has already proven its worth in the past six years:

• Successful sale and revitalization of the Powder Ridge Ski Area securing jobs, taxes and recreation
• Enhanced Emergency Management office and established Emergency Notification System
• Established Lake Beseck Environment Committee to improve the ecology and recreational value of Lake Beseck
• Secured and increased inventory of open space land
• Worked to lower mil rate (taxes) in the 2015 Town Budget
• Improvements to Peckham Park.

“Our residents and their input are the greatest assets of our town. We both look forward to two more years in office serving the people of Middlefield and Rockfall and building on the foundation we have established,” Bailey said.

First Selectman candidate Ed Bailey is a 29-year resident of Rockfall. He takes an active role in representing his Rockfall neighborhood and served as president of his community’s homeowners association for more than 18 years.

He is vice chairman of a non-profit environmental organization that provides assistance to small rural water and waste water systems in the State of Connecticut. A graduate of the New York State Maritime College, he had a 20 year career as a licensed Marine Engineer. Bailey served as a commissioned officer in the United States Naval Reserve, a union member, an engineering consultant and currently operates a property management business. He likes to spend his free time traveling, sailing, hiking and with family activities.

Selectman candidate Jon Brayshaw is a Middlefield native who is finishing his fifth term as First Selectman. He previously served on the Board of Selectman, Inland Wetlands Commission, Senior Tax Relief Advisory Committee and the Community Center Renovation Committee.

He is a licensed professional engineer and architect. He has been married for more than 50 years to his wife, Gwen, and has 4 children and 11 grandchildren.

Town Treasurer Mary Ann Zieminski is seeking her second term in office. She has built a career in the financial services industry, a background that has served her well as Town Treasurer.

As Treasurer, Mary Ann has provided valuable, on-site verification and overview of municipal financial operations. In addition, she has undertaken a complete reorganization of town financial records, according to state library standards.

Now retired from Aetna, Mary Ann has held multiple corporate positions as a database analyst in support of information systems - both in managed care and Medicare. Mary Ann is also a licensed property/casualty insurance agent. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Connecticut and a certificate from CPI in computer programming/systems analysis.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut Paralegal Litigation Certificate program, Mary Ann completed an internship at the Middlesex Superior Court Law Library.

A resident of Rockfall for 28 years, she is a longtime member of the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords. She and her husband, Charlie, are the proud parents of Lt. Sarah Zieminski, serving our country as a nurse in the U.S. Navy.