Incumbent Jim Zeoli Receives Orange GOP Nod For First Selectman

ORANGE, CT — Jim Zeoli, the seven-term incumbent Republican First Selectman, was unanimously nominated by the Orange Republican Town Committee this week to seek re-election as the town's top elected official.

Zeoli is set to face off against Democratic challenger Jody Dietch, who also was nominated by her party this week, and he is making economic development in the town his top priority, particularly the Fieldstone Village.

“This project was rejected by the previous Democratic administration," Zeoli said during his acceptance speech Wednesday. "When I came into office I took it on and reconnected with the developer. After two years of effort, the project moved forward. Fieldstone is now one of our top taxpayers and a wonderful neighborhood. This was made possible by the efforts of many talented people in legal and on the Boards of Finance and Zoning.”

From Zeoli's nomination announcement:

Fieldstone Village is just one of many economic development successes that Jim Zeoli and his team have achieved. Sound management has enabled us to maintain our AAA bond rating and keep control of taxes, despite the many economic challenges facing our State.

“We have accomplished miles of road improvements, and many projects for our schools and other town buildings. Improvements continue, including soon-to-be completed renovations to High Plains Community Center. We have dotted every “i” and crossed every “t” to gain state funding for projects including the Derby Milford Road Bridge and for future developments.” said Jim Zeoli.

We are proud of our Republican Team, those dedicated and talented people who run Orange from
behind the scenes and on our boards and commissions. Working with the First Selectman, these are the people responsible for the efficient running of our town government.

We are fielding a strong group of experienced incumbents along with highly qualified new candidates:

Board of Selectman
Judy Wright Williams
John J. Carangelo
Ralph G. Okenquist

Board of Finance
Kevin Houlihan
James Leahy

Planning and Zoning
Judy Smith
Ralph Aschettino

Tax Collector
Sandra D. Pierson

Orange Board of Education
William Kraut
Ken Ziman
Kenneth M. Vitelli

Amity Board of Education
John C. Belfonti
Christopher Browe
Shannan Carlson
George Howard

Constables
Jody Daymon
Jeff Vargo
Glen Papelo
Mike Donadeo