14A Pilot, Redding, Conn. Nov.

3, 2011

2011 Redding Voters Guide

For first selectman

Ketcham is seeking seventh term

missions are fully in support of the master plan of development for this property, she said, which will greatly enhance our grand list and minimize the tax burden on our residential base. She looks forward to this transformation in 2012. We have also underscored the importance of appropriate commercial development with our commitment to our business district in Georgetown, Ms. Ketcham said. The Streetscape Enhancement Project in Georgetown on Main Street and Old Mill Road has made the area more attractive and pedestrian friendly, she said. The zoning office has also received inquiries by new businesses. That was the intended outcome and it is good news for us as well, Ms. Ketcham said. Another of her goals is to successfully execute and monitor the two construction projects in Georgetown. The town is responsible for overseeing two intersection improvements on Route 107, and for monitoring and disbursing the state money that went to the Georgetown Special Taxing District for the realignment of Portland Avenue and North Main Street. Both projects will require constant vigilance to ensure their success and completion. Ms. Ketchams third goal is to implement a property revaluation process that is understandable and transparent to residents. State law requires that Reddings next revaluation be complete and effective by October 2012, she said, adding it will be a statistical revaluation, not a full property intersection. I will work with the revaluation company to make sure the process is explained, she said, and that residents questions and concerns are addressed. Her fourth goal, said Ms. Ketcham, is to work closely with state legislators during the next session. We are very fortunate to have very responsive and hard-working representatives, and have learned from experience that we must be at the top of our game once the General Assembly goes into session. She explained that bills of significant impact on towns are raised with little fanfare or notice. Were required to act swiftly to protect the interest of our residents, Ms. Ketcham said. She intends to be an active and hopefully effective, advocate for Reddings interests in Hartford. During her tenure Ms. Ketcham said she has forged a unique partnership with The Nature Conservancy that resulted in the preservation of more than 350 acres of land at only 25% of the cost. She also cited the grant opportunities she successfully pursued, including money for bridge repairs, for athletic field improvements, a police station addition, the Georgetown Streetscape enhancements, and for intersection improvements in Georgetown, which have helped to keep the project alive and of interest to potential buyers, she said. Another item on her list was a grant to provide a handicapped van to transport our elderly and disabled citizen and money to offset the cost of the driver. During her tenure, Ms. Ketcham also instituted zerobased budgeting, resulting in leaner and leaner budgets. Under my administration, we have initiated and implemented many new policies and procedures to strengthen our operational and financial controls, she said, and added that regionalization of some services has taken place. Ms. Ketcham also pointed to major improvements to town roads and her appointed team of emergency management managers who have worked with her in preparation and response to times of crisis. My 12 years as first selectman have honed skills necessary to do the job: To negotiate, with unions, with attorneys, with other officials, and with citizens; to listen to all sides before rendering judgment; to take decisive action when it is warranted and not look back; to understand the roles of elected and appointed officials, legislators, and the public in this complex arrangement we call government. It should work for the people. That has always been my philosophy and goal. I think my track record demonstrates my commitment to the people of Redding, she said. On a state level, Ms. Ketcham was appointed by former Gov. Jodi Rell to the Responsible Growth Task Force due to the towns experience with the Georgetown redevelopment project. The town received the 2008 EPA National Smart Growth Achievement Award as a result of its work for this project. In the past, Ms. Ketcham was appointed to serve on the now DEEPs Landscape Stewardship Committee and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2009, she was selected to participate in the governors Advisory Panel on Land Conservation. She serves on the Council of Small Towns Board of Directors and is former chair of the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials. Ms. Ketcham graduated from Northwestern University cum laude with a bachelors degree. She has 17 years of business experience and 14 years of public service experience, including 16 years on the Board of Selectmen and eight on the Redding Board of Education, four as its chair. She received an Environmental Merit Award from the EPA in 2004. She has been a resident since 1980, and is married with two adult children.

by Susan Wolf pilot@thereddingpilot.com Natalie Ketcham, the Republican incumbent first selectman, is seeking her seventh term in office. Her reason for running again is the same she has cited during her tenure as first selectman. I love this town and love the opportunity to have a leadership role in what we all love about it. Our rural character and unique way of life is frequently under assault from outside forces, and I remain committed to work to protect what drew us all here in the first place. This is good for us as residents and good for our property values as we offer a community value very unique in Fairfield County. Our open space preservation efforts have been successful on many levels, giving us a rural charm. Many refer to us as a piece of Vermont in Fairfield County. Her goal if elected to her next term, said Ms. Ketcham, is to make living and staying in Redding as affordable as possible. She cited two important ways she would achieve this. First, said Ms. Ketcham, is that we must work to contain spending for municipal services. This is not an annual exercise, but a daily one as we work for consolidation and justification for all expenditures. The Board of Selectmen will continue this approach,

Natalie Ketcham which has resulted in an average one-half of one percent increase over he past two years. Ms. Ketcham is optimistic that the school board will deliver favorable budgets as well. The second aspect of achieving her goal, she said, is to expand the towns commercial tax base, which would have already been a reality if the economy had not stalled the redevelopment of the former Gilbert & Bennett wire mill site. A mixed use of residential, commercial and retail, is planned for this site. A potential buyer for the property, now owned by Georgetown Land Development Company, is now is the works. All town boards and com-

For first selectman

Nicholas Lepanto is another write-in candidate for the post of first selectman. He registered with the secretary of the state about two weeks ago. Although he is a registered Republican, Mr. Lepanto describes himself as an independent writein candidate. He told The Pilot last week that he had not planned to run for office this year until he read about the alleged corruption in the highway department. He is planning a low-key campaign. Because of the lateness of his entry into the first selectmans race, The Pilot asked Mr. Lepanto to provide a bio and statement. He is a Joel Barlow High School graduate and a fulltime student at the University of Connecticut, Stamford, where he is majoring in history. He is employed at the Redding Country Club on its waitstaff. He was an active participant in local Boy Scout Troop 15 and is an Eagle Scout. He also volunteers at

For first selectman

tion to the general public. I am a bit of a technophobe myself but when it comes to dissemination of information, there is tremendous value in the new forms of social media. I plan to push for easier access of town financial information. Pertinent information should be readily available and accessible through the Web site. As far as the budgetary process, I would like the town to be more fiscally conservative. In the current economic climate, its unreasonable to expect the taxpayer to shoulder a larger burden. Options should be found to trim costs without detriment to services already available. I would like to see town offices made available for the convenience of the town residents. This is not the place to pinch pennies. I would like to bring innovative fresh ideas and creativity to town government.

Lepanto is a write-in candidate

Vibbert is a write-in candidate

by Susan Wolf pilot@thereddingpilot.com Erika Magnussen Vibbert, an unaffiliated voter, is one of three write-in candidates for first selectman and the only one who has been openly campaigning for the post. Ms. Vibbert announced her candidacy in early October. She is running for office, she said, because looking at the past few years, like any relationship, it gets comfortable, and you let things go by the wayside unnoticed. She pointed to the pending investigation into the alleged misuse of town funds by the former highway superintendent, saying whether it is true or not, he was an employee of Redding. If there is speculation in one department, whos to say whats happening in another department. Where are the checks and balances? Ms. Vibbert asked. If I were first selectman, I would want to make sure Im going to all of the town departments and

Nicholas Lepanto St. Patricks Church. Lepanto: As an independent write in candidate for first selectman, I would like to bring honesty and transparency to town government. The institutions of our New England style of town government, with the town meeting as the major governing body, are sound. I think where we need change is in the availability of informa-

Erika Vibbert have my finger on the pulse of each department. Im not just going to sit in my office. I want people to come into me, but want to keep my finger on the pulse as well. I think of the first selectman as a CEO of a company who knows whats going on, is receptive to ideas and criticism from employees, town boards and commissions, and the public.

If elected, I want a police commission to be a check and balance for the police department, she said. Among her goals is to also see a relationship built between the police department and the towns three volunteer fire departments. Based on her own experience with two of the fire departments, Ms. Vibbert said she is a strong believer in these volunteer organizations. She is an emergency medical technician and belongs to both Redding Fire and EMS Co. #1 as an associate member and the West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, where she is an active member and was department secretary for two years. Bringing a new face, new ideas to the town, and completing the projects she agrees with are also on her agenda. A fter Tropical Storm Irene,
See Vibbert on page 16A

For Board of Selectmen

For Board of Selectmen

oped, said Mr. Takacs, it will not only make that property more valuable from a commercial standpoint, but it would also create commercial appeal to contiguous towns. The question for the town is how to manage this increased commercial development from the standpoint of traffic, for instance, and the commercial opportunities that would continue to expand in this zone. The key is maintaining the rural aspect of this town and to progress responsibly, he said. Also carried over from previous years is a proposed artificial turf field. The field has been proposed at the Community Center. The idea is to turn an existing natural grass field into an artificial turf field. While there is a grant and a
See Takacs on page 16A

by Susan Wolf pilot@thereddingpilot.com

Takacs seeks a fifth term

Pemberton seeks a second term

by Susan Wolf pilot@thereddingpilot.com Julia Pemberton, the Democratic incumbent selectman on the Board of Selectmen, is seeking a second term. Its been a wonderful experience moving from the Board of Education to the Board of Selectmen, she said. I know my experience on the Region 9 board served me well, having served as chair and the experience of managing a board and its operation. The fact the Region 9 board also serves as its own finance board gave her experience with a multi-million budget, Ms. Pemberton said. As a member of the Board of Selectmen, she said, her focus is not just on education but she can also bring her interest in good government to the town of Redding as a

Donald Takacs, the Republican incumbent selectman on the Board of Selectmen, is seeking a fifth term. He observed that many projects are ongoing and a two-year term is probably not long enough to make significant accomplishments. I want to be able to complete what I started, he said of his decision to run for another term. Mr. Takacs said he attends all Board of Selectmen meetings, including special meetings, as well as finance board meetings. He serves on the towns long-range financial planning committee. Still in the works, he said, is the Georgetown redevelopment project. The private project at the former Gilbert & Bennett wire mill would create a transit-oriented,

Donald Takacs pedestrian-friendly village of mixed uses, residential, commercial and retail. The project has been stalled by the economy in recent years, but a potential buyer is on the horizon. Once this project is devel-

Julia Pemberton whole. During her first term, Ms. Pemberton said there were certainly many things to learn, including the operations of the towns many departments. Im bringing my experi-

ence to bear in making sure the Board of Selectmen is bringing the highest level of service to townspeople, with public safety as a priority with the maintenance of infrastructure, both buildings and roads, she said. There remains the outstanding issue of whether the town should construct the artificial turf field at the Community Center, Ms. Pemberton said. The other thing that has been made a priority by a passionate group in town is deer management as a public health issue. These are the things Ive focused on and believe were making progress on, but not as quickly as many would like to see, she said. Its important when you make a decision on these issues that you have the
See Pemberton on page 16A

Nov. 3, 2011 Pilot, Redding, Conn. 15A

2011 Redding Voters Guide

Redding Board of Education

There are four candidates for the Redding Board of Education, and none are incumbents. While the ballot says to vote for any two, three will be elected. The Pilot asked the candidates to provide a brief bio and to answer three questions with an overall word count of 400 words. The bios and answers appear in the order in which they were received. Mike DAgostino is the Independent Party candidate. He has lived in Redding for 22 years and manages his own carpentry business. His wife is a public school teacher; his children attend local schools, where he previously served as the PTAs liaison to the board. He attends Redding and Region 9 school board meetings faithfully. He volunteered to work on the Facilities Planning Committee for RES and JRMS, which was responsible for numerous capital improvements at RES and JRMS. Frank Taylor is a Republican candidate. He is a partner in One Brain Marketing (brand marketing). He holds a bachelors degree in math/physics from Bowdoin College. He was a member of the Zoning Commission from 1978 to 2008, its chair from 1988 to 2088. He has been district clerk for the Georgetown Special Taxing District since 2010. He and his wife, Jean, have lived in Redding since 1977. He was a girls softball coach at the Redding Boys & Girls Club.

Four candidates vie for three seats

Mike DAgostino Kimberly Ajavananda is a Republican candidate. She is a stay-at-home parent. She was an engineer at Xerox Corp. for 10 years and has a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Buffalo and in mathematical statistics from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her community service includes Xerox science consultant and soccer coach/manager. She chaired and volunteered for the RES PTA. Melinda Irwin is a Democratic candidate. She received her bachelors degree from the College of William and Mary, her masters from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her doctorate from the University of South Carolina. She is currently a professor/scientist at Yale University, teaching and doing cancer research. She is a classroom volunteer at RES. Why should you be elect-

Frank Taylor ed to the school board? DAgostino: I believe I should be elected to the Redding Board of Education because I have consistently demonstrated my interest in and awareness of the goals of our schools, the concerns of our community, and the educational values of the Redding school district. In addition to regularly attending Redding Board of Education meetings, I have been the liaison between the RES and JRMS PTA and the board for several years and most recently served on the Redding Board of Education Facilities Planning Committee. The committee was formed to identify areas of extreme need in our aging school buildings, to prepare accurate cost estimations and ensure completion to the highest industry standards. The resulting capital improvements were completed on

Kimberly Ajavananda time, on or under budget, and have provided our children with a cleaner, healthier learning environment. The installation of new, more energy efficient windows in the 1957 wing at Redding Elementary School, along with the new Direct Digital Control System added to monitor and maintain indoor temperatures will result in a yearly energy savings of $60,000. Taylor: My focus on education is based on:

Melinda Irwin but they are not as strong and focused as they were in the late 70s and 80s when my girls attended them. The depth and strength of programs has not improved, but many of the program elements which helped them develop a strong foundation helping them succeed in college and life have been eliminated. Ajavananda: I am extremely passionate about education and have continued to demonstrate this since graduating from college. I was a volunteer for Xerox Science Consultants for several years. This school program united Xerox scientists and engineers with teachers under one common goal: to reinforce science concepts. I also volunteered for the Discover E program, which encouraged high school students to pursue careers in engineering and technology. While living in NYC, I was

Passion for educational excellence and providing each student with tools necessary for learning and development. Having two daughters who attended Redding schools, RES through JBHS, and achieved great educational success in college because of the foundation they received and the challenging teachers at JBHS. Being fiscally conservative more spending is not solely the answer to better education.

Redding has good schools,

my sons class parent and initiated the Daffodil Project at our school (a city-wide living memorial for the events of 9/11). Since moving to Redding, I have continued to volunteer in my childrens classrooms and other RES PTA events, such as co-chairing the RES Big Science event for four years. Other projects include coaching Odyssey of the Mind for the last three years. This gave me the opportunity to teach students to be creative problem solvers while developing teamwork. I have also been a soccer coach and manager. I believe extra curricular activities such as organized sports teach children values of teamwork, shared commitment, decision-making under pressure, time management, mental toughness, focus and leadership. Irwin: I would love the opportunity to serve on the school board. I have relevant experience, passion, and commitment. As a Yale professor, Ive taught and mentored many students over the years; Ive held leadership positions that have provided me with the skills and knowledge of how to work with others to move policies forward; and Ive worked with complex budgets that get cut, yet goals are met. I am passionate about public education, from the perspective of a mother of two boys that attend RES and from one who works in higher education. I love what Redding has to offer, especially to its youngest resiSee Education on page 16A

Town Clerk

Tax Collector

Town Treasurer

Grande is unopposed for her fifth term

Town Clerk Michele R. Grande, a Democrat, is unopposed and cross-endorsed by the Republicans for her fifth term in office. The candidate was asked to provide a bio and a statement, each no more than 50 words. Ms. Grande received her Connecticut town clerk certification in 2006 and the advanced certified municipal town clerk designation in 2011. She attended Southern Connecticut State University and earned a certificate of secretarial science-paralegal studies from New Haven Academy of Business. She worked in law firms handling real estate, probate and litigation, and was Redding probate court clerk until her election to town clerk in 2004. Grande: It has been my honor and privilege to serve

Michele Grande as Redding town clerk for the past eight years. I pledge to preserve the valuable history of our town, uphold the integrity of our elections and ensure the timely filing of agendas and minutes, while at the same time making records fully accessible to the public.

Republican Patricia J. Moisio will be elected to her 17th term as tax collector. She is running unopposed and is cross-endorsed by the Democrats. The candidate was asked to provide a bio and a statement, each no more than 50 words. She was first elected tax collector in 1979 and is a certified Connecticut municipal tax collector. A 45-year resident, she is a Redding Fire and EMS Co. #1 volunteer, serving as an ambulance driver and special events coordinator. She is an instructor for the Connecticut Tax Collectors Association and president of the Fairfield County Tax Collectors Association, and past president of two tax collector associations. Moisio: My objectives have always been and will continue to be to perform

Moisio will be elected to her 17th term

Patricia J. Moisio in a responsible and professional manner and instill public confidence while at the same time utilizing effective methods of tax collection. I believe all taxpayers should be treated equally and with fairness. My goal is to have a 100% collection rate.

Margaret Peg ODonnell, a Democrat, is running in an uncontested race for her sixth term as town treasurer. Candidates in uncontested races were asked to provide a bio and statement of no more than 50 words. Ms. ODonnell has been a CPA for more than 30 years. She graduated from Central Connecticut State University and from Pace University with a graduate degree. A Connecticut native, she moved to Redding with her family in 1993. She is active with the Mark Twain Library and New Pond Farm. ODonnell: My goals remain to safeguard the towns assets, streamline the management of the towns funds, and be available to

ODonnell will get her sixth term

Margaret Peg ODonnell taxpayers and other town officials when needed. I ask voters to recognize my past performances as treasurer and return me to office again.

Board of Finance

There are three candidates running for the Board of Finance, two for full seats and one to fill a vacancy for two years. None are opposed. The Pilot asked the candidates to provide a brief bio and a statement of 75 words. William J. Alvarez Jr., a Republican and board chairman, and Joseph P. Dolan, a Democrat, will be elected to new six-year terms. Kimberly Ann Yonkers, a Democrat, will be elected to fill the two-year vacancy on the board. Bill Alvarez has lived in Redding for 25 years. He has been in public service since 1995, first with the Board of Education for more than nine years. In 2005 he became a member of the Board of Finance, named chairman in 2007. He is a certified public accountant. Mr. Alvarez and

Three candidates vie for three open seats

better, financially. Joe Dolan has been a Redding resident since 2000 along with his wife, Karen, and three children, serving on the Board of Finance for the past six years. He is currently vice chairman. He also serves on the board of the Redding Boys & Girls Club, currently as its treasurer. Dolan: I am proud of the work done by the Board of Finance over the last few years to recover the general fund balance and improve the financial condition of the town, work recognized by the towns recent AAA bond rating. I look forward to continuing my service on the BoF with a goal of minimizing future tax increases while maintaining a high quality level in the delivery of town services and in our schools.

William Alvarez his wife, Elaine, have two grown children. Alvarez: When I became Board of Finance chairman in 2007, the town, as well as the economy, was experienc-

Joe Dolan ing financial difficulty. Under my leadership, I have built-up fund balances by over $5 million, instituted a number of policies and procedures, hired a new controller, obtained

Kimberly Yonkers a AAA bond rating (first in Reddings history) and sold a bond at one of the lowest rates in Connecticut. There is still more work to do. I would like to continue to make Redding

Kimberly Yonkers is a tenured professor at the Yale School of Medicine, where she teaches, sees patients and conducts research. She has served on the Board of Finance since 2010. She and her husband, Dr. Charles Landau, have three 13-year-olds. They have lived in Redding for 10 years. Yonkers: I am running for the Board of Finance. It was an honor to serve and be part of Reddings growing financial health. As a member of the board, I will continue to support our strong schools, open space and fiscally conservative policy positions. I would like to see the town become proactive and not just reactive with regard to future financial challenges. As a member of the board, I would work toward these goals.

16A Pilot, Redding, Conn. Nov. 3, 2011

Voters will be going to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to elect town officials. There are three contested races for first selectman, selectman and Redding Board of Education.

Town election

Region 9
There are two candidates Democrat Leon J. Karvelis Jr. and Republican Christopher Hocker running for the two seats on the Region 9 Board of Education, so both will be elected. This board oversees the operation of Joel Barlow High School for the towns of Redding and Easton. Each town elects its own members to the board. The Pilot asked the candidates to provide brief bios and a statement of no more than 50 words. Leon J. Karvelis Jr., a Democrat, has served on the board for two years and on its Financial Advisory Committee for three. He is an election moderator, former elected member of the Board of Assessment Appeals and former town treasurer candidate. He holds a bachelors degree from Brooklyn College, a masters of business administration from Pace University, a certificate in Strategic Thinking and Management from the Wharton School, and a certificate from the Public Finance Institute at the University of Michigan. He has 35 years of senior level experience in public finance and analysis. Karvelis: As a former

Gov. Dannel Malloys executive order to Monday, Nov. 7, at noon because of the severity of storm damage. Registrars of voters will be in their office until noon to process these later voter registrations.

There is no race; two will be elected

Hours

Polling hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Under state law, a voter must present at the Redding Community Center. identification at the polls. Acceptable identification is a drivers license or anything with a persons name on it and a picture, address Who may vote People who are registered voters. The or signature. People without identificalast day to register in person and still be tion may sign an affidavit declaring under eligible to vote has been extended by penalty of false statement who they are.

You need identification

Education
Continued from page 14A dents. I am committed to working with other board members while advocating for our children and the taxpayers of Redding. What is the single most important goal you believe the school district should have and accomplish? DAgostino: It is imperative our school district provide a well-rounded, competitive education for our children that includes both academic interests as well as lessons of character and civic responsibility and provides access to personalized learning and the latest technology. This is a complex goal that can only be achieved via a strong and sincere partnership between the board, administrators, teachers, parents, students, and members of the community. If we work together to this end, we will be providing our children with the tools they will need to be successful in an increasingly complicated world. Taylor: The single most important issue facing the Redding School District is providing a quality education for our children. Their education should help them learn how to learn not just memorizing facts for periodic tests. We should work towards a performancebased evaluation system for educators and administrators which recognizes those who deliver superior performance against established objectives. The administration needs to encourage teachers to develop educational plans that address the learning needs of our children and let the tests take care of themselves. We need to focus on using all 180 days of our schools calendar year for education and developing our childrens ability to succeed in an ever-increasingly competitive world. Ajavananda: The primary responsibility of the school district is to be able to differentiate the education to meet the needs of each individual student and to clearly communicate to the parents those expectations. The purpose of education is to support parents and the community by preparing our children for a satisfying and productive life where they are reaching

their fullest potential. Irwin: While the most important goal for the schools should be giving each child the skills to make the most of the rich offerings provided by Redding schools, obtaining that goal requires exceptional teachers! While volunteering in my sons classroom last year, I observed exceptional teaching, and the results of thoughtful lesson planning and execution throughout the year. This teacher had an immediate and positive impact on my son as well as the other students. A good teacher is able to use a variety of teaching styles so that each child grows academically. However, teachers also need resources that allow them to personalize the learning process. A better understanding of which factors lead to academic success for all our students will allow us to expand existing opportunities or offer new ones. With children learning via different mechanisms, including reading and math done online, writing that is automatically spell/grammar checked, and communication that occurs via texting, our teachers will be called upon to help us better understand the changing landscape of education and whether these changes improve/hasten reading comprehension, analytic/ reasoning skills, writing and public speaking. What are your priorities for the school budget? DAgostino: My priorities for the school budget will be to address the increasing challenge of maintaining an exemplary school district in the face of a still-challenging economic climate as well as declining enrollment in our schools. I look forward to collaborative and creative budget discussions about how to preserve those qualities that set education in Redding apart while remaining responsible and accountable to taxpayers. We are fortunate to live in a town that has traditionally supported the success of our schools, and no stone should be left unturned when it comes to thinking outside of the box in order to deliver the best educational product to our students and our community. Taylor: The school budget should: 1. Focus on innovative solutions and accountability

for results. 2. Recognize individuals who deliver excellence both educational and administrative staff. 3. Maintain quality of the physical plants. 4. Provide a planned capital budget for expansion and improvement based on priorities and available capital within a 5-10 year horizon. 5. Justify expenditures based on these objectives. Since setting the school budget is one of the most important tasks of the BOE, and teachers salaries and contract are a major portion of the budget, every member of the BOE must be able to discuss, negotiate and vote on all aspects of the budget. Ajavananda: In developing the school budget, my focus is not only to strive to increase student achievement, but also to control costs so that taxpayers get value for each educational dollar spent. Our goal is to drive toward innovative, creative solutions and optimize resources. We must maintain appropriate class sizes, ensure high quality professional development, and continue our commitment for challenging curriculum while ensuring we continue to educate the whole child. This encompasses character education, core curriculum, 21st Century skills and the arts. Music and arts allow children to see the world from different perspectives, learning using all of their senses, self-expression, creativity, and discipline. The board of education is entrusted with the responsibility to make solid decisions with regards to budget. Irwin: I am especially mindful of budgetary constraints that schools face. I run a research lab, and my research must be completed according to budget projections and even budget cuts. This allows me to feel comfortable working with various budgets in the context of excellent education for our children. We have to be fiscally responsible and examine how we can make efficient use of resources already available. In turn, we may be able to leverage upon initial investments already made to offer new educational opportunities or expand existing ones.

Leon Karvelis teacher who spent 35 years in the field of public finance I am singularly devoted to utilizing my skills and experience to provide Barlows young men and women an outstanding educational opportunity while making certain that Reddings taxpayers get the maximum value for their education dollars. Chris Hocker is a Republican incumbent on the board, where he has served since 2007. He is vice chair of Reddings Athletic Fields Committee, of which he has been a member since 2002. He has been on the board of athletes. Its a great family activity. No, I dont see this as field envy, but good public health policy. I also believe the field should be publicly funded, Ms. Pemberton said. That doesnt mean the fields committee should not actively seek donations for the field and to support its maintenance, she said, but public assets should be supported by public funds. To get the field built in a reasonable time, there has to be public funding, Ms. Pemberton said. Speaking about town budgets, Ms. Pemberton said the Board of Selectmen has passed responsible budgets over the last two years. These are budgets that maintain services and are cognizant of the economic realities many in town are facing, she said, adding many town departments have actually reduced their budgets. As for public safety, Ms. Pemberton said the town has done traffic calming where possible and now has a fulltime dispatcher supervisor at the police department. Most recently, she said, lights were installed at new crosswalks on Route 58, following an accident involving a high school student. The crosswalks and lights were done in a timely manner, Ms. Pemberton said. The town has also taken steps to ensure that it will be repaid money owed to it by the Water Pollution Control Commission, she said. The commission has borrowed money because of delinquencies owed by the Georgetown Special Taxing District. The town now has the appropriate leverage to secure the fund owed once the Georgetown redevelopment project takes off, Ms. Pemberton said. We need to do everything we can as a town to make timely fashion, and roadways are open to the public sooner. The surrounding towns schools were open more during the winter, she said. It could be an overtime issue, or not enough town employees or subcontractors that didnt keep up. Ms. Vibbert would love to be able to upgrade the Community Center with an appropriate generator so it could be used as an emergency shelter, but it would obviously be down the road. She wants the building to be a resource where people can get answers to questions, showers, etc. I would work with the finance board, the building and zoning departments and the fire marshals to upgrade the center to an emergency shelter and make sure current town buildings are up to todays building and fire codes, Ms. Vibbert said. The towns Park and Recreation Department needs to come up with less expensive after school and sports

Chris Hocker directors of the Redding Boys & Girls Club since 1999, serving as president from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Hocker is vice president of PowerBridge LLC, an electric power transmission company. He earned his bachelors degree from Stanford University. Hocker: It has been a very rewarding privilege to serve on the Region 9 board, and I look forward to applying this experience on behalf of the students and taxpayers for another four years. For the curious and insomniacs, more about me and my views is at www.chrishocker.com. sure the Georgetown project comes to fruition in accordance with its master plan, Ms. Pemberton said. It is a private project, but it is important to create an environment where developers can be successful, and at the same time protect the towns interest. The master plan is crucial to this. The biggest challenge at this point, said Ms. Pemberton, is maintaining services. People are very sour about government and taxes and are stretched to their limits, and we have to do everything we can to hold the line on taxes, said Ms. Pemberton. She acknowledged, however, that the town has contractual obligations and rising energy costs, but said it still tries to run a very lean operating budget. There are no excess personnel. No fat in the town of Redding budget, but every year we have to sharpen our pencils a little more. Ms. Pemberton called Redding a wonderful town, and the more I learn about government in other towns, the more I appreciate what we have in Redding. Despite our partisan differences, there is a real willingness to work together to solve problems that affect the town and its people to keep Redding a special place. I hope to continue to do that work. Julia Pemberton is a 22year resident of Redding. She attended Weston High School and graduated from Simmons College in Boston, Mass., with a degree in political science. Before election to the Board of Selectmen in 2009, she spent eight years as an elected member of the Region 9 Board of Education, including two years as chair. She and her husband Adam have three daughters, two in college and one a sophomore at Joel Barlow High School. programs, Ms. Vibbert said. Middle class residents and those families in town disrupted by the economy, she said, find it hard to afford them. I love learning and being challenged and I expect criticism and can learn from it, Ms. Vibbert said. If elected, my number one priority is bringing the towns voice back to town hall. A graduate of Western New England College with a bachelors degree in business administration, Ms. Vibbert has worked as an administrative assistant/customer service representative for the Stamford Chamber of Commerce and was an executive assistant at a hedge fund in Ridgefield. Most recently, she was an administrative assistant at a telecommunications firm. She is a stay-at-home parent. She and her husband have one-year-old twins. Ms. Vibbert reminded voters that to vote for her, they must fill in the bubble by write-in votes for first selectman and write her name next to it.

Pemberton
Continued from page 14A public with you and have them fully understand the issue, she said. Ms. Pemberton used for example the deer management issue. There has been talk about allowing rifle deer hunting at Topstone Park using night vision, she said. This would be a major departure from our current deer management program. When we make decisions that constitute a major shift in public policy, it is important to have the support of the majority of people in town. I am not endorsing or opposed to Topstone deer hunting. I am looking forward to a report from DEEP (state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection), but I do believe we are making progress in a direction I hope toward a plan of deer reductions and not maintaining the status quo. Now we are barely keeping the deer herd level. This and the field are hot button issues, said Ms. Pemberton. Some may say the turf field is a luxury, she said, but I dont believe it is a luxury in town. Many of the fields in town are closed when it is raining, she said, and sometimes children have to be bused, at taxpayer expense, to other towns for practices or play. Its not a question of envying what our neighbors have. I agree thats not a reason to have a turf field, but we need adequate facilities in town for our children to practice, play and be active on. We have an obesity explosion in our country and we should encourage as many people as we can to be active

Tackacs
Continued from page 14A private contribution toward the project, voters recently did not approve the town money that would have gotten the project off the ground. Mr. Takacs chairs the Redding Athletic Fields Committee, which developed the plans for the field. Weve been working on this for the last eight years Ive been in office, said Mr. Takacs, and it has not yet come to fruition. We were just expanding the size of the field, not adding lights, or a scoreboard, he said, adding the field proposal was approved by all town boards and commissions to proceed. We are going to proceed, but we need private funding because the voters didnt want to fund it at this level, Mr. Takacs said. We have to do a better job of attracting private funding, he said, and at this point, it is time to look at corporate sponsorships that include some kind of logo or promotion for a corpora-

tion. We were trying to avoid that. The committee will continue to work to bring the field to fruition, he said. My next term would be devoted to helping maintain the fiscal stability the town now has, to complete the Georgetown redevelopment project and to unify this development and the Streetscape project, he said. Mr. Takacs would also make sure the towns roads are maintained. A key component in the responsibilities of the Board of Selectmen, he said, is not only road maintenance but also how to finance them. The financing aspect is a matter of some debate, he said, pointing to one side that favors road reconstruction in the annual budget and the other, long-term financing. Its logical to me, if we have a long-term asset, to finance it over time, said Mr. Takacs, because it equitably distributes the burden over time and applies to taxpayers living here. If you pay in cash, all residents pay for a road lasting 30 years, and some might live here for only

three years. It is not equitable. The way the town operates is not the same as the federal governments method of operating, said Mr. Takacs. He pointed to Social Security, saying it has been used as a piggy bank, and that was never the intent. The federal government also spends money on things it cant afford, which can be paid back only through inflated currency, he said. We dont operate that way because the town has to balance expenditures with revenues. Mr. Takacs graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in communications and psychology. He earned his masters in education from the University of Bridgeport. He is president of the Connecticut branch of the International Association of Dyslexia. He has conducted a multisensory reading internship at the UConn, Stamford, psychology department. He formerly served as the towns emergency management director and chaired its Public Safety Commission. He has a grown son, Gregg.

Vibbert
Continued from page 14A Ms. Vibbert said, she would continue with the update of the towns emergency action plan, and continue working to get the Georgetown redevelopment project up and running. She would be forthcoming with information and progress, Ms. Vibbert said. I agree with the road reconstruction as it is now, she said. Its already been approved unless another road becomes more of a priority. She favors long-term financing for road reconstruction but road maintenance should continue to be budgeted annually. Ms. Vibbert would also look for more grant money for roads. She would continue zerobased budgeting. Speaking about last years severe winter, Ms. Vibbert said she would make sure the town has appropriate resources so schools can be open in a more

Nov. 3, 2011 Pilot, Redding, Conn. 17A

Zoning Commission
There are three candidates Democrat Benjamin Gordon and Republicans Gerald Casiello and G. Marshall Sanford running for three seats on the Zoning Commission, so all three will be elected. The Pilot asked the candidates to submit a brief bio, a photo and a statement not to exceed 50 words. The information provided is published in the order it was received. Benjamin Gordon has served on the commission since 1983. He taught English in New Jersey, Ghana, and, most recently, in New Canaan for 35 years. He earned a bachelors degree and a masters degree in English at the University of Massachusetts and New York University, where he also earned his doc-

All three candidates will get new terms

me to know Redding in ways most residents do not. I have approached my responsibilities seriously, and have had a lot of fun doing so. Gerald Casiello is the commissions chairman. He joined the commission as an alternate in 1980. He volunteers as a business counselor for the SBA as Redding representative to the Housatonic Valley Economic Development Commission. He retired from Graf Tech International in January 2000. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the American International College and has a bachelors degree in chemistry. He has been a Redding resident since 1977. Casiello: Although we have an approved master plan for GLDC, implementation of

Benjamin Gordon torate in American Studies. He is a founder of QE3. He and his wife, Suzanne, have two children who went through the Redding school system. They have lived in Redding since

G. Marshall Sanford 1975. Gordon: I have served on the zoning commission, first as an alternate and then as a full member, since 1983; that experience has allowed

that master plan will require detailed site plan/construction plan reviews of the buildings and streets on site. It can be expected that the long delays between the master plan approval and actual construction will have led to changes in the market for properties in Georgetown. It is important that Zoning Commission members know the history of the site and prior representations made by the applicants and their predecessors. G. Marshall Sanford is a member and past chairman of the Zoning Commission, on which he has served for 40 years. He is a retired high school teacher and holds a Sixth Year in social studies/ education. He is a part-time EMT with Redding EMS, and a member, past chief and vice

president of Redding Fire and EMS Co. #1. He is also a member and vice president of the Bethel Fire Department, and treasurer of the Redding Ridge Cemetery Association. He is past president of SPAAMFAA, a national antique fire engine society. Mr. Sanford is a lifelong resident. Sanford: While acknowledging new technology and changing lifestyles that affect the way people live and use their property, my goal is to maintain a balance in land use in Redding. This will allow for more dense and diverse use of land in Georgetown, for instance, while continuing appropriate development in Reddings other neighborhoods, i.e., Redding Ridge, West Redding Center, and Redding Center.

Zoning Board of Appeals

There are three candidates Republican Michael Thompson and Democrats Elizabeth Williams and Colleen Litof for three seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals, so all three will be elected. The Pilot asked the candidates to provide brief bios and a statement of no more than 50 words. Michael Thompson is the boards chairman, a position he has held since 2009. He joined the board in 2006. He is a litigation partner with Edwards Wildman Palmer (Stamford office). He holds a bachelors degree in English from Dartmouth College, a masters from St. Johns College and a law degree with honors from the University of Connecticut. He is on the Connecticut Judicial Selection

There is no opposition for candidates in race

Michael Thompson Commission, serving as chair 2008-11 and a board member of the Connecticut Lottery Corp. He is a coach for Relax Youth Lacrosse. Thompson: As chair of the

Elizabeth Williams Zoning Board of Appeals, my continuous goal is to apply Reddings zoning regulations in a manner by which individual property owners and the interests of our community

Colleen Litof as a whole receive equal and fair treatment. I hope you will support my re-election. Elizabeth Beth Williams has served on the board for 14 years. She attended Redding

schools K-12 and graduated from George Washington University with a degree in political science and a minor in English. After employment in Washington, D.C., and Madrid, Spain, she returned to Redding and has worked in real estate management, development, and corporate relocation. She has been on the ZBA for 14 years. Williams: I am running for ZBA because I have experience in land use issues, and enjoy doing my part to give back and help preserve the rural character of the Redding that I have known since childhood. The town has grown, but through conscientious oversight, we have and will continue to protect the bucolic nature of Redding. Colleen Litof is, in her professional life, a voice-over tal-

ent and medical writer. She also owns Georgetown Stable Outfitters, a local company that specializes in creating handcrafted barn interiors and furnishings for stables. Colleen and her husband, Peter, have lived in Redding for the past 15 years. Litof: In upholding the code of the ZBA, the board is always casting an eye toward the future, and we always consider precedent value in our decisions. Its one way to help ensure that the uniquely rural and bucolic character of Redding remains intact not just now, but in perpetuity. Its a privilege to be part of that process.

Planning Commission

Board of Assessment Appeals

Two unopposed for two seats

There are two candidates for two Planning Commission seats Republican Diane Taylor, the commissions chair, and Democrat Nancy King, a longtime member. Voters may vote for two candidates. The Pilot asked the candidates to provide brief bios and a statement of no more than 50 words. Diane Taylor was appointed to the commission in June 1978 and has served as chair since 1984. She is a travel agent and consultant and also a judge and breeder of Great Danes. She is a director of the Ox Ridge Kennel Club and the Connecticut Dog Federation, as well as other organizations. Taylor: I have lived in Redding since 1947 and endorse the ways this town has maintained its smalltown ambiance. The land use commissions play a key role. I am proud to serve as planning chairman. I hope to continue working on key issues, i.e., affordable housing and the increasing traffic on our scenic roads. Nancy King has served on

Nancy E. King the commission since 2004. She is an associate at Pouder Design Group, Landscape Architects and Environmental Planners, in Pawling, N.Y. She graduated summa cum laude in landscape architecture from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. Before her landscape design work, she was manager of merchandising planning at Federated Department Stores in New York City. She and her husband, Charles Moretz, moved to Redding in 1996. King: To insure the appropriate development for Redding, in balance with

Diane F. Taylor conservation, it is essential that we do not compromise our lands of special precaution for development. These lands include things like flood plains, aquifer recharge areas, wetlands and watercourses, and areas of ledge rock and bedrock outcroppings. These unique features and constraints are what make Redding a special place. This is important work and I am proud to represent Reddings best interests through my service on the Planning Commission.

There are two candidates Democrat Mary Lou Bourque Claremont and Republican Frederick V. Miller Jr. running to fill two, two-year vacancies on the Board of Assessment Appeals. While the voter may cast a vote for only one of them, both will be elected. Each candidate was asked to provide a bio and a statement of no more than 50 words. Mary Lou Bourque Claremont is a current member of the board, as well as an assistant registrar. She is with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and is also a registered nurse. She was a nurse practitioner and public health nurse visiting nurse. She moved to

Two candidates will be elected

Redding in 1974. She is a member of the Democratic Town Committee. Claremont: In 2010 I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Assessment Appeals. Since that date, I have enjoyed serving on the board. My expertise as a Realtor and my years of residency have given me insight and knowledge to serve effectively. Frederick V. Miller Jr. is the owner of Miller Appraisal and has been an appraiser since 1985. He is a General Real Estate Appraiser, a member of Mary Lou Bourque Claremont Independent Fee Appraisers, and past president of its local chapter. He is a gradu- dren. He has coached several ate of WestConn. He and his youth sports. wife have three grown chil-

Absentee ballots may be used by those who will be out of town during voting hours on Nov. 3, who are ill, or who meet certain other requirements. They are available in Town Clerk Michele Grandes office at town hall. Applications for absentee ballots may be picked up at the

Absentee ballots
town clerks office Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursday from 8:30 to 6. Applications may be mailed upon request, or may be downloaded from the towns Web site, www. townofreddingct.org. People may vote by absentee ballot in person up

to 5:30 on Monday, Nov. 7, in the town clerks office. There will be special absentee voting hours on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 to 11 in the town clerks office. For more information, call Town Clerk Michele Grande at 9382377.

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