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Ben Gettinger Announces Candidacy for the 119th House Seat
Milford, Connecticut - Benjamin D. Gettinger of Milford announced Monday his intention to seek the Democratic nomination to run for the 119th House seat, which includes parts of Milford and Orange.
“I’ve watched the incumbent over these past two years and, respectfully, believe many of her votes are out of touch with the people of our district,” Gettinger said in a press release. “I decided I can’t watch anymore, I need to step up. The citizens of Milford and Orange deserve a representative who can, and will, provide a moderated voice on issues that are important to us. I don’t see myself as being on the right or the left — I’m in the middle, like most of the people of the 119th”
“I don’t want to decimate state government but at the same time I don’t want it to be too big or overreaching either. I agree with Lincoln, who once said, ‘The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people only what they cannot do better themselves, and no more.”
Gettinger, who was recently named one of the state’s rising stars as one of, “40 Under 40” by Connecticut Magazine is a local attorney and former chairman of Milford’s Planning and Zoning Board.
“My experience – both in law and as chair of the Planning and Zoning Board, has provided me a unique perspective on how state laws directly affect our cities and our communities,” Gettinger said. “As former chair of Planning and Zoning I was forced to grapple with 830-g applications which deny our community the right to make its own decisions and establish its own character.”
Mayor Blake voiced his support for Gettinger.
“Ben is one of the most talented, qualified and prepared candidates we’ve seen step up on the local political front in a long time and I know he will be an excellent advocate for our city,” Blake said in the press release announcing Gettinger’s candidacy. “We need Ben Gettinger speaking for us in Hartford.”
A resident of Milford, Gettinger earned his B.A. in economics at the University of Connecticut and his J.D. from Quinnipiac Law. Gettinger has been recognized as one of the top young lawyers in Connecticut.
Meet Your 5th District Candidates - Team Milford 2015
Milford Democratic Candidates for
the 5th District of Milford, Connecticut
Dora Kubek
Candidate for: 5th District, Board of Aldermen
Dora is a lifelong Milford resident seeking her second term as Alderman. She has assisted Fifth District residents with commercial encroachment and overdevelopment issues.
- Board of Aldermen, Liaison to the Board of Education, Council on Aging and the DHS
- SCSU, B.S. Education
- Milford 375th Anniversary Time Capsule Committee
- Milford Oyster Festival Volunteer
- Past Participant in Relay for Life
- Past Member Milford Fine Arts Council and Milford Land Trust
“I continue to support a balanced approach to the revitalization of downtown Milford and an expansion of Milford’s Senior Tax Relief program. We have a rich history to honor and an obligation to keep Milford a vibrant city for future generations.”
Bryan Anderson
Candidate for: 5th District, Board of Aldermen
Bryan brings experience and vision to his bid for a third term on the Board of Aldermen. A vocal and informed advocate, he has worked to provide solutions and increase communications with residents of the Fifth District on affordable housing, public safety, education, neighborhood preservation, and environmental protection issues.
- Graduate of UCONN and Fordham University
- Member, Milford Preservation Trust
- Member, Milford Historical Society
- Chair, Milford 375th Anniversary Souvenirs Committee
- Alumni, Milford Citizens Police Academy
- Chair, Aldermanic Public Works Committee
- Third grade teacher in Bronx, NY
“We need to keep Milford attractive and competitive, and that means to respect our unique environment, appreciate our seniors, work to achieve a quality education for our children, and maintain an affordable and stable tax base.”
Claire Casey
Candidate for: 5th District, Board of Education
Claire is a long time resident of Milford and enjoys serving the city of Milford in various roles. She is a teacher at St. James School and is involved with many outreach activities. Claire is eager to serve the residents of the 5th district for a full term.
- B.S. Psychology, Sacred Heart University
- M.A. Education, University of Bridgeport
- Teacher, St. James School, Stratford, 3rd, 5th and 6th grade students
- Volunteer, St. Agnes Vacation Bible School
- Commissioner, Milford Conservation Commission
- Worked at the Diocese of Bridgeport, 24 years
Claire and her husband of 27 years have lived in Milford since 1988 and they have two children.
Phil Zetye
Candidate for: 4th District, Board of Education
Phil teaches Advanced Placement Chemistry at Stratford High School and has a Master of Science in Education. He is a CT certified School Administrator and lives with his wife at 235 High Street. Phil can be reached at (203) 736-7279.
- Get rid of top-heavy management in schools and put money directly towards students and teachers in classrooms.
- Focus on recruiting and developing the best team of teachers in CT and giving them what they need to succeed.
- Connect students early with learning interests, goals, and opportunities for career development.
“I am committed to attending every BOE meeting and poring over every document available to me in order to make informed choices in the best interests of the youth, parents, and greater citizenry of Milford”
Charlie Montalbano
Candidate for: 5th District, Planning & Zoning
Charlie’s experience as a furniture designer has trained him to visualize a product or a building when it is still on paper. He believes it is a very important skill for a member of the Planning and Zoning Board. Charlie started volunteering at age 19 and has served his community ever since.
- Board of Directors, Bridges
- Former Mentor, “Bridges Across All Ages Program”
- Former Housing Coordinator, CT Special Olympics
- Studied Engineering and Design at City College of New York and Jiranek School of Design
- President, CT Jaycees (1989-1990)
Charles and his wife Janet have two grown children. They enjoy and cherish two grandchildren.
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Meet Your 4th District Candidates - Team Milford 2015
Milford Democratic Candidates for
the 4th District of Milford, Connecticut
Phil Vetro
Candidate for: 4th District, Board of Aldermen
Phil Vetro is Chairman of the Board of Aldermen and is seeking his 7th term on that Board. He is a Marine Corps Veteran who served two tours during the Vietnam War. Phil has owned and operated his own business, Vetro Construction LLC, since 1974.
- Chairman, Board of Aldermen
- Served eight years on the Planning & Zoning Board, and served as Chairman
- Board of Directors of the United Way of Milford, and serves on the Executive Board
- Captain, of the Point Beach Volunteer Fire Engine Co. #6 for 30 years
- Milford DTC Distinguished Service Award, 2011
- Italian-American of the Year Award, 2014, Milford Columbus Committee
Phil and his wife Peggi have lived in Milford for the last 44 years. They have two grown sons, Phil Jr and Thomas, and four grandchildren.
Susan Shaw
Candidate for: 4th District, Board of Aldermen
Susan Shaw and her family are long time Milford residents. She has served on the Planning and Zoning Board and currently serves on the Board of Aldermen. She works for UMCOR and the State’s Long Term Sandy Recovery Group.
- Mayor’s Long Term Sandy Relief Task Force
- Board of Directors, Milford Environmental Protection Initiative
- Past Chairwoman, Planning & Zoning Board
- Former President, Downtown Milford Business Association
Susan is married to Phil Givens, graphic artist and printer. They have a son, James, who is attending college and serves on the Milford Democratic Town Committee.
Earl Whiskeyman
Candidate for: 4th District, Board of Education
Earl Whiskeyman is seeking re-election to the Board of Education. Earl is a Vietnam Veteran and has been a resident of Woodmont in Milford since 1979. He believes that when making decisions about education, we need to remember “the student first.”
- Director of Information Technology, Naugatuck Public Schools (2004 - 2009)
- Former Instructor and Director, Graduate Program in Software Engineering Fairfield University
- Volunteer at Milford Hospital, Treasurer of the Milford Hospital Auxiliary
- Director, Board of Governors for Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES)
- Vietnam Veteran, active service, 1963 – 1965
Earl and his wife of 46 years, Rita, have five adult children, all of whom attended Milford Public Schools. Earl is also the grandfather of 10.
Jess Gregory
Candidate for: 4th District, Board of Education
Jess Gregory is an experienced educator that started her teaching career in the Milford Public Schools from which she graduated. She values the experience learners have in the classroom, both socially and academically.
- Published academic author
- Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, UB and SCSU
- Science Teacher, 1997 to 2009
- Ed.D. in Education Leadership – UB, 2007
- M.S. Environmental Education SCSU, 2003
- A.B. Classical Studies – Dartmouth College, 1995
Jess is married to Matthew Hunt, a Woodmont Volunteer Fireman and a graduate of Milford Public Schools.
“A successful child is a successful part of our community.”
Richard Lutz
Candidate for: 4th District, Planning & Zoning
Dr. Richard Lutz is a 40 year resident of Milford and is a professor at Quinnipiac University teaching both undergraduate and gradute students. He is seeking your support to represent the interests of the 4th District and the city of Milford on the Planning and Zoning Board.
- Former Burgess for the Borough of Woodmont
- Former member, Inlands Wetlands Commission
- Executive Board, Milford Preservation Trust
- Former Cub and Boy Scout Leader
- Former SCORE Business Consultant
- BS Psychology, Executive MBA, Doctorate in Management
- Editorial Reviewer, the Management Institute
Richard and his wife Katherine have three children and five grandchildren.
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Meet Your 3rd District Candidates - Team Milford 2015
Milford Democratic Candidates for
the 3rd District of Milford, Connecticut
Marty Hardiman
Candidate for: 3rd District, Board of Aldermen
Marty Hardiman has served the city of Milford for nearly 30 years in both elected and appointed positions. He is seeking his fith term on the Board of Aldermen.
- Alderman, Third District, eight years
- Board of Education, six years
- Constable, ten years
- Zoning Board of Appeals, five years
- Co-Founder, Milford Irish Heritage Society, Parade Grand Marshal 2010
- Member of the Permanent School Building Committee and Public Safety Committee
Marty, his wife Linda, and their family, enjoy many of the amenities of Milford, especially the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an event which Marty chairs annually. As a long-time public servant, Marty has continually acted in the best interests of his constituency, has been a valuable voice for the residents of the Third District, and has been an outstanding official for all of Milford.
Frank Smith
Candidate for: 3rd District, Board of Aldermen
A life-long resident of Milford’s Third District, Frank Smith has served the citizens of Milford in many capacities over the years. He currently serves on the Board of Aldermen and is Chairman of the Ordinance Committee. Frank is very active in regional arts and environmental organizations.
- Former Member, Council on Aging, Inland Wetlands Agency
- Has served on Devon Revitalization Committee, Walnut Beach, Wildmere Beach, and Laurel Beach Associations
- Chair, Aldermanic Ordinance Committee
Frank and his wife Diane have three grown children, Chris, Hilliary and Bret.
“I am committed to providing responsive local government for the people of Devon and West Shore.”
Bob Satti
Candidate for: 3rd District, Board of Education
Bob currently serves on the Board of Education in the 3rd District. He has an accomplished career in law and serves as the Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney. Bob enjoys leading and guiding students in school sports programs and volunteering his time in youth civic organizations.
- Majority Leader, Milford Board of Education
- Former Chairman, Milford Ethics Commission
- Notre Dame University, Suffolk Law School
- Milford Junior Baseball, Coach
- Member, Milford Wrestling Club
- Milford United Soccer Club Coach
- St Joseph HS Parent’s Assoc. (Co-President)
- Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout/Leader
Bob and his wife Anita have three grown children.
Sonia Bannon
Candidate for: 3rd District, Board of Education
Sonia is a resident of Milford and was an elementary school teacher at Orange Avenue School. She looks to bring her experience and work ethic as a teacher to the Board of Education in the 3rd District.
- 5th Grade Teacher, Orange Avenue School
- 4th Grade Teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Technology Integrationist in Escazu, Costa Rica for 2 years – PK-12th grade
- BA University of CT, MAT Sacred Heart University
- MS in Integrating Technology into the Classroom, Walden University
Sonia and her husband have one young boy.
Joan Rousseau
Candidate for: 3rd District, Planning & Zoning
Joan has worked in accounting and as an ETF advisor for the last 28 years. She is an active member of her community, participating and holding leadership positions in several different volunteer organizations. She hopes to represent the 3rd District on the Planning & Zoning Board.
- Current Constable
- Housatonic Community College, Accounting
- Member, Milford Elks Club
- Former President and Treasurer, Travis C. Kitchen VFW Post 7788 Ladies Auxiliary
- Opposed the dump at 990 Naugatuck
Joan and her husband Eric have two grown daughters, Jonel and Erica, both graduates of Milford Public Schools and one granddaughter.
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