By Dominick Lombardi
Orange Republican Town Committee
Dominick Lombardi
I am grateful to the Milford-Orange Times for allowing me and my counterpart to share insights on the Orange political landscape. As the recently inducted Republican Town Committee chairman in Orange, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and congratulations from friends, family and political leaders at the local, state and national levels. A sincere congratulations to Jody Dietch on her return to the chairwomanship of the Democrat Party.
Contrary to popular belief, the two parties frequently communicate and cooperate. During my tenure as vice chairman of the Orange Republican Party, I worked closely with Democratic Party chairs Polly Demirjian and Joe Marulli. Despite differing views, our ability to collaborate improved our political process and Orange as a whole. I extend the same offer of mutual respect to Chairwoman Deitch.
For those unfamiliar with me, I’m a 21-year-old native of Orange. I have been privileged to grow up in this community and witness how Orange truly is a great place to live, work and raise a family. I am currently a junior at Fairfield University majoring in finance. I’ve received academic honors for all three years of my educational journey thus far. I am deeply inspired by figures like Reagan, Washington, Lincoln, Churchill and Thatcher.
While leading our party at 21 is unprecedented for this committee, young leaders have a storied history of achievement in America. To my fellow young Americans, I offer this message: throughout our history, youth has catalyzed extraordinary achievements. Thomas Edison revolutionized the world in his early 20s. Amelia Earhart broke records in her youth. The very architects of our nation like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and Nathan Hale were all in their early 20s when they laid America’s foundation. In their spirit, I bring a fresh perspective and boundless potential. Like them, we are prepared to tackle today’s challenges with innovation, courage and accountability.
The Orange Republican Party will focus this summer on new initiatives to prepare for the 2025 municipal elections. Under the leadership of First Selectman Jim Zeoli and his administration, Orange has thrived. His administration has overseen steady economic growth, ensuring that Orange remains a vibrant community for businesses and residents alike. The town showcases tier-one school systems, providing our children with top-notch education and a promising future. Thanks to conservative fiscal management, Orange has maintained its AAA bond rating, a testament to our financial stability and responsible governance. Additionally, Zeoli’s commitment to preserving open space has helped maintain Orange’s rural charm and honor its agricultural history, a hallmark of this community.
The Orange Republicans’ initiatives have ensured that our town remains a picturesque and inviting place to live. These achievements, coupled with our team’s dedication to serving the community, give us great confidence that voters will once again place their trust in the Zeoli administration come 2025.