James Zeoli, the incumbent Republican first selectman, is seeking his fifth term as the town’s leader.
The 54-year-old began his political career serving on the Board of Selectmen, which he did for eight years.
Among the accomplishments he cited over the past two years include the purchase of the Hubbell property and repairs to town infrastructures.{{more}}
“I was able to acquire one of the largest privately owned parcels of open space. It has been a desired parcel to purchase on the plan of conservation and development for a long time,” Zeoli said adding the purchase received overwhelming voter support in a town-wide referendum.
“While some may argue with the value of the parcel (Turkey Hill Preserve) I stand behind my commitment when certain parcels become available. This generation needs to take action to preserve open space to maintain the character, integrity and quality of life in our town. If this generation does not take these actions there will be nothing left for future generations,” he said.
Zeoli also listed repairs to town facilities as a recent accomplishment.
“I am proud of being able to continue repairs and maintenance to Orange town facilities as money has allowed without overburdening our taxpayers,” Zeoli said.
Repairs include a new entrance sidewalk and bus ramp and a freshly painted entryway at Peck Place School. At High Plains Community Center a new sidewalk leading to the pool entrance along with new sidewalks at Town Hall were completed.
Zeoli said repairs and painting are underway at the Stone Otis House in addition to numerous road and drainage repairs around town.
Relocating the University of New Haven to its new Hubbell Campus has also occurred.
“I am very proud to have been able to attract the University of New Haven to purchase the former Hubbell headquarters to keep the town whole on taxes generated at that site. When meeting with UNH officials I told them I did not want to lose tax revenue and they had to minimize any impact to the neighborhood,” Zeoli said.
The University of New Haven has relocated its graduate study center to the Orange location.
Like Yale, Zeoli said, the university makes up the difference not covered by the PILOT payment.
Edison Road is also seeing completion.
“After 62 years Edison Road has been in the books I am glad to have been able to develop the site,” Zeoli said.
Zeoli said the road will open up 65 plus acres of industrial land to development. Aurora Products owner Stephanie Blackwell has said the road development was one of the reasons she was attracted to the area.
United Illuminating officially opened its doors June, 2012.
“One of the biggest achievements since I have been in office. I worked a relationship and got that site developed to the benefit of the town. That is pretty hard to top,” Zeoli said.
Zeoli said he has also worked toward continuing improvements at Silverbrook Congregate Housing receiving a $3.3 million grant.
Zeoli also reflected on the past eight years he has been in office.
“Over the last eight years we have faced some amazing hardships with businesses, schools, friends and family. But I truly believe I was put in this position because of my broad shoulders. I have been able to carry it and sustain this community through some very difficult times. I’m not 100 percent convinced we’re through these difficult times yet,” he said.
If reelected Zeoli listed his top three priorities.
Zeoli is already hard at work recently starting the dialogue with state officials regarding getting the center turn lane installed from Racebrook Road to Milford on the Boston Post Road.
“It has been proven that the center turn lane works and helps alleviate traffic snarls. This has been on the books for more than 10 years. I had hoped with the assistance of our state senator and state representative we could have already moved on this,” he said.
Education is another priority for Zeoli.
“I will continue to have discussion with our superintendents in both the Orange and Amity school systems toward developing programs for our children to be prepared to confront the world,” he said.
Economic Development continues to also be important to Zeoli.
“While economic development is a priority in any community it is the hot topic every election around the region. I have proven not just to talk about it but to continue moving forward with it. This is evident by developing a good working relationship with realtors, property owners and property management companies. I have worked hard to bury memories of Oranges economic disasters that had developed prior to my administration,” he said.
Zeoli was also asked what he wanted voters to know about himself and his opponent.
“I would like to make sure that people understand that my commitment to Orange has developed over the past 54 years. I was born here and have lived my entire life. It has gotten stronger every day and my dedication to this entire community and its residents; no matter what their thoughts may be, will be listened to and considered. While I can’t agree all the time I do consider these opinions,” he said.
Zeoli’s involvement with Orange began in his early teens starting with the Orange Country Fair.
“I worked my way through the ranks and was a co-chairman of the fair for eight years. I was also involved with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years and I provided owner/operator bus service to children of Orange for 24 years. My dedication to this community is unparalleled,” he said.
About his opponent.
“I really don’t know him at all other than when he has appeared before the Board of Selectmen requesting fee waivers for the Lions Club or Orange Players. I understand he is an attorney but until he got involved in this campaign race I had no idea he even practiced in Orange or what kind of attorney he is,” he said.