By Jude Toohey
Orange Republican Town Committee
Jude Toohey
Local elections have a significant impact on each of us. Over the last few months we’ve listened to debates, reviewed candidates’ materials and engaged in discussions with both sides. Orange is a town where most people know one another, and even our newest neighbors embrace the strong sense of community that Orange offers. We are truly fortunate to call this town our home.
As we approach the November municipal election, residents are already casting ballots to choose who will lead Orange for the next two years. Orange Republicans are confident that our entire slate of candidates – from first selectman to constables – embodies the values that have long defined our community. These values and our exceptional leadership continue to draw families back to Orange to raise their children.
Our team is exceptionally qualified, comprising lifelong residents, seasoned incumbents with decades of service and fresh faces representing the next generation of leadership. Our Board of Selectmen candidates bring extensive experience in town government – including prior service on the boards of selectmen, zoning and education – as well as deep roots as local business owners.
Our Board of Finance candidates, Ajeet Jain and Joe Nuzzo, offer extensive backgrounds in corporate finance and education, along with multiple terms of proven service on the board. Our Board of Education candidates for both Orange and Amity include educators, community leaders and parents who understand the needs of our schools firsthand. We are also proud to endorse Don Farnen, the Common Sense Party candidate for the Amity Board of Education, whose thoughtful, nonpartisan approach to restoring excellence in education aligns perfectly with our mission of reason and responsibility in local government.
Our Town Plan and Zoning Commission candidates bring years of expertise in land use and development, balancing the preservation of open space with smart economic growth. Our constables have long served our community with distinction. Mary Shaw, our town clerk, and Tom Hurley, our tax collector, are dedicated public servants who consistently demonstrate integrity and accessibility in every interaction.
Finally, our first selectman, Jim Zeoli, remains the right person for the job – and the evidence speaks for itself. With over 50 years of public service, including 20 as first selectman, Zeoli has shaped Orange with steady, commonsense leadership rooted in his love for our town. From the earliest days of the Orange Country Fair to today, Zeoli has always led with reason, respect and results, and he will continue to do so in the future.
In Orange, we pride ourselves on rising above the partisan noise that consumes so many other towns. We are guided by practicality, unity and the belief that common sense should always come first. That’s what Orange Republicans stand for – and what we will continue to champion. Neighbors, friends and family, the cornerstone of Orange today and always.
Early voting began Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 4. Let’s keep Orange moving forward – together.
Jude Toohey is the vice chair of the Orange Republican Town Committee.