The Milford-Orange Times is continuing its election-year tradition of asking the candidates to respond to questions about what they would do for the residents of Orange if voters elect them on Nov. 2. This year we asked the Orange first selectman candidates the following question:
What is your vision for the future of Orange, and what specific steps will you take to make that vision a reality?
Jim Zeoli (R) – Incumbent
Jim Zeoli
The vision of Orange is one that I have been fulfilling for the last 16 years. The town of Orange has seen unparalleled economic development under my administration. When I took office the Marsh Hill corridor was almost bare of development. I was able to gain the United Illuminating headquarters and operations center, Aurora Products, Veterans Administration outpatient services, Hilton Suites, Bigelow Tea, Eastern Tech and FedEx distribution. These are just some of the companies that have chosen Orange during my tenure. Economic development has been one of my priorities since I took office as first selectman and will continue to be.
The education provided by Orange continues to excel and expand to meet the needs of our students to prepare them for life. This is one of the town’s strongest features that appeals to many and why Orange is chosen as the spot on the map to call home. The Orange elementary schools prepare our students to move on to the Amity system that has been highly rated and offers students many directions with arts and science to athletics and mechanics. There are expanded college-level programs and accessibility to outplacement programs of special interest to some.
The success of our town is reflected in the comfort and success of our families. The cost of education for the town of Orange is 67 percent of the total town budget, so while we recognize education is not cheap, I think each of us understands the value our students are receiving.
I have worked diligently to maintain a reasonable quality of life in Orange while also working to maintain the character of the town we value. While some value the open spaces of the town more than others, the residents have proven time and time again through referendum votes that it is an important part of the fabric of our community. The amount of open space in town has doubled under my administration and will continue to advance when opportunity knocks.
The fiscal health that Orange maintains is the reason we are able to maintain and improve the infrastructure of the town, which has been and continues to be a number one priority. When Peck Place had frozen pipes, the town was able to step up immediately to solve the problem and fund the rebuild. The town is able to do $1.7 million in road repairs this year without bonding money, and I plan on following the same process next year. This policy was taught to me by a great mentor, Anthony Nastri, who left my side far too soon, but taught me much about municipal finance.
The town of Orange has always been a very diverse community with so many talented individuals offering help. Volunteers came up with the plan to create the Old Tavern recreation area and it has been pushed by other volunteers over the years. Fred P. Wolfe Park started as a vision that a committee of volunteers put forth and is continuing to expand as I pen this essay. The new playground will be a welcome addition to the park for families to enjoy, being brought to you by another group of volunteers. This has been in my vision for the future.
The newly built tennis/pickleball courts at High Plains was a vision that took three years but came out great! The town is offering so many programs to you, be it swimming for our littlest swimmers, book clubs, lunch or bocce and much more as the future becomes today.
There seem to be differences between myself and my opponent that can only be solved with time. I served on the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, contract school bus service to the Orange elementary and Amity school systems. I have volunteered since its start and been a co-chair of the Orange Country Fair. I was an elected member of the Board of Selectmen for six years prior to becoming first selectman.
I served on the State of Connecticut’s Department of Agriculture Farmland Preservation Advisory Board for nine years, and seven as its chair. I served on the legislative panel to look at requirements of expanding police education and training requirements.
I am an active member of the South-Central Council of Governments, which is 15 communities. I have filled several positions on the board, ultimately chairman and currently as secretary. This is a group that all listen to each other and work to solve common problems and listen to new innovations for our communities.
I have guided the town through several bond reviews both with Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s. The town was able to receive and maintain a AAA bond rating for more than 10 years now. This is based on the financial structure, operations and solvency of the town.
My opponent has no background in these areas and acknowledged that in debate two when questioned that he has no municipal experience.
I have been part of and participated in multiple boards and commissions in town before becoming first selectman.
My opponent has not.
I have worked and struggled with my own business in the town of Orange for almost 40 years.
My opponent hangs his hat on his grandfather and other family members who have run family businesses in town for 50 years. That’s great, but those are not his business.
I ask you, if you moved to Orange recently, why? The team that I stand by has made Orange the place you have decided to call home. Those of you who have known me and my family for years or at least through my years as first selectman, I hope you hold confidence in me and wish the town of Orange to continue with the vision I have proven to have, and we all enjoy Orange together!
Vote row B and support the Z’21 Team!