Jim Zeoli. Contributed photo.
Orange First Selectman Jim Zeoli was once again unanimously nominated by Orange Republicans at their July 17 caucus as candidate for first selectman.
Zeoli is running for an eighth two-year term as the town’s chief executive. He will face Democratic Town Committee Chair Jody Dietch on the Nov. 5 ballot. Dietch received the nod July 16 from her party.
During his acceptance remarks, Zeoli spoke about one of the first projects he took on as first selectman, the Fieldstone Village.
“This project was rejected by the previous Democratic administration. When I came into office I took it on and reconnected with the developer,” he said. “After two years of effort, the project moved forward. Fieldstone is now one of our top taxpayers and a wonderful neighborhood. This was made possible by the efforts of many talented people in legal and on the Boards of Finance and Zoning.”
Zeoli also touted the sound fiscal management has enabled Orange to maintain its AAA bond rating and keep control of taxes, despite the many economic challenges facing the state.
“We have accomplished miles of road improvements, and many projects for our schools and other town buildings. Improvements continue, including soon-to-be completed renovations to High Plains Community Center. We have dotted every ‘i’ and crossed every ‘t’ to gain state funding for projects including the Derby Milford Road Bridge and for future developments,” he said.
The Republicans also selected their slate of candidates for other town offices:
Board of Selectman
Judy Wright Williams
John J. Carangelo
Ralph G. Okenquist
Board of Finance
Kevin Houlihan
James Leahy
Planning and Zoning
Judy Smith
Ralph Aschettino
Tax Collector
Sandra D. Pierson
Orange Board of Education
William Kraut
Ken Ziman
Kenneth M. Vitelli
Amity Board of Education
John C. Belfonti
Christopher Browe
Shannan Carlson
George Howard
Constables
Jody Daymon
Jeff Vargo
Glen Papelo
Mike Donadeo