Groton — The Republican Town Committee announced a slate of candidates Wednesday that includes political newcomers, a college student and incumbents to run in the upcoming municipal elections Nov. 3.

“I feel we as a party and town as a whole do our best work when we put forward the names of qualified and dedicated people willing to volunteer their time and effort for the (Representative Town Meeting), Board of Education and Town Council,” said Dean Antipas, town councilor and chairman of the committee.

Candidates were endorsed at a meeting Monday in the Town Hall Annex. 

Newcomer Diane Marley-Barber, a candidate for Town Council said, “I am concerned how Groton is becoming so expensive to live and worry that I, along with others, will not be able to afford to live here during retirement. I’ve always been involved in the town, mainly from the sidelines; however, I decided to make it my priority to directly participate in town government this time around.”

Veteran Town Councilor Harry Watson, who is seeking re-election, said the candidates offer a “team that reflects what is needed to effectively lead and understand our community’s needs moving forward.”

Candidates include Emily Maher, 21, a resident of Groton City and student at the University of Connecticut, where she is studying engineering and business information systems. Maher, who is running for the RTM, is also a military wife and mother of two young children.

“I want to work for great schools for all Groton’s children and efficient spending and allocation of resources,” she said in the news release. “Being much younger than most who step forward, I bring a fresh perspective to the RTM. I feel it is important the next generation get involved in helping shape Groton’s future.”

Town Councilor Bruce Flax, who is seeking re-election, said, “It can take three or four years on the council to completely understand the Town and BOE budget and all of its intricacies. With the slate of people the committee has endorsed, we can make sure money is spent wisely while ensuring our children receive the highest quality education."

The committee’s endorsed candidates are:

Town Council: Bonnie Nault, Bruce Flax, Dean Antipas, Deb Peruzzotti, Diane Marley-Barber, Greg Grim, Harry Watson, Karen Morton.

Board of Education: Gretchen Newsome, Jay Weitlauf, Katrina Fitzgerald, Gary Baker, Kevin Trejo.

RTM District 1: Joan Steinford, Karin Adams, Lori Watrous, Nancy Gilly.

RTM District 2: Emily Maher, Jackie Massett, Kevin Trejo.

RTM District 3: Archie Swindell, Irma Streeter, Jim Streeter.

RTM District 4: Deb Monteiro, Jonathan Wilson, Mathew Longino, Robert Bailey.

RTM District 5: Susan Deane-Shinbrot.

RTM District 6: Bonnie Nault, Bruce McDermott, Lee Vincent, Thomas Frickman.

RTM District 7: Diane Marley-Barber, Lynn Hubbard, Scott Newsome.

For more information, see www.GrotonRTC.com or Facebook.com/GrotonRepublicans.

d.straszheim@theday.com

Twitter: @DStraszheim