Salem Republicans' slate includes several small business owners
Salem — The Republican caucus has endorsed a slate of municipal candidates for the Nov. 3 election, including several small business owners and those with managerial and executive experience.
The Republicans nominated 23 candidates in total. Ed Chmielewski, Republican Town Committee chairman, said they "are dedicated to fiscal responsibility and will work to preserve and enhance the best of Salem."
The slate of endorsed candidates include Republicans, one Democrat and several unaffiliated candidates, according to Chmielewski, a retired Connecticut National Guard officer whom the party chose as its first selectman candidate. He is a current selectman and longtime Board of Education member.
Dave Kennedy, a Board of Finance member and former scoutmaster for Salem Boy Scout Troop 123, was nominated for selectman. Kennedy has been a small business owner for many years.
Town Clerk Linda Flugrad was nominated for re-election. Town treasurer Pam Harvey, who is unaffiliated, and tax collector Cheryl Philopena, a Democrat, were also nominated for re-election.
Board of Finance incumbents Hernan Salas and Robert Sartori were nominated, along with business owner Deborah Cadwell. Also earning Board of Finance endorsements are Marshall Collins and Ken Thomas. Board of Education incumbent George Jackson is the nominee for a two-year seat.
Incumbent Dianne Woronik was endorsed to serve another term on the Board of Assessment Appeals. Local business owner Ron Bouchard and incumbent Eric Wenzel, who is unaffiliated, were selected to run for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Ken Bondi, Michael Flugrad and Emil Casciano were tapped as candidates for the Zoning Board of Appeals, while Caren Jackson and Robin Jensen were endorsed as Library Trustees.
j.bergman@theday.com
Twitter: @JuliaSBergman
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