NewCanaanite.com will publish endorsement letters for this local election through Oct. 27. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com.
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Why do people choose to make their home in New Canaan—and why do they stay? The answers say much about how our town has been governed, and our confidence in its future: responsible, reasonable and respectful.
Our schools are a major reason families choose New Canaan. For years they’ve ranked among the best in Connecticut and the nation, thanks to creative leadership, strong teachers and an engaged Board of Education.
The Republican candidates for re-election—Hugo Alves, Phil Hogan and Julie Toal—understand what makes our schools thrive.
Hugo Alves, Board chair, brings financial skills and academic focus. Under his leadership, the district improved security, adjusted school start times, and introduced a successful phone-free policy at Saxe Middle School.
Phil Hogan is a father of four, active sports coach and advocate for students’ health and well-being, always seeking practical policies that unite rather than divide.
Julie Toal, an active community volunteer and co-founder of New Canaan Unplugged, focuses on students’ well-being and ensuring parents’ voices are heard.
Excellent schools exist within a well-run town. First Selectman Dionna Carlson has delivered measurable results: she secured an affordable housing moratorium through 2028 under CGS 8-30g, oversaw the final police headquarters renovation ahead of schedule and under budget, helped reopen the Playhouse with a $2 million state grant, and maintains open communication with residents through her News from Town Hall updates. Dionna exemplifies the responsive, fiscally responsible leadership New Canaan deserves.
Selectman Steve Karl brings decades of public service and community engagement. A local businessman and lifelong volunteer, he is known for consensus-building, pragmatism and kindness.
Our Republican Caucus-Endorsed Town Council candidates combine deep experience, fresh perspectives and civic commitment, with tested and trusted values:
Arvind Bajaj, a real estate finance professional, thrice-elected town Constable, and town Ethics Board secretary, balances financial prudence with community needs.
Scott Gress, a long-time local volunteer and business owner, has served on the Youth Commission, Board of Education and Parks & Recreation Commission.
Pavla Levin, who grew up under Soviet rule, is secretary of the Utilities Commission, and brings valuable financial and technical expertise, along with a passion for environmental protection and public safety.
Penny Young, the Town Council’s institutional memory, helped develop Lapham Community Center, and supports programs for seniors and cultural enrichment.
People stay in New Canaan because it’s welcoming, well-run and full of heart. Our caucus-endorsed Republican candidates embody those qualities. They value local control, responsible spending, innovation, balance and listening to all residents.
Please entrust your votes to these exceptional candidates to ensure New Canaan’s future remains bright—rooted in the same values that drew us here in the first place.
Sincerely,
John J. Kriz
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I don’t often write public endorsements for local elections — but this year I’m making an exception, because New Canaan is fortunate to have someone like Erica Schwedel seeking reelection to our Board of Education.
We have served together on the Board of the New Canaan Community Foundation. I’ve been privileged to watch Erica’s leadership and commitment to our community for several years. She is exactly the kind of thoughtful, hardworking person we need guiding our schools. She listens carefully, does her homework, and focuses on what’s best for students and families — not politics. Her approach to complex issues is practical and respectful, and she brings a rare combination of intelligence, empathy, and conscientious follow-through.
Her record of service speaks for itself. Whether undertaking personal development initiatives, building a grantmaking partnership between the Newcomers Club and the Foundation, leading a grant review team focused on early childhood education, or doing an especially good job leading the important Governance Committee, Erica has consistently shown up — prepared, collaborative, and focused on results. She’s the kind of board member who makes everyone around her better.
I’m proud to support her reelection to the New Canaan Board of Education and hope others will join me in voting for Erica Schwedel — a proven, trusted advocate for our schools and our town.
Jeffrey Williams