NewCanaanite.com will publish endorsement letters for this local election through Oct. 27. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com.
***
Dear Editor,
As first selectman of New Canaan, I have had the privilege of working closely with many dedicated volunteers and community leaders. It is with confidence and enthusiasm that I endorse the Republican Caucus-endorsed candidates for Town Council: Arvind Bajaj, Scott Gress, Pavla Levin, and Penny Young.
New Canaan has long thrived under strong Republican leadership—leadership that has consistently prioritized fiscal discipline, thoughtful planning, and a deep respect for the character of our town. This tradition has helped us maintain world-class schools, protect property values, invest wisely in infrastructure, and preserve the quality of life that makes New Canaan truly exceptional.
The four candidates put forward by the Republican Caucus represent the best of that tradition. Each brings a wealth of experience and a sincere commitment to public service. Arvind Bajaj, Scott Gress, Pavla Levin, and Penny Young have already demonstrated their dedication through countless hours of volunteer service on local boards and commissions to ensure that town government remains responsive, efficient, and grounded in the needs of our residents.
Just as importantly, they are forward-thinking. They understand the challenges ahead— whether it’s responsible budgeting, preserving open space, or ensuring our infrastructure and services evolve to meet the needs of a growing and dynamic community.
I urge all residents who value steady leadership, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility to join me in supporting Arvind Bajaj, Scott Gress, Pavla Levin, and Penny Young for Town Council. Together, we can continue to ensure that New Canaan remains one of the most vibrant and well-governed towns in Connecticut.
Dionna Carlson
***
Dear Editor,
On July 22, 2025, during one of the most trying periods of our national democratic system, I had the honor of a lifetime to conduct a townwide Caucus of New Canaan Democrats at East Elementary School for this year’s local elections. Our party proudly endorsed: for Board of Selectmen, incumbent Amy Murphy Carroll; for the Board of Education, incumbent Erica Schwedel, Josh Kaye and Kate Brambilla; and for Town Council, incumbent Hilary Ormond, Lina Lee, Mike Rodgers and Heather Russell. These eight are the forward-thinking leaders we need for our town.
Many writers have already discussed their innumerable qualifications for local office. Our candidates represent the very best of New Canaan in all ages and stages of life: working professionals, a small business owner, ubiquitous volunteers, and parents of children currently in the New Canaan Public Schools. Our candidates believe in long-term financial planning so that our town can continue to appropriately support the things that have made it special for generations, including, but not limited to, our amazing school system that is the economic engine of the town and its property values.
Here’s the open secret about Democrats in New Canaan government: they already do a great deal of the work. Amy Murphy Carroll, who spent a decade on the volunteer Board of Finance before joining the Board of Selectmen, has continued her fully engaged approach as a careful steward of taxpayer money, and brings a vision to town government that never shies from asking the right questions. Board of Education member Erica Schwedel has spent the last four years deeply engaged in the core work of the Board — overseeing, partnering with, and supporting the school administration in fulfilling its mission. Town Council Vice-Chair Hilary Ormond has taken on a visibly outsized role in carrying out the responsibilities of the Council, including taking the lead with countless hours of discussions with colleagues followed by drafting by-laws and ordinances, such as a proposed seasonal ban on gas leaf blowers. Well after elections, the real work of town government never stops, and neither do Democrats.
Particularly with respect to the Board of Education, our party and our candidates believe that the school board is a fundamentally non-political endeavor. Our Republican colleagues would have you believe that the New Canaan Public Schools have been top ranked in the state and nation for decades because of the Republican Party’s evolving role over the schools. I beg to differ. Great schools thrive on the sustained commitment of all stakeholders — the Board, administration, teachers, and New Canaan families. To remain No. 1 for years to come, we need our elected officials to stay engaged, informed, and forward-thinking about what’s happening in our schools, while leaving the prevailing views of a political party at the door. Row A has been the only slate of candidates to demonstrate these values this election season.
Casting your vote for the Row A candidates isn’t about changing what makes New Canaan special — it’s about restoring balance and having your values represented. The New Canaan Republican Party has spent the last several weeks more preoccupied with its own grip on power and infighting with each other than providing any meaningful vision for New Canaan and working toward an even better quality of life.
Just as our country is the greatest in the history of the world, New Canaan is one of the greatest towns in America to live. And just like we should nationally, we must ask for more from New Canaan’s governing officials. I hope you will join me in adding balance to our Board of Education and Town Council by voting for Row A only by November 4th.
Tim Klimpl
Chair, New Canaan Democrats
***
To the Editor,
I am proud to support Julie Toal for the New Canaan Board of Education. We need voices on the Board who understand both the promise and the peril of technology—and Julie will provide this kind of leadership.
At Saxe Middle School, she championed a phone-free environment, helping students be more focused in class, more present with peers, and more connected with their teachers. As a founding member of New Canaan Unplugged, Julie has worked with families across town to help them navigate social media pressures—not just by criticism, but by offering practical support and guidance.
Julie also recognizes the urgent need to extend this conversation to our high school. She supports creating thoughtful policies around phones and social media at the high school level, so that technology serves our students but does not distract or otherwise negatively impact their development.
Furthermore, Julie has proven herself on issues of academic rigor, school safety, and responsible budgeting. She was a key proponent in bringing School Resource Officers to all New Canaan schools and continues to advocate for transparency in curriculum and fiscal decisions.
On November 4th, I urge New Canaan residents to vote for Julie Toal. Her commitment, experience, and vision make her the kind of board member who can help our schools and our children thrive.
Regards,
David Cannon
Parent of Current and Former New Canaan K-12 Students
***
I would like to endorse Kimberly Norton for re-election to the New Canaan Town Council. I have been a NC resident for over six years and have met many people, usually while walking my dog. Most of my neighbors are kind and very proud of our town.
I live near the library parking lot and recently our townhouse complex faced a difficult and possibly unsafe situation. A young man had taken up residency in his car right behind my garage. I contacted the police x3 and they said that he was on their radar but that there was nothing that they could do. The officers were attentive and respectful and showed frustration that their hands were essentially tied. They offered this young man social services several times and kept an eye on him, but nothing was resolved. I then reached out to several members of town government who reiterated that although this was unnerving it was not illegal and there were no town ordinances against sleeping in one’s vehicle overnight on public property.
When I contacted Kimberly she immediately got involved. Kimberly took the extra step of researching the ordinances when nobody else had thought of doing that. She found that it actually is illegal to live in one’s vehicle on public property in New Canaan. Within about 24 hours the situation was resolved. The man was offered services again through the Health & Human Services Department and he has not returned. This restored a sense of safety to those of us who live in close proximity to the parking lot.
It did not seem like much to ask of our small town to have this potential safety issue resolved, yet only Kimberly got it done. It was mind boggling and quite frustrating that for several weeks with many requests nothing had changed – and then almost immediately after she was on the case it was resolved.
That’s why I support Kimberly Norton for Town Council. She is resourceful, willing and capable of looking after our town.
Sincerely,
Sheri Starin
Which row to vote?
How about which person to vote for
Being here for 38 yrs I know a lot
Of people in government when I see
Them It never comes to mind their
Republican or Democratic Johnny or Jill
Title mean nothing
All the people running are wonderful
People
But some think different then you
Vote for the person who thinks the
Same on local issues not
Party issues
As I said a Regan Democratic who became
A Republican
As a free thinker I voted For Amy in the last
First Selectman race cause I knew from
Experience she was the better person by a mile to lead the Town
Did the same voted for Kevin for the same reason
Issues mean everything
Vote issues not parties
Here’s a problem was at town hall yesterday
They have marked out 75 ft and it ends
Right before the sidewalks at the parking lot
So there’s a group of 3 people involved with the election in the
Parking lot with cars coming and going
One person on a 4 ft sq next to the sidewalk
This is not a problem when voting at the
Schools plenty of space
But someone should address this before a
Electioneer get hit by a car
Thanks
Why can’t they be inside 75 ft from the casting of ballots— or put the ballot place upstairs
And the electioneers downstairs
Times for some common sense
In my analysis as a Peer Reviewed and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board inspected CPA and forensic auditor with 5 decades of experience I would find it troubling to cast my vote for a Legislative Branch Slate of Candidates hand picked and supported by our Town’s Executive Branch. The reason is simple!
The resultant would be a lack of Checks and balances of the Legislative Branch over the Executive Branch, over ride of internal controls by the Executive Branch ( influence over decisions affecting the community) and lack of segregation of duties. We New Canaanites need an independent Town Council to question and support Executive Branch decisions based on thorough review and analysis not based on repayment of favors and electoral support. Living in New Canaan for 30 years I have observed too many rubber stamp projects such as the Lakeview Avenue bridge fiasco, BOE excessive renting if space, excessive medical costs, appointments to boards and commissions based on friendships and not qualifications resulting in bad decisions and over spending which increase property taxes.
To insure proper discussion , decisions based and proper review and an end to rubber stamping of Executive Branch wants New Canaan’s needs a fighter for us the people. A person who cannot be manipulated by town hall or the political machine. A doer who will ask the right questions and perform proper analysis.
That person in my analysis and observation is Incumbent Kim Norton who is running for re-election to the Town Council. Kim is fair, balanced, not bigoted, not owned by the political town hall machine. Kim’s interest is in serving her constituents not the Political machine.
Join me in rejecting the Town Hall power grab by our Executive Branch and insure proper segregation of duties and internal controls over decision making.
Vote for Kim Norton incumbent for Town Council with a proven record of honesty, transparency and service to the community.
Dionna
As a lifelong Republican, I’ve always supported the caucus chosen slate without hesitation. But this election is different. I cannot, in good conscience, endorse a caucus process that so clearly attempted to sidestep transparency and fairness.
That’s why I’ll be voting for another Republican on Line B …..Kim Norton. Her candidacy reflects a commitment to transparency, fairness, and respect for the voters. I urge others to look beyond the “chosen” slate and vote with conscience.
Tim,
Thank you for expressing your concern that New Canaan Republicans are preoccupied with power rather than purpose. We see things differently. Our focus has always been on responsible governance, oversight, and service to the community — the same principles that have guided New Canaan’s success for more than a century.
For generations, Republican leadership has provided steady, principled oversight that keeps New Canaan fiscally sound, well-managed, and forward-looking. Oversight isn’t obstruction — it’s accountability. It ensures that decisions about spending, schools, and town priorities are made transparently, prudently, and with respect for taxpayers. That vigilance is what has kept our schools strong, our finances stable, and our town government responsive.
Republicans also believe deeply in parental partnership and engagement in education. The excellence of New Canaan’s schools has always been built on collaboration among parents, educators, and the community. Parental rights are not a partisan issue — they are central to ensuring our schools remain transparent, balanced, and focused on the success of every child.
As for your claims about a “grip on power” or “infighting,” Republicans are presenting a slate of talented and experienced individuals — many of whom are incumbents or have previously served on town boards and commissions, and all have a vast experience volunteering in our community. These candidates don’t need a learning curve; they are ready to serve from day one. Experience is not control — it’s capability. In a complex town government like ours, continuity and trusted relationships matter. Institutional knowledge and collaboration across departments ensure that New Canaan remains efficient, responsive, and financially strong.
As we approach this election, Republicans in New Canaan are united by shared principles — fiscal discipline, transparency, strong schools, and respect for all voices and we remain focused where it matters most — on good governance, oversight, fiscal prudence, and educational excellence. That’s what New Canaan Republicans stand for and what we will continue to deliver.
We hope Republicans, Democrats, and Unaffiliated residents alike can move forward together — not as factions, but as neighbors — with accountability, respect, and a shared commitment to New Canaan’s future. Let’s ensure our discussions center on ideas, proposals, and constructive criticism so we all stay focused on what truly matters: good governance, accountability, and preserving what makes New Canaan exceptional.
Sincerely,
Melany Hearne
Chairman, Republican Town Committee
Sorry Melanie but your rhetoric is misleading. The New Canaan Republican Town Committee allowed itself to be taken over by a shadow Republican Committee that I know made formed a Slate that the RTC did not back nor condone. The Slate candidates were specifically chosen by the R Selectman and immorally shut out, besmirched and smeared false innuendo against a CT Secretary of State confirmed and Certified Republican Town Council Candidate Kim Norton. Kim Norton was also confirmed and certified by our own Town Clerk. The Slate prevented the NC RTC from supporting Kim Norton and in fact falsely claimed she broke the law. This type of Washington DC backroom behavior can only be defined as a Power Grab. I also disagree that three Slate candidates are experienced in the proceedings of the Legislative branch – town council. I also have a major problem with false experience claims made by certain Slate candidates. As a former NC RTC Treasurer, Committee Member and major supporter in both time and financially for over 15 years I find the current actions against a Certified Candidate who questions BOS wants and is not a rubber stamp appalling and nothing more than a power grab dictated by town hall. Is town hall and the Slate afraid of a fair election when all New Canaanites can vote, not just 311 electors in a controlled caucus which caucus had many questionable events inclusive of last minute rules changes favoring a slate candidate and a insider moderator telling voters listening to candidate speeches to vote 1,2,3,4 not 5. Of course the Slate candidates were 1,2,3,4 on the ballot and Kim Norton Candidate 5 on the ballot. A textbook example of a political power grab to suppress checks and balances at the expense of my fellow New Canaanites.
Melany,
With all due respect, your recent letter carries a tone of unwarranted self-assurance, and I say that as a lifelong Republican who values both tradition and transparency.
You speak of oversight as a guiding principle. Yet many of us are still asking: where was the oversight during the 2025 Republican caucus? Where was the accountability to ensure that any Republican who wished to run for office had a fair and open path to do so? Where was the vigilance to guarantee that caucus votes reflected genuine choice rather than the rubber-stamp outcome we witnessed?
As Chair of the Republican Town Committee, I believe it was your responsibility to uphold the integrity of that process. Oversight is not just a word to invoke in campaign literature. It is a duty to be exercised.
Thank you for sharing your perspective Roy. The statements you’ve made are not accurate. The New Canaan Republican Town Committee’s focus remains on RESPECTFULLY serving the community with integrity, oversight, and accountability — not on engaging in misinformation.
The RTC was able to endorse 5 Republican candidates pre-caucus back in July. It was stated that “the rules”, governed by the Town Charter, allowing up to 6 candidates to be endorsed, were misunderstood – after the fact in hindsight when it was questioned as possible a “mistake” to not endorse 5 candidates. Given the caucus took place ONLY because of the Town Council contested race (the BOE race was uncontested when Dave Cannon dropped out) it would have saved all of us a lot of time and energy if 5 candidates were endorsed especially given it’s highly unusual for a party to turn their back on an incumbent with a stellar record. It’s also highly unusual for a slate to be recruited and endorsed by a First Selectman (see the recent endorsement for the Republican slate from the First Selectman). It’s disingenous to comment that other’s observations and experiences are “inaccurate” and it’s also patronizing. We all deserve a modicum of respect and I would expect that respect to be shown to an engaged and highly intelligent member of our community even if their experience differs from yours. Alleging someone is engaging in misinformation is only an opinion and discredits the commenter unnecessarily. Clearly, some serious strategic mistakes were made by the RTC and you are it’s chairman so perhaps taking responsibility for that would be a good start to figuring how to reset and move forward.
Kim –
This is an interesting attempt at revisionist history. You know exactly what actually happened in the run up to the caucus but, for the benefit of others, I will briefly recap:
The Republican Town Committee (RTC) is required by law to issue a Public Notice calling for candidates ahead of the caucus. The Public Notice specified that there were 4 slots for endorsed candidates for Town Council. At this point the number of slots is fixed. This is in line with past precedent and something you had no issue with when you declared your candidacy.
By tradition, the RTC runs a very open and democratic caucus process which grants no favors to incumbents. Five candidates (including yourself) came forward and qualified for the caucus via petition. The number candidates for the caucus is not known until the petition process is completed.
Both you and Penny talked to the various other Town Council candidates about the possibility of forming a slate. Your discussions were not successful. The process is organic and neither encouraged nor discouraged by the RTC. In fact, as you know, the RTC was completely un-involved in these discussions.
The RTC chose to offer 4 slots for Town Council because that is the maximum number of Republicans that can be seated by law. The logic of not offering more Republican slots than can be seated in November is blindingly obvious to anyone reading the NewCanaanite over the last few months – the level of intro-party vitriol is unprecedented. It is also a bad look for everyone involved.
At the RTC’s candidate forum ahead of the caucus, all of the candidates, including you, were asked directly if you would support the caucus winners if you were not a caucus winner. At the time, you had all the information except one thing – the outcome of the caucus. You agreed to support your colleagues without hesitation.
To quote the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan – “You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”
Good luck to you and all of the candidates in November.
Chris Wilson
Chris: I must say as a creator of the TC Slate PAK your misleading facts are almost convincing I am sure the late Senator Patrick Moynihan was not speaking about a questionable controlled caucus in which you were instrumental in changing the rules for Penny Young’s benefit at the last moment without involving Kim Norton. That smoke filled backroom tactic would negate any agreement to honor the caucus results. In my analysis and opinion of the mis handling of the questionable caucus the caucus should be nullified. I am sure the State does not condone such questionable caucus practices.
In the interest of full disclosure your 4 slot comment is misleading. At the request of Penny Young the statue was changed to support 6 R candidates. We only have 5. So what is the Slate and your problem with correctly fairly treating all? Again what is the Slate and your fear of a fair and ethical overall election in November 4 based on qualifications and not winning a town hall backroom controlled 3 hour caucus in the heart of summer when the majority of Republicans could not vote? I am sure the late Senator would concur with the constitutional right of all to vote, not just 6 % of
Registered R’s.
Kim Norton is honest and has integrity. Just look at her service record in the Town Council. Kim is not rewriting History. It is you who is manipulating the facts.
Thank you
Melanie: My statements made are 100% accurate and supported by provable evidentiary matter. Please enlighten me with your proof of my inaccuracies. As far as the claim of integrity, oversight and accountability these are unsupported verbiage. Based on the questionable antics at the caucus, immoral treatment of a fellow R Certified candidate by the RTC and TC Slate candidates I stand by my statements. The actions of the RTC allowing a Political PAK to overtake representation of the TC Slate and divert funding from the RTC to the Slate PAK undermine a fair and equitable election on Election Day where all New Canaanites can exercise their constitutional right to vote. In contrast to a questionable caucus where only 311 R electors voted. Why is the RtC , Slate political PAK and TC Slate candidates afraid of a fair election on November 4. Please enlighten me. Far from RESPECTFULLY serving the community especially with no integrity , oversight or accountability.
Thank you
Mr. Wilson cites “past precedent” as justification for how the Republican caucus was managed. As a longtime voter and close observer of our local caucus process, I’d like to offer a more complete view of that precedent.
The practice of the RTC endorsing a fixed number of candidates, specifically four for Town Council is not longstanding tradition. It began in 2023, when the RTC endorsed Maria Naughton, Eric Thuenem, Christina A. Ross, and Michael J. Mauro, leaving Keith Richey to run without organizational support. Prior to that, the RTC allowed the caucus to play out without “pre-selecting” winners.
Take 2017, for example, one of the most contested caucuses in recent memory. There was a competitive First Selectman race between Rob Mallozzi, Kevin Moynihan, and Cristina Ross, and six candidates vying for four Town Council slots: John Engel, Tom Butterworth, Rich Townsend, Penny Young, Mike Mauro, and Roy Abramowitz. The RTC did not intervene. Over 1,000 Republicans showed up to vote in mid summer, and the process was transparent, inclusive, and fair.
That’s the kind of process we need return to. One where voters decide who earns their endorsement, not a committee narrowing the field before the caucus even begins. To do otherwise is an insult to Republican voters.
Chris Wilson, Your continued patronizing, supercilious and gaslighting comments are becoming very tiresome. The RTC did discuss endorsing 5 candidates pre-caucus and it was decided against. According to my legal sources it would have been allowable. Perhaps you were part of the pressure to not endorse 5 candidates pre-caucus? And as I’ve stated in editorials I’ve written I offered to help the RTC and the other Republican candidates after I gained ballot access. They refused not to help me so technically I’m the only who kept my word. As you can see everyone has their point of view and to keep trying to control the optics in your favor just makes you seem less trustworthy, inauthentic, and disrespectful of any person willing to run for office, which I believe you have never done. Sitting in on executive sessions of the RTC as a non member and forming a Political Action Committee the next day is not exactly ethical in my opinion. When I reached out to you after the last article you wrote about me you said “I don’t want to have anything to do with you or your supporters.” Not neighborly, not New Canaan, not nice. You are adding to the vitriol not me.
Mr. Wilson doth protest too much, methinks. Behind the curtain he works the strings like a puppeteer, forming a PAC to fund the four candidate slate with tens of thousands of dollars. There’s an old saying in politics; “follow the money to determine the real motivation to influence events and outcomes” One wonders if this is all about greasing the wheels to rubber stamp a $350 million north school project which will saddle New Canaan with enormous debt and likely double property taxes over the next 10 years. Just my humble opinion.