Board of Selectman- Melissa Bird, Jack Bourque, Linda Groppo, Candy Perez, and Steven Sedlack; Board of Education - Doug Pfenninger Nora Mocarski ; Town Clerk Sheila Sedlack; and Constables James Barber and Aubrey English. You can find their biographies under the tabs for each position.
Row A Democrats 2019-2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July, 18, 2019
Winsted Democrats Announce Continued Commitment to Keeping Winsted Growing; Endorse Municipal Slate
WINSTED, CT - The Winsted Democratic Town Committee today announced their continued commitment to keeping Winsted growing with the endorsement of their slate of municipal candidates.
The Town Committee endorsed Mayor A. Candy Perez, Selectmen Steven Sedlack, Jack Bourque, Melissa Bird and Linda Groppo all for re-election to the town Board of Selectmen.
“I am proud of everything the whole has Board accomplished these past 4 years,” said Mayor Perez. “Working collaboratively, we have prioritized Winsted by making necessary investments in our roads and schools, building a stable climate for businesses to open and succeed in town and we have added value to the Grand List all while not raising the tax mill rate. I know the whole Board will uphold our commitment to Winsted’s continued growth.”
During the past 4 years the Board of Selectmen has gotten the work done:
“Our collaborative approach the Board has taken moved our town in the right direction,” said Second Selectman Steven Sedlack. “I hear all the time from residents about how the climate in the town has greatly improved. I am excited to see the whole Board of Selectmen is committed to keeping our town growing.”
Individually, the members of the Board of Selectmen have invested hundreds of hours being involved in numerous town organizations and activities including: Main Street improvements, Highland Lake water quality and development, blight elimination, river cleanups, drug awareness programs, Laurel Festival revival and expansion and the Soldiers' Monument renovations.
“During the last four years we have demonstrated that we get things done. What we have accomplished with our bi-partisan agenda has resulted in a cultural and economic rejuvenation for our town. Re-electing the leadership on Row A ensures continuing this positive direction,” said Jack Bourque.
“Blighted buildings have held this Town back from being a thriving community. With the commitment and proactive approach of our Town Manager and the whole Board, our neighborhoods and business areas are being restored and revitalized. We are proud to see property values increase, home sales on the rise, economic development on Main Street and new families moving into our Town.” said Linda Groppo
“What I love best about serving on the Board of Selectmen is both witnessing and participating in what makes our town so special. Winsted in its entirety is a celebration of a close knit community. We can all be proud to live in a town where our civic groups, municipal government, school systems, local businesses and community members come together time and time again to support each other.”said Melissa Bird
The Town Committee also announced the endorsement of Doug Pfenninger and Nora Mocarski for Board of Education, Aubrey English and James Barber for Constables and Sheila Sedlack for Town Clerk.
“ I look forward to continuing to work with the dynamic and dedicated members of the Winchester Board of Education. The work we have completed thus far as a Board has helped to gain the trust in the school system and consistent leadership is critical in continuing the initiatives already set in motion that have made Winchester Public Schools successful.” said Nora Mocarski
Doug Pfenninger said “Revised curriculum and improved professional development along with outstanding instructional leadership at the building and systems level, has led to dramatic improvements in our student performance. We look forward to more student growth in the future and to Winchester enhancing it reputation as a desirable place to live for young families.”
Aubrey English said “It has been an honor to serve as Constable the last two years. I want to use my office as a megaphone to our Public Safety and town’s progress and humbly ask for your vote for a second term.”
Long time Town Clerk Sheila Sedlack said “ I am privileged to work in a great community supporting a town that is moving in a positive direction. Being a part of this growth, serving my community, is such a pleasure and honor.” said Town Clerk Sedlack.
The Election is scheduled to be held November 5th. The slate of candidates will be featured along the Row A ballot line.
DEMOCRATS 2017-2019
The Winchester Democratic Candidates believe Winsted has made progress towards a better future. As has been demonstrated over the past two years, this is a community effort. All segments of our community have come together to build a strong foundation on which to move forward. From our establishment of a no tax increase budget in 2017 to a strong healthy fund balance, development of stronger government policies, to small working groups of volunteers, to individual community members, all have contributed to a stronger town government. Investors and businesses have come forward to develop two more old mills buildings, new restaurants, and robotics.
Let’s Keep Going …
During the last 2 years and Over the Next Two Years
- Directed the Town Manager to begin enforcing blight – 57 properties to date
- Collaborated with the Town Manger to drive business friendly customer service to build development in the old mill building, robotics in the industrial park, three restaurants on Main St., sale of industrial park lot.
- Worked with the Republicans on the BOS including them on every committee in an equal partnership for the best interest of the community
- No Drama, Just Results - Oversaw professional meetings with “no fighting”
- Established a collaborative working relationship with the State Receiver and then with the Superintendent after the transition
- Supported staff’s work on updating liabilities and assets statements
- Worked with the Town Manager on establishing budgets that saw the town’s “rainy day” fund balance grow to put us in position for a bond rating
- The State of Connecticut released the Town of Winchester from state oversight January 2019
- Partnered with CTVist.com to promote Winsted tourism events
- Work with the LHCGO to contact legislators in Hartford to bring issues forward
Help us to continue in these positive directions and keep the community on a steady course. Participate on a board or commission or simply volunteer!
#Believing in Winsted
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July, 18, 2019
Winsted Democrats Announce Continued Commitment to Keeping Winsted Growing; Endorse Municipal Slate
WINSTED, CT - The Winsted Democratic Town Committee today announced their continued commitment to keeping Winsted growing with the endorsement of their slate of municipal candidates.
The Town Committee endorsed Mayor A. Candy Perez, Selectmen Steven Sedlack, Jack Bourque, Melissa Bird and Linda Groppo all for re-election to the town Board of Selectmen.
“I am proud of everything the whole has Board accomplished these past 4 years,” said Mayor Perez. “Working collaboratively, we have prioritized Winsted by making necessary investments in our roads and schools, building a stable climate for businesses to open and succeed in town and we have added value to the Grand List all while not raising the tax mill rate. I know the whole Board will uphold our commitment to Winsted’s continued growth.”
During the past 4 years the Board of Selectmen has gotten the work done:
- Maintained the same property tax rate three years in a row.
- Supported the town’s chief administrator – the town manager we appointed in 2015 – as he continues to lead our town as a model of revival throughout Northwestern Connecticut.
- Added value to the Grand List as new and renovated homes become visible and blighted properties are removed.
- Invested close to $6 million in local road improvements and repairs.
- Actively encouraged investors to seek out opportunities within town for commercial and industrial development.
- Modeled a cooperation with the Board of Education that has resulted in a $17 million renovation and expansion of the pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3 school that will not require extra tax dollars.
- Have been able to recruit and appointed a diverse group of people to town boards and commissions
“Our collaborative approach the Board has taken moved our town in the right direction,” said Second Selectman Steven Sedlack. “I hear all the time from residents about how the climate in the town has greatly improved. I am excited to see the whole Board of Selectmen is committed to keeping our town growing.”
Individually, the members of the Board of Selectmen have invested hundreds of hours being involved in numerous town organizations and activities including: Main Street improvements, Highland Lake water quality and development, blight elimination, river cleanups, drug awareness programs, Laurel Festival revival and expansion and the Soldiers' Monument renovations.
“During the last four years we have demonstrated that we get things done. What we have accomplished with our bi-partisan agenda has resulted in a cultural and economic rejuvenation for our town. Re-electing the leadership on Row A ensures continuing this positive direction,” said Jack Bourque.
“Blighted buildings have held this Town back from being a thriving community. With the commitment and proactive approach of our Town Manager and the whole Board, our neighborhoods and business areas are being restored and revitalized. We are proud to see property values increase, home sales on the rise, economic development on Main Street and new families moving into our Town.” said Linda Groppo
“What I love best about serving on the Board of Selectmen is both witnessing and participating in what makes our town so special. Winsted in its entirety is a celebration of a close knit community. We can all be proud to live in a town where our civic groups, municipal government, school systems, local businesses and community members come together time and time again to support each other.”said Melissa Bird
The Town Committee also announced the endorsement of Doug Pfenninger and Nora Mocarski for Board of Education, Aubrey English and James Barber for Constables and Sheila Sedlack for Town Clerk.
“ I look forward to continuing to work with the dynamic and dedicated members of the Winchester Board of Education. The work we have completed thus far as a Board has helped to gain the trust in the school system and consistent leadership is critical in continuing the initiatives already set in motion that have made Winchester Public Schools successful.” said Nora Mocarski
Doug Pfenninger said “Revised curriculum and improved professional development along with outstanding instructional leadership at the building and systems level, has led to dramatic improvements in our student performance. We look forward to more student growth in the future and to Winchester enhancing it reputation as a desirable place to live for young families.”
Aubrey English said “It has been an honor to serve as Constable the last two years. I want to use my office as a megaphone to our Public Safety and town’s progress and humbly ask for your vote for a second term.”
Long time Town Clerk Sheila Sedlack said “ I am privileged to work in a great community supporting a town that is moving in a positive direction. Being a part of this growth, serving my community, is such a pleasure and honor.” said Town Clerk Sedlack.
The Election is scheduled to be held November 5th. The slate of candidates will be featured along the Row A ballot line.
DEMOCRATS 2017-2019
The Winchester Democratic Candidates believe Winsted has made progress towards a better future. As has been demonstrated over the past two years, this is a community effort. All segments of our community have come together to build a strong foundation on which to move forward. From our establishment of a no tax increase budget in 2017 to a strong healthy fund balance, development of stronger government policies, to small working groups of volunteers, to individual community members, all have contributed to a stronger town government. Investors and businesses have come forward to develop two more old mills buildings, new restaurants, and robotics.
Let’s Keep Going …
During the last 2 years and Over the Next Two Years
- Delivered a No-Tax increase budget.
- We pledge a similar no-tax increase for next year’s budget.
- Begun a comprehensive road improvement program, implemented a blight elimination program, and advanced commercial and industrial development. https://www.townofwinchester.org/public-works/pages/road-bridge-and-trail-improvements
- Directed the Town Manager to begin enforcing blight – 57 properties to date
- Collaborated with the Town Manger to drive business friendly customer service to build development in the old mill building, robotics in the industrial park, three restaurants on Main St., sale of industrial park lot.
- We pledge to continue these programs to ensure they benefit all taxpayers in all areas of our town including clean industrial, Main St. business, and tourism.
- Brought direction, new pride, and positive belief to the town’s future.
- Worked with the Republicans on the BOS including them on every committee in an equal partnership for the best interest of the community
- No Drama, Just Results - Oversaw professional meetings with “no fighting”
- We pledge to enhance this attitude by supporting continued commercial development within the downtown area and industrial development through appropriate areas in town with the aim of expanding the town’s Grand List.
- Stabilized the professional leadership of our town’s government under a business-career oriented town manager, Robert Geiger.
- We pledge to continue supporting the Town Manager and the hiring of top qualified individuals to bring more professional and business savvy leadership to all departments.
- Established a unified collaborative direction for town-wide education.
- Established a collaborative working relationship with the State Receiver and then with the Superintendent after the transition
- We pledge to support the continued cooperative sharing of responsibilities between the town and the education department in order to provide tax savings and ensure transparency in budget decisions.
- Secured our town’s financial stability with improved budget controls, comprehensive audits, and firmness within the finance department.
- Supported staff’s work on updating liabilities and assets statements
- Worked with the Town Manager on establishing budgets that saw the town’s “rainy day” fund balance grow to put us in position for a bond rating
- The State of Connecticut released the Town of Winchester from state oversight January 2019
- We pledge to continue to support the department’s leadership and implementation of a more professional and tax-payer friendly electronic budget system and presentation.
- We pledge to continue supporting the Planning and Zoning Commission’s updating of regulations to attract more commercial and industrial development and improvements, and updates to the town’s Plan of Conversation and Development.
- Expanded town-wide development opportunities by supporting entrepreneurial development in commercial and industrial areas.
- We pledge to seek additional development through cooperation with the town’s Economic Development Commission by advancing new initiatives that will bring more growth throughout town including clean industrial, Main St. business, and tourism.
- Revising the town’s social media presence for more user-friendly information access.
- Partnered with CTVist.com to promote Winsted tourism events
- We pledge to continue to seek ways to improve our town’s website and marketing to attract a wider and more involved community interest and citizen interaction.
- Worked closely with our state’s leadership to protect our taxpayers from unexpected adverse financial issues.
- Work with the LHCGO to contact legislators in Hartford to bring issues forward
- We pledge to strengthen our position and support action that will ensure that any future financial losses from the state or federal government support for the town will not harm our ability to maintain a financially healthy town.
Help us to continue in these positive directions and keep the community on a steady course. Participate on a board or commission or simply volunteer!
#Believing in Winsted
Interested in joining the Democratic Town Committee?
Please call us at 860-309-3972.
Please call us at 860-309-3972.
