The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Republican Party names candidates for town’s top 2 posts
MIDDLEFIELD » First Selectman Ed Bailey has announced he will seek reelection to Middlefield’s top office.
Bob Yamartino has joined the ticket as his running mate for the Board of Selectmen.
The Middlefield Republican Town Committee endorsed Bailey and Yamartino, both unaffiliated voters, and nominated David Lowry, Joel Nick and Melissa Kowal for the Board of Finance, according to a press release. Former first selectman Jon Brayshaw will run for town treasurer and Nancy Currlin will run again for Board of Assessment Appeals.
Both Bailey and Yamartino, chairman of the Middlefield Board of Finance, have participated in the Region 13 Board of Education budget process and expressed their intention to maintain Middlefield’s strong fiscal health, despite the poor condition of Connecticut’s state budget outlook, according to the release.
“Our state’s irresponsible budget predicament is forcing Middlefield and other fiscally responsible towns to redouble our efforts and examine each penny that is spent,” Bailey said in a prepared statement. “Taxpayers’ dollars are precious and we cannot afford to waste a dime. We need to continue to provide the best services at the lowest cost,” Bailey said.
According to the press release, Bailey said he has reduced town payroll while providing affordable essential services, supported existing and new local businesses and the jobs they provide. Bailey pledged to preserve and protect the town’s resources, including the water quality at Lake Beseck and the health of wetlands and watercourses, he said in the release.
Bailey is a member of the Middlefield Water Pollution Control Authority and the Lake Beseck Environment Committee. This 33-year resident of Rockfall has been president of his community homeowners association for the last 22 years.
Yamartino has made his home in Middlefield for 30 years with his wife and three children. For eight years, he has been a member of the Board of Finance, serving as chairman during the past four. He is a member of the Board of Education, vice president of Enterprise Analytics for Webster Bank and holds a masters of business administration in finance. He is an avid outdoorsman, the release continued.