The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
First selectman race is on
Zeoli goes for 8th term
ORANGE — Incumbent Republican First Selectman Jim Zeoli said he is going for an eighth term because, “I like giving back to the people and trying to improve the town.”
Zeoli faces a challenge from Democrat Jody Dietch, who was raised in Orange and serves as Democratic town chairwoman.
Zeoli, owner of Shamrock Farm, said one of his favorite parts of the job is working with developers and prospective suitors to bring new businesses to town. He said economic development hit a slump in 2006 and he’s worked tirelessly to reverse that.
“I love economic development projects,” Zeoli said, noting his success in helping to bring the Hotel Suites project now being constructed near the northbound entrance of Interstate 95 and the FedEx distribution center to the longvacant former “Stew Leonard” property on Marsh Hill Road near I95’s Exit 41. Zeoli counts among his accomplishments bringing a VA Outpatient Services facility to Edison Road, something he worked on for seven years.
Zeoli said he is in negotiations with a developer for the old Sam’s Club and Lowe’s sites.
The first selectman,
He also noted infrastructure improvements during his tenure, including remodeling of the south wing at High Plains Community Center, as well as the pool and locker rooms, and also extensive repaving of roads.
known for his folksy way with people, said the town is “extremely strong financially,” and enjoys the benefits of a AAA bond rating attained during his time in the top spot and continues even as the state faces economic challenges.
He also noted infrastructure improvements during his tenure, including remodeling of the south wing at High Plains Community Center, as well as the pool and locker rooms, and also extensive repaving of roads. Zeoli said he is excited about the building of a barrierfree playground at Fred Wolfe Park, through a state grant, that will allow children of all abilities to have fun.
During his remarks upon accepting the unanimous endorsement of the Republican Town Committee, Zeoli spoke about the Fieldstone Village project, one of the first he ever took on and one he said was rejected by the previous Democratic leadership.
“After two years of effort, the project moved forward. Fieldstone is now one of our top taxpayers and a wonderful neighborhood,” Zeoli said in a news release at the time of his nomination. “This was made possible by the efforts of many talented people in legal and on the Boards of Finance and Zoning.”
Zeoli has also said recently that his administration has “Dotted every “i” and crossed every “t” to gain state funding for projects including the Derby Milford Road Bridge and for future developments.