Election 2017 Candidates

First Selectman

Lori Spielman

      Lori is currently the First Selectman for the Town of Ellington and is running for re-election in November on the Republican Slate.
      Lori is  a life-long resident of Ellington having grown up on her parent's dairy farm on West Rd.  She started her own business, Lori Spielman Landscaping Inc. in 1984 and has operated it for the last 33 years.  It has been voted the Best Landscape  business in the Northeast for the last five years and has won numerous other awards.
     Lori serves on the Rockville Vocational Agriculture Advisory Committee and is a member of the following organizations: Ellington Lions Club, Tolland County Farm Bureau, Tolland Exchange Club, Connecticut Parks Association, Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association, The 100 Club and the Antique Tractors Association.
     Lori is currently First Selectman and has also served on the Board of Selectmen, Inland & Wetlands Commission, Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Permanent Building Committee.  As First Selectman, Lori has maintained an open door policy in Town Hall and is frequently seen around town checking on projects, visiting with employees and speaking with the citizens about their well-being and the business of the town.  Her genuine concern for Ellington and its' future make her the right choice for First Selectman.  Support Lori and the other Republican candidates on November 7th.

Board of Selectman

John W. Turner

Ron Stomberg

     Meet John W. Turner, "Jack" as he is known by most persons. Jack is a candidate for the Board of Selectmen on the Republican ticket. Jack is a 60 year resident of the Town of Ellington and attended the Ellington School system. He attended Central Connecticut State College and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education graduating Cum Lauda. He also earned his Master of Science Degree in Education from Central as well. Jack taught Technology Education at Tolland High School for 36 years. He specialized in Graphic Communications. During his tenure in the Tolland Public Schools he chaired the district’s School Safety Committee for 9 years.
     Jack was an active member of the Ellington Ambulance Corps while in high school and college. In 1970 he joined the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department. He has served in most all the officer positions and held the position of Chief of Department for 10 years. Jack was appointed as the Ellington 911 Municipal Coordinator in 1985 and still holds that position today. He has earned several fire service firefighting and fire service management certifications. He currently works as the Finance Director for the regional emergency communication center located in Tolland.
          After his retirement from teaching Jack became active in the local Republican Party which lead to him being elected to a position on the Board of Selectmen, a position he still holds today. As a life-long resident and volunteer for the community, Jack is looking forward to continue his long standing service to the community with your support.

     Ron is a candidate for the Board of Selectmen on the Republican slate. He is a self-employed plumbing and heating contractor. Ron graduated from Ellington High School and is graduate of the New England School of Sanitary Sciences.
     Ron has a long history of service to the community having served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Design Review Board, Permanent Building Committee, the Sewer Commission and is currently completing his fourth term on the Board of Selectmen. He is also a Justice of the Peace.
          Ron and his wife made their home in Ellington and raised their family in Ellington. He understands the character and values of the Ellington community. He has worked tirelessly over the past years to continue those traits and to insure them for future generations. He deserves your support in November. Support Ron and the rest of the Republican team.

James Prichard

     Meet James Prichard, most of us know him as “Jim”.  Jim is a candidate for the Board of Selectmen. He has served on the Board of Selectmen for 12 years and is currently the Deputy First Selectman. Jim is a life-long resident of Ellington.
     Jim is the owner of Star Rental, Ellington, Tolland, East Windsor, Manchester and Somers Star Hardware LLC. He is the president of Kuhnly Plumbing & Heating Corporation and a managing member of Tolland Commons Realty Company LLC.
     Jim is a veteran having served with the CT Army National Guard. He is a member of American Legion Post 14 and a life member of Rockville I.S.C. In addition to his service on the Board of Selectmen, Jim also served as an alternate member of the Planning & Zoning Commission for 14 years.
     Jim has represented the Ellington community well over the past years and deserves your continued support in November. Re-elect Jim and the other Republican candidates on Election Day.

David Stavens

     My name is David Stavens, a candidate for the Board of Selectmen on the Republican ticket. I have been a resident of Ellington for 49 years and graduated from Ellington High School in 1981. After graduating high school, I pursued and obtained a degree in Civil Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.
     In 1991, I married my wife of now 26 years. We now have five children together, two that have graduated from Ellington High School and three that are all enrolled at Center School.
     In 1997, I founded Barber Utilities, LLC, a local excavation company in Ellington that focuses on underground utility work. After 20 years in business, the company has grown from five employees to what is now 35 hardworking individuals. Being involved in the excavation industry has introduced me to organizations such as the Utility Contractors Association of CT, where I have been a board member since 2012, and the National Utility Contractors Association, which I have been on the board of directors since 2015. In addition to these organizations, our company started a charity golf tournament in 2013 that benefitted the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church Food Pantry. In the three years we hosted this event, we raised an approximate total of $19,500 for the pantry. Although we are unable to hold this event anymore, we continue to make annual donations for this local food pantry.
          As part of my passion for helping our community, I joined the St. Luke Church Building Committee in 2004. Being involved with the Church, I helped with fundraising for the rear addition of the building, and donated time and some materials towards the completion of the project. Being a part of the Church Building Committee lead me to gain interest in working with the Town. In January 2010, I was appointed into Planning & Zoning, and by February 2010 chosen to be the Representative for the Permanent Building Committee. I served on Planning & Zoning until 2015, and am in my seventh year with the PBC. It wasn’t until 2015 that I became interested in taking my service to the town to the next level, and was elected for Board of Selectman. This is the second year I have served on the BOS and hope to continue to better our community in the years to come.

Board of Finance

Barry Pinto

    Meet Barry Pinto.  Barry is running for re-election to the Ellington Board of Finance on the Republican slate. Barry graduated from Manchester High School and attended Manchester Community College. He has made his home in Ellington with his family for 37 years.
     Barry has 20 years of experience in retail management and currently has 29 years of experience in sales with Bolles Motors in Ellington.
          Barry’s extensive experience in retail marketing and sales, his outstanding community service of 25 years on the Ellington Board of Finance and knowledge of the Ellington community makes him a well-qualified candidate for re-election to the Board of Finance in November. Support Barry and the other republican candidates on Election Day.

David Olender

     Meet David Olender. Dave is an incumbent candidate for the Board of Finance on the Republican slate. Dave graduated from Rockville High School and the Hartford State Technical Institute with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also served in the Connecticut Air National Guard graduating from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. While in the Air Force he graduated from the Air Force Mechanical Program at Chanute Field, Illinois.
     Dave is a successful business owner and has managed numerous construction projects both commercial and residential. These include expanding the Vernon location from 3,000 sq. ft. to 26,000 sq. ft. as well as managing the construction of a new facility in East Windsor and its’ expansion to the present 25,000 sq. ft. facility.
     Dave serves on the George Sykes Board of Trustees and the State of Connecticut Licensing Board for Auto and Flat Glass.
     Considering Dave’s past experience and close ties to the local community, he is an excellent person to serve on the Board of Finance. Support Dave and the other Republican candidates on November 7th.

Douglas Harding

     Meet Douglas Harding, “Doug” as he is known by most persons. He is a candidate for the Board of Finance on the Republican slate. He is a lifelong resident of Ellington and attended Ellington Public Schools.  Doug graduated cum laude from Central Connecticut State University with a BA in Economics and Political Science. Doug is presently enrolled in the Accounting Certificate Program at Manchester Community College.
      Doug is an alumnus of the 2006 Connecticut American Legion Boys State Program and is an Eagle Scout.  He is a Troop Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor in Boy Scout Troop 96.  Doug is employed as a Tax Corrections Examiner in the Electronic Commerce Unit of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
      Doug has been a member of the Board of Finance since January 2014 and represents the Board of Finance on the Ad Hoc Emergency Services Committee.  Doug is a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, a position he held from April 2011 to December 2015.
      Doug’s community experience and educational background well qualify him for your support for a position on the Board of Finance.  Vote for Doug Harding and the rest of your Republican team on November 7th.

Board of Education

Michael Purcaro

     Mr. Michael Purcaro serves as the Director of Business and Finance for Vernon Public Schools and is the Town of Vernon’s Emergency and Risk Management Director. He is currently a member of the Board of Education for the Town of Ellington where he serves as Chairman of the Operations Committee.  He also serves as an Area Director for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE).
      Mr. Purcaro offers a valuable blend of leadership, experience and expertise in public health, public safety, and public education. Over the past twenty-two years, his public service positions have included: Chief Administrative and Fiscal Officer for the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), Civilian Project Director for the New England Disaster Training Center, a member of the State of Connecticut Homeland Security Coordinating Council, and an Administrative Officer for the United States Department of Health and Human Services - Connecticut Disaster Medical Assistance Team (CT-1 DMAT).
      Mr. Purcaro has earned several certifications that include Connecticut Certified School Business Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Certified Advanced Public Information Officer, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Emergency Risk Communications Trainer, and is a Connecticut Licensed Physical Therapist. He has been recognized for his public service, including a Governor’s Proclamation for Public Service Accomplishment in Connecticut, a Special Congressional Recognition, Emergency Management Director of the Year for the State of Connecticut, and recently earned a Risk Management Achievement Award by the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA).
     Mr. Purcaro also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Indian Valley Family YMCA and the Board of Trustees for the Lutz Children’s Museum.

Kristen Picard-Wambolt

     Meet Kristen Picard-Wambolt, known to most as Kris.  She is a candidate for the Board of Education on the Republican ticket.  An Ellington resident for more than thirty years, Kris moved to town as a child, attended the Ellington school system, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, magna cum laude, from the University of Connecticut.
     Kris married Harry, her high school sweetheart, and though they left town as newlyweds, they returned to Ellington twenty years ago to raise their family.  Kris left the corporate world following the birth of her second child and has worked as a freelance artist ever since.  While her children were young, Kris was an active PTO volunteer, as well as a Cub Scout leader, and a Girl Scout leader.  Along with her husband and two adult children, Kris is a trained, active member of the Ellington Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and a Ham Radio operator.
     Eight years ago. Kris began serving on the Board of Education.  During that time, she has represented Ellington on the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), six of those years on the Board of Directors, including one year as CREC Secretary/Treasurer, two years as CREC Vice-Chair, and currently serves as Chair of the CREC Council.
     Kris believes in equitable, high quality education for all learners to reach their full potential while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers.  With your support, Kris looks forward to continuing her service to the students of Ellington, and to the Ellington Community within the Capitol Region.

Marcia Kloter Kupferschmid

     My name is Marcia Kloter Kupferschmid.  I have lived in Ellington with my wonderful husband Wayne for the last 49 years. We have three children who all went through the Ellington School System and have grown into successful adults.  Currently they all reside in Ellington, work in Ellington and are raising their children in our delightful town. 
     I worked for Ellington Public schools for over 30 years.  Twenty-nine of those years I was the administrative assistant to the principals at Windermere School.  I absolutely loved my job.  My favorite part being welcoming new families and helping them get acquainted with our town. I retired 2 years ago.  I have many hobbies including cooking, gardening, knitting and reading to name a few, and my 94 year old mom and my 9 grandchildren keep me very busy. 
          I am well connected in the community and have a strong working knowledge and understanding of the school system.  I have a deep investment in this town and the educational system and would like to give back by volunteering my time as a member of the Board of Education.  With my many years in this town as both a resident and an employee of the school system, I know I could be an asset.  I look forward to the opportunity as a candidate for the Board of Education.

Jennifer L. Dzen

    Meet Jennifer L. Dzen, a 14 year resident of Ellington, running for the Board of Education.  Jen and her husband Donny moved to Ellington in 2003 after Donny and his brother Joe opened a farm and ice cream stand on Windsorville Road. She has been a member of the Windermere Parent Teacher Organization since 2010 assisting with several committees including: Book Fair, Holiday Shoppe, Field Day and Donuts for Dads.  Jen and Donny have also supported the Ellington Preschool Program and Summer Camps by coordinating and hosting hands on farm experiences.
     Jen has an Associates of Science in Culinary Arts and a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University graduating Magna Cum Laude.  She spent 15 years in the hospitality industry as Director of Sales and Marketing for Starwood Hotels and Resorts before opening her own event management company, Dzen Meeting Management.  Jen closed her business in 2006 to focus her attention on her growing family.
     Jen is hoping to join the Board of Education because the children of Ellington are the town’s future and she believes it would be a privilege to contribute to it.  Currently when Jen is not working part-time for an accounting firm, sponsoring local programs or shuttling her three kids to activities she enjoys gardening and being dragged around Ellington by the family dogs.

Planning and Zoning Commission

Arlo Hoffman

     Meet Arlo Hoffman. Arlo is a candidate for the Planning & Zoning Commission on the Republican slate. Arlo is a lifelong resident of Ellington with family going back six generations in town. Arlo has been married to Lynn for thirty-five years, has four children and 5 grandchildren. He has owned and operated a local business, Soapstone Valley Equipment, for twenty-five years. He is also a Board member of Bahler-Oakridge Dairy in Ellington.
     Arlo has over 15 years of experience on the Planning and Zoning Commission and is currently the Chairman of the P&Z. His years of experience on the commission, knowledge of the community and vision for the future of Ellington make him an excellent candidate for your support this November.

Zoning Board of Appeals

Kenneth Braga

     Meet Kenneth Braga. Ken is a candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals on the Republican slate. Ken has been a resident of Ellington for over 50 years and is currently retired. He graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Science degree.
     Ken’s 30 years of experience on land use boards qualifies him for your support on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Michael Swanson

     Meet Michael Swanson. Mike is a life-long resident if Ellington. He is a local business owner. Mike is a member of the Rockville Exchange Club and the Home Builders Association.
     Mike is a candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals on the Republican slate. Mike’s experience as a resident and business owner along with his desire to give back to his community make him an excellent choice for the ZBA. Support Mike and the rest of the Republican slate on November 7th.

Library Board

Janet Wieliczka

     Meet Janet Wieliczka. Janet is a candidate for the Library Board on the Republican slate. Janet is a life-long resident of Ellington and a retired teacher. She earned her bachelor Degree at Eastern Connecticut State College and did her graduate studies at UCONN.
     Janet currently serves on the Library Board for the Hall Memorial Library and is an active member of the Friends of the Library volunteer organization. She also volunteers at the Senior Center working on their monthly newsletter, is a member of the Ellington Congregational Church serving on various committees and singing in the choir.
     Janet is a dedicated citizen who represents the core values of the Ellington community. She deserves your support for re-election to the Library Board on November 7th.

Judith Stomberg

     Meet Judy Stomberg. Judy is a candidate for the Library Board on the Republican slate. She graduated from Ellington High School and Manchester Community College. Judy retired from The Hartford as a Customer Service Representative and LAN Systems Administrator. She has served on the Library Board for the past two years.
     As a long-time resident of Ellington with strong family ties to the community Judy is an outstanding candidate to serve on the Library Board. Support Judy and the rest of the Republican candidates on November 7th.