Statements of Support
Janet Wieleczka:
I have been a longtime resident of Ellington. I support the hard work done by the Republican members on the various boards and committees. They have done an excellent job managing our tax dollars and in maintaining a very positive bond rating status. The track record for the Democrats in Hartford is appalling. Our state has never been in such a fiscal mess. Connecticut is ranked with the 5 lowest states for fiscal responsibility according to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. I support Lori Spielman for First Selectman and the rest of the Republican Candidates. Most all of the Republican Candidates have grown up in Ellington, attended our schools, and raised families in Ellington. They wish to see the town continue to grow and be managed in a practical, fiscal responsible and positive way. They deserve your support on Nov. 7, 2017.
Deanna Wambolt-Gulick:
I feel that knowledge and experience is most important when it comes to the BOE. And while, admittedly this will sound biased as she is my mom, Kris Picard-Wambolt is hands down the most qualified and experienced candidate. She has served on the BOE for 8 years, tirelessly advocating for the children of Ellington, even after her own graduated from the school system. She is immensely knowledgeable about education, due to her service on the CREC council (where she is currently chair), and is well tuned in to the teacher perspective (she raised a teacher after all! :) ) She is someone that understands all viewpoints and responsibilities of the BOE. Former teachers are great, but they only bring one perspective to the table where Kris Picard-Wambolt brings many. She has talked to many concerned constituents that have reached out (she doesn't use Facebook for that though, as she rarely checks sites like this). However, she would be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions. I know for sure she'll be at the Republican meet and greets, and I hope you get a chance to meet her there.
Tracey Kiff-Judson (BOE):
Thank you all for your engagement in the upcoming election. There are many excellent candidates, and I will be voting for individuals from both parties on November 7. While I have not made up my mind on every position, I do know that I will be voting for Kris Picard-Wambolt for the Board of Education. I have worked with Kris on the board, and know that she is passionate about ensuring a strong and challenging education for every student, protecting student’s rights, and ensuring that board policies are well-thought out and current. I hope that you join me in supporting Kris on November 7. Thank you for your consideration!
Katherine K. Heminway (Permanent Building Committee):
Ellington has become a much better community because of First Selectwoman Lori Spielman. Town government is operating more efficiently and effectively with monthly staff meetings being well-attended. Department heads have been able to get to know each other and in doing so have gained more knowledge and respect for their peers. Good team spirit means a job well done no matter the challenges. Community involvement has grown as new ideas have been introduced to encourage and motivate residents and businesses to have a little fun and get to know one another, as evidenced by the Christmas lighting contest last December and the scarecrow contest that is in progress now. Businesses have been able to grow and flourish (i.e., Barn Yard Enterprises, Cold Creek Brewery and Oakridge Dairy). She has accomplished this by inviting and encouraging new people to get involved with different boards and different community activities, by opening her office and Town Hall to residents and businesses alike. She has an excellent working relationship with emergency services, with the state troopers, with the schools, and with the Senior Center. Spielman has volunteered countless hours to the town by serving on different boards while running a successful landscaping business. Spielman ran for first selectman two years ago because she felt the town needed to go in a new direction. Spielman has no political aspirations other than to be in a position where she can continue to work tirelessly to make Ellington a better community for residents and businesses that call Ellington their home. Re-elect Spielman as first selectwoman and keep Ellington strong.
Doug Harding (former PZC and current BOF incumbent):
For nearly four years, I have been a member of Ellington’s Board of Finance. I am running for re-election this year. As a member of the Board of Finance and a lifelong resident of Ellington, I have sought to make sure Ellington residents receive the best bang for their buck. This has become even more important, as Gov. Dannel Malloy wants to cut Ellington by millions of dollars. Over the next few years, the town needs to continue its focus on economic development by attracting new, small businesses to set up shop in Ellington and encouraging existing businesses to expand, while remaining farm friendly so Ellington retains its small-town charm. We have been fortunate that the town’s grand list has continued to increase over the past few years, a trend that we need to ensure continues. With the state facing significant financial issues, Ellington needs experienced leaders to deal with the adverse effects that the state’s troubles will have on our great town. The Republican ticket offers these experienced leaders. My experience, education, and community involvement provide me with the background necessary to help lead the town through the next four years as a member of the Board of Finance. I look forward to earning your vote November 7.
I have been a longtime resident of Ellington. I support the hard work done by the Republican members on the various boards and committees. They have done an excellent job managing our tax dollars and in maintaining a very positive bond rating status. The track record for the Democrats in Hartford is appalling. Our state has never been in such a fiscal mess. Connecticut is ranked with the 5 lowest states for fiscal responsibility according to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. I support Lori Spielman for First Selectman and the rest of the Republican Candidates. Most all of the Republican Candidates have grown up in Ellington, attended our schools, and raised families in Ellington. They wish to see the town continue to grow and be managed in a practical, fiscal responsible and positive way. They deserve your support on Nov. 7, 2017.
Deanna Wambolt-Gulick:
I feel that knowledge and experience is most important when it comes to the BOE. And while, admittedly this will sound biased as she is my mom, Kris Picard-Wambolt is hands down the most qualified and experienced candidate. She has served on the BOE for 8 years, tirelessly advocating for the children of Ellington, even after her own graduated from the school system. She is immensely knowledgeable about education, due to her service on the CREC council (where she is currently chair), and is well tuned in to the teacher perspective (she raised a teacher after all! :) ) She is someone that understands all viewpoints and responsibilities of the BOE. Former teachers are great, but they only bring one perspective to the table where Kris Picard-Wambolt brings many. She has talked to many concerned constituents that have reached out (she doesn't use Facebook for that though, as she rarely checks sites like this). However, she would be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions. I know for sure she'll be at the Republican meet and greets, and I hope you get a chance to meet her there.
Tracey Kiff-Judson (BOE):
Thank you all for your engagement in the upcoming election. There are many excellent candidates, and I will be voting for individuals from both parties on November 7. While I have not made up my mind on every position, I do know that I will be voting for Kris Picard-Wambolt for the Board of Education. I have worked with Kris on the board, and know that she is passionate about ensuring a strong and challenging education for every student, protecting student’s rights, and ensuring that board policies are well-thought out and current. I hope that you join me in supporting Kris on November 7. Thank you for your consideration!
Katherine K. Heminway (Permanent Building Committee):
Ellington has become a much better community because of First Selectwoman Lori Spielman. Town government is operating more efficiently and effectively with monthly staff meetings being well-attended. Department heads have been able to get to know each other and in doing so have gained more knowledge and respect for their peers. Good team spirit means a job well done no matter the challenges. Community involvement has grown as new ideas have been introduced to encourage and motivate residents and businesses to have a little fun and get to know one another, as evidenced by the Christmas lighting contest last December and the scarecrow contest that is in progress now. Businesses have been able to grow and flourish (i.e., Barn Yard Enterprises, Cold Creek Brewery and Oakridge Dairy). She has accomplished this by inviting and encouraging new people to get involved with different boards and different community activities, by opening her office and Town Hall to residents and businesses alike. She has an excellent working relationship with emergency services, with the state troopers, with the schools, and with the Senior Center. Spielman has volunteered countless hours to the town by serving on different boards while running a successful landscaping business. Spielman ran for first selectman two years ago because she felt the town needed to go in a new direction. Spielman has no political aspirations other than to be in a position where she can continue to work tirelessly to make Ellington a better community for residents and businesses that call Ellington their home. Re-elect Spielman as first selectwoman and keep Ellington strong.
Doug Harding (former PZC and current BOF incumbent):
For nearly four years, I have been a member of Ellington’s Board of Finance. I am running for re-election this year. As a member of the Board of Finance and a lifelong resident of Ellington, I have sought to make sure Ellington residents receive the best bang for their buck. This has become even more important, as Gov. Dannel Malloy wants to cut Ellington by millions of dollars. Over the next few years, the town needs to continue its focus on economic development by attracting new, small businesses to set up shop in Ellington and encouraging existing businesses to expand, while remaining farm friendly so Ellington retains its small-town charm. We have been fortunate that the town’s grand list has continued to increase over the past few years, a trend that we need to ensure continues. With the state facing significant financial issues, Ellington needs experienced leaders to deal with the adverse effects that the state’s troubles will have on our great town. The Republican ticket offers these experienced leaders. My experience, education, and community involvement provide me with the background necessary to help lead the town through the next four years as a member of the Board of Finance. I look forward to earning your vote November 7.
