WALLINGFORD — The final day to register to vote by mail is Oct. 23. Applications must be received by this date.
All registrations must be in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 through Oct. 30, in the registrars’ office, Room 211, Town Hall.
The office will have extended hours until 8 p.m. Oct. 30.
Visitors may enter the Town Hall after 5 p.m.by the automatic doors in the left rear of the building.
For assistance with absentee ballots, contact the town clerk’s office.
WALLINGFORD — The final day to register to vote by mail is Oct. 23. Applications must be received by this date.
All registrations must be in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 through Oct. 30, in the registrars’ office, Room 211, Town Hall.
The office will have extended hours until 8 p.m. Oct. 30.
Visitors may enter the Town Hall after 5 p.m.by the automatic doors in the left rear of the building.
For assistance with absentee ballots, contact the town clerk’s office.
HARTFORD — Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says nearly 90,000 new voters in Connecticut have registered, making them eligible to cast ballots in the November election.
On Tuesday, National Voter Registration Day, Merrill said 18-to-29-year-olds represent the largest group of new voters, with 39,277 signing up since January.
Of the newly registered voters, the largest block — 39,602 — are unaffiliated.
There are also 30,736 newly registered Democrats and 17,115 newly registered Republicans. Nearly 2 million people registered to vote.
VOTE TODAY – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2011
About Vinnie Testa
Vinnie Testa for Mayor - http://videoalive.com/vinnietesta/
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Vinnie-Testa-for-Mayor/118934548181765
vtesta@comcast.net
Born in Wallingford; / Wallingford Public Schools;
B.S. Fairfield University;
1 son in college, 1 teaching in Washington, D.C.
Current Minority Leader, Wallingford Town Council
Wallingford Town Council – 8 years, 1 term as Vice-Chairman
Wallingford Board of Education – 8 years
Wallingford Wetlands Commission – 2 years
CCD Teacher and Lector Most Holy Trinity Church
Wallingford Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors
Child Guidance Clinic Board of Directors
Yalesville Little League Executive Board
Baseball, basketball, soccer coach, founding coach of Wallingford Lacrosse
Cub Scout Leader
Wallingford Dream Foundation (Founding member)
Wallingford Education Foundation
Golf Tournament Committee
Business Network International Development Ambassador
Modernizing Government
With 20 years experience in local government, Vinnie knows how we can save money by:
Leading Economic Development and Creating Jobs
Based on 25 years of success in corporate business development, Vinnie has a specific plan for bringing new businesses to Wallingford by:
Ensuring Public Safety
Providing a Great Education for Our Kids
Vinnie served on the Board of Education, helped develop the long-term strategic plan for our schools, and he teaches in the Wallingford school system. He understands the challenges we face in preparing our children for success in the 21st Century.
“I am proud of my service and commitment to our community. It would be an honor to serve you further as your mayor. It’s time we moved forward, together, to make this town we love an even better place to live and raise our families.
Sincerely,
Vinnie Testa
VOTE TODAY – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Goals as your Town Councilor:
If elected, I will listen to town residents first before I make a decision and I will execute to the best of my ability the responsibilities of the office for the good of Wallingford and her citizens.
Background:
- Born and raised in Wallingford; attended Pond Hill Elementary, Moran Middle School and Mark T. Sheehan High School
- Married father of four children; two are in the public school system
- President of the Wallingford Fireworks Fund
- Auction Manager for Wallingford’s annual MDA Party for a Cure
- Information Technology Professional - Senior Systems Engineer with 13 years experience in the field; responsible for operational support, service management, and technical planning
- Avid writer, wrote the FROM WALLINGFORD column for the Record Journal for three years through spring of 2011
- Involved with the local political scene since the late 1980s
- District 4 leader, Wallingford Democratic Town Committee
As published in the Record Journal on Election Day, Tuesday November 8, 2011
Voting is Democracy’s bedrock — a truly American activity which should not be taken for granted.
Elsewhere on this planet other societies don’t have it so well. In recent Arab Spring uprisings, thousands risked lives to demonstrate in favor of ballot-based elections, rather than further remain subjects beneath despotic leaders who abuse authority and employ violence to retain power. For centuries we have enjoyed what these modern protestors fight for. Today we can celebrate their efforts, and our first-world freedoms, by exercising one of a U.S. citizen’s most important rights — voting.
At last, Election Day has dawned. Local political clamor will soon yield to results. In copious political opinion letters to the Record-Journal, readers have expressed preferences for individual candidates and thoughts on pertinent issues in oft-times unequivocal terms. But mistake not the numerous political-letter- writers as enough interested individuals to decide an election. Every vote counts, and it is your responsibility — not someone else’s — to register your opinion.
As our country continues preparations for next year’s presidential race, municipal voting comes to have its own unique flavor in comparison. People familiar with one another in the same community get to express support, or lack thereof, for local candidates who are neighbors, and not TV personalities or names in a newspaper. It’s a chance for civic leaders to see what sits well with voters — issues and allegiances come into political alignment.
Campaign season is a long haul, and even though many candidates enjoy getting out and meeting people, it’s just possible some have rung enough doorbells by now. Nevertheless, let’s not forget that extensive efforts by political hopefuls and their supporters add impetus to the fullness of Election Day’s turnout and significance. Underscore this point: voting — it’s part of a great American tradition and the exercise of a powerful right in democracy — a freedom not to be wasted or squandered.
And before exercising such rights, residents should fulfill their responsibility to make informed, confident decisions. Do research. Learn not only about candidates as community members but also where they stand on important issues. For instance: in today’s entrenched fiscal stagnation, those running for municipal office have by now expounded personal financial and economic development policies of all sorts. Citizens should identify which proposed monetary measures they believe as best suited to propel more expeditious economic recovery, and vote accordingly.
In coming days, supportive signs will swiftly dwindle from front lawns and political ads will disappear from television air time. Election Day will fade into tomorrow. But the results — candidates authorized to take office, some replacing incumbents while others gaining additional terms — will last for two or more years. Thus, we hope that all voters participating in today’s election have done reasonable, if not thorough, homework. Make that vote count — know your mind. Vote with pride.
It’s not often that you get your chance to have your say, really have the opportunity to voice your mind and thoughts.
You do get an optimum chance on Election Day more so than any other time of the year.
There is no body of government that can affect you as much and that you have as much effect on as your municipal government.
Your municipal leaders regulate your ordinances, set the local budget for the town and the schools, as well as maintain and manage the tax base of the town.
If you voted in the federal election in 2008 you were one voice in 169 million registered. (About 133 million showed up to cast a vote).
86 million democrat - 55 million republican - 28 million others registered.
Of those voters there were 132,645,504 total voters out of an eligible voting age population of 212,702,354, which gives you a 62.4% participation rate.
For the elections held at the state level here in Connecticut as of 2010 the total number of registered voters is a hair over 2 million.
The largest group of registered voters in Connecticut is unaffiliated, accounting for 831,962 voters. There are 743,580 registered Democrats and 413,854 registered Republicans.
So when 73 percent of the state voters turnout, your voice is one in 1.46 million.
You as the voter in Wallingford during a municipal election are one of about 25,000 registered. During our last municipal election only 35.6 percent of the registered voters turned out.
Your voice there is one of about 8,900.
Where do you think your voice is the loudest?
Where do you think your voice is best heard among all the noise?
Wallingford is your town – get informed, get involved and VOTE on Tuesday November 8th
Let’s make 2011 the year of 50.1 percent turnout.
In 2009 the number dropped to 36% (and I have been telling people incorrectly 37%)
Vote November 8th
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has signed an executive order extending the registration deadline for the local elections to Monday, Nov. 7.
In his order, Malloy notes that the storm's aftermath has caused widespread transportation problems and forced many town halls to close.
The majority of the state's 169 cities and towns will hold municipal elections on Nov. 8
Age: 57
Address: 15 Blossom Lane.
Occupation: Chief financial officer and president, Ulbrich Stainless Steel & Special Metals Inc.
Education: B.S., business administration and accounting, Boston College.
Platform: Prepare students for 21st century challenges by developing critical thinking and math, science and communication skills; implement five-year strategic plan; oppose multi-year financial commitments that lack funding, without cutting services or compromising strategic plan; support pupil personnel programs; implement a state-of-the-art guidance and career planning program for all grade 6-12 students.
Misc.: Seeking third term after being appointed to board in 2006; chairs Curriculum/Instruction Committee; co-chair of School to Career Committee; board liaison and member Strategic Planning Committee; helped create high school financial planning course and internship program and reactivate Big Brothers-Big Sisters program; board member Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club, Blue Cross-Constitution Healthcare Division and Ulbrich Stainless Steel; United Way divisional chair; former youth basketball and baseball coach.
Address: 35 Lincoln Drive
Occupation: Computer systems administrator, Bloomberg LP
Education: Mark T. Sheehan High School
Platform: Raise new revenue sources for town beyond raising taxes; more efficient use of town capital and resources; proactive and strategic multi-year planning for town operations and growth; solicit input from residents and business professionals regarding town decisions.
Misc.: Helps lead annual fundraising for town's fireworks display as president of the non-profit Wallingford Fireworks Fund; ran unsuccessfully for council in 2007 as an independent.
Website: www.jasonzandri.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gunderstone
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/gunderstone
Address: 388 Church St., Yalesville.
Occupation: Intern, Rep. John Larson's campaign.
Education: B.A., history, UConn.
Platform: Ensuring financial literacy for students, early education and college preparation, including skills to thrive in the global economy.
Misc.: Raised by a single mother; attended town schools; volunteers with Dan Drew's mayoral campaign in Middletown.
Facebook:www.facebook.com/pages/David-for-Board-of-Education
Address: Judd Square, South Cherry Street
Occupation: Individual medical underwriter, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Education: B.A., liberal studies, Quinnipiac University.
Platform: the best possible education for each student; a safe and healthy environment in each school; cooperation between the board, school staff and parents; sound fiscal management; looking out for the best interests of students, challenging them and district personnel.
Misc.: Seeking 9th term; first elected in 1991; board secretary and former chair of various committees; member and board liaison for Vo-Ag Building Committee; board representative in last three teacher contract negotiations; married to Brian Ford; mother of three graduates of town schools.
Age: 61.
Address: 377 N. Elm St.
Occupation: Principal, St. Aedan/St. Brendan School, New Haven.
Education: B.S., education, Southern Connecticut State University; M.S. plus 30 credits, education, Southern Connecticut State University and University of New England.
Platform: Continue initiatives of new superintendent, including middle school team changes and stronger foreign language program; hire and work with new Pupil Services director, which supervises special education; advocate for parents of special needs kids.
Misc.: Board member since 1999; board secretary; former board chairman; taught middle school for 36 years in North Branford; teaches history/social studies in Choate's summer program.
Age: 45.
Address: 4 Blossom Lane.
Occupation: Corporate controller /Assistant treasurer, Tomra of North America, Inc.
Education: B.S., accounting, M.B.A., Quinnipiac University.
Platform: Fiscal responsibility, efficient government and economic development.
Misc.: Democratic Town Committee vice chair; former Zoning Board of Appeals member; ran unsuccessfully for council in 2005; former PTO Treasurer.
As published in the Record Journal Sunday October 30, 2011
Age: 58.
Address: 844 Old Durham Road.
Occupation: Teacher, New Britain High School, Central Connecticut State University and Tunxis Community College.
Education: B.S., earth science, Central Connecticut State University; M.S., atmospheric science, University of Michigan.
Platform: Promote participation from parents, students, teachers, administrators and the board; spend money efficiently; make school maintenance an on-going process, not merely large-scale projects; accountability.
Misc.: Former board member; lost reelection bid in 2009; town native and Lyman Hall High School graduate; married to council candidate Debi Reynolds; father of three with two grandsons; former computer programmer for United Technologies and Stanley corporations
As published in the Record Journal Sunday October 30, 2011
Address: 844 Old Durham Road.
Occupation: Business analyst, The Hartford.
Education: Maloney High School, Meriden.
Platform: Grow businesses to ease the tax burden on residents; address constituent questions and concerns with diligence and from the perspective of a hardworking resident.
Misc.: Married to Board of Education candidate Patrick Reynolds; mother of three and grandmother of two; former Wallingford Youth Soccer League coach, former group coordinator for Autism Speaks and former member Wallingford Land Trust.
As published in the Record Journal Sunday October 30, 2011
Address: 9 Ashford Court.
Occupation: Retired.
Education: B.S., special education, Southern Connecticut State College.
Platform: Keep improving education in midst of funding limitations through creative solutions and close monitoring of the budget; increased use of technology to prepare students for global workforce.
Misc.: Seeking third term; former senior business analyst and senior quality assurance advisor at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; mother of five children that attended town schools; local resident since 1979.
As published in the Record Journal Sunday October 30, 2011
Address: 14 Taylor Lane.
Occupation: Owner-operator, AMB Associates.
Education: A.S., criminology and marketing, Middlesex Community College; B.S., industrial technology, Central Connecticut State University.
Platform: Better strategic planning to contain costs and improve education, public safety, economic development, real estate and property management and town government efficiency.
Misc.: Member Strategic Planning Committee of Board of Education; was School Building Committee chairman during major district-wide renovations; past chief Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department; former Wallingford deputy fire marshal; 26-year member state building Codes and Standards Commission; member state fire training and prevention boards; ran unsuccessfully for council in 2009.
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