July 21, 2009

EASTON REPUBLICANS ENDORSE SLATE OF CANDIDATES AT CAUCUS
--- Tom Herrmann to Seek Re-Election as First Selectman --

EASTON, July 21 - The Easton Republican Town Committee today announced that Easton Republicans have endorsed a slate of candidates for election this fall. The endorsement came this evening at the party's caucus, a bi-annual event that is mandated by state law. The municipal election is scheduled for Tues., November 3, in the Samuel Staples Elementary School gymnasium.

Tom Herrmann, who will seek a second two-year term as Easton's First Selectman, said: "I am eager to continue the work we have begun. We have worked hard to deliver for Easton, and hope that on November 3rd we'll be entrusted to continue for the next two years."

The complete slate of candidates approved by Republicans today is:

• First Selectman

  • Thomas A. Herrmann

• Selectman

  • Scott S. Centrella

• Town Clerk

  • W. Derek Buckley

• Treasurer

  • John F. Campbell

• Tax Collector

  • Patrice Hildenbrand

• Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Victor George

  • Mitchell Greenberg

• Board of Finance
  • Mark Pompa (two-year seat)
  • Christian F. Griffin (six-year seat)

  • Christine Calvert (six-year seat)

• Board of Education

  • Adam Dunsby

• Regional Board of Education
  • Catherine Gombos

  • William Allen Baker III

• Library Board

  • Gina Orticelli

• Constables
  • George A. Beno
  • Joseph L. Silhavy
  • John L. Johnston
  • Gary J. Stevens

Under the leadership of First Selectman Tom Herrmann, significant accomplishments include:

• Successfully negotiated a resolution to the South Park Avenue crisis thereby preserving Easton's zoning regulations, protecting our scenic beauty, and safeguarding the Mill River at a cost of 40% to 50% less than most had anticipated.

• Successfully negotiated with Standard and Poor's for a AAA bond rating, the first in Easton's history.

• Renegotiating the Easton Country Day School lease resulting in a $150,000 annual benefit to the Town, (over $1 million over the life of the lease).

• Presided over the lowest two year tax increase in 15 years and the second lowest in over 35 years. Taxes over the past 2 years have increased at an average rate of 1.65% compared with a 5.69% average annual increase over the past 35 years.

• Worked closely with the Board of Finance on the development of the budget by defining the key decision variables for the Board to consider instead of focusing on the details of each departmental line item.

• Developed budgets with department heads that resulted in a reduction in departmental operating expenses.

• Led the Board of Selectmen to an unprecedented of record of consensus with the minority selectman voting against the Republican majority only once since Tom was elected.

• Successfully encouraged the development of a senior tax relief ordinance that offers more relief options, (tax abatement, tax deferral and tax cap) than any other program in the State.

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