Avon Councilwoman Will Step Down

An Avon Republican Town Council member is retiring from her post at the end of her term and the party will run an elementary school PTO president in her place, the party said in a press release last Wednesday. 

Longtime Councilwoman Pamela Samul has voluntarily decided not to run for re-election so that she can "spend more time with her family," the release stated. Heather Maguire, a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals and Roaring Brook School PTO co-president, is running as a new face for a council seat.

Town committee members endorsed 12 candidates in total for the Nov. 5 municipal election, including all Republican incumbents up for re-election, at a meeting on July 17.

“Our experienced Republican candidates consistently make wise public investments in optimal places, at the right time, to continue to secure Avon as a top town with award winning services, top rated schools and prudent fiscal discipline”, said Avon Republican Town Committee Chairman, Brian J. Ladouceur, Jr.

Incumbents running for re-election include Town Council Chairman Mark Zacchio, council Vice Chair Douglas Evans and Councilman Christopher May, as well as Board of Education members Peggy Roell (chairperson), William Stokesbury (vice chair) and Kathy Zirolli; Board of Finance members James Speich, Cathy Durdan and Margaret Bratton; Zoning Board of Appeals Vice Chairman Eric Johansen and Board of Assessment Appeals Richard Connel. 

"Their consistent leadership, together with the town’s professional staff, lead Avon through major statewide weather events with minimal impact to the town services residents expect, all while executing a long range plan for Avon," the party said of its returning Town Council candidates. 

The town committee also praised Roell, Stokesbury and Zirolli for their experience and "dedication to important sub-committees and education initiatives that continue to effectively keep Avon Schools top status in the region." The press release state that finance board candidates Speich, Durdan and Bratton have "proven ability to set the right balance of services and reasonable taxes while maintaining Avon’s important top bond rating status."

“Delivering a successful Republican candidate slate is rather straight forward and simple," Ladouceur said, “we identify and run people who are dedicated to seeing the town succeed and have the skills and experience to make good on that commitment."

The Avon Democrats held their caucus last week and are running many new faces, as well as four incumbents. Click on the link provided to read about the Democratic slate.