Candidate Bio: Linda Szynkowicz (R) Board of Education

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 
See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Republican Candidate for Board of Education
Linda Szynkowicz

I am running for the Board of Education in the City of Middletown because I believe I can help make changes that will save the tax payers money without sacrificing the education of our children. I would bring a new perspective and fresh ideas to the Board of Education.

Husband: Vincent P. Szynkowicz (Elevator Mechanic)

Daughter: Andrea Juliana Nease - Attending Dartmouth in Hanover, NH.

Current Occupation: Professional Mystery Shopper (18 years), Security Auditor (14 years) and Entrepreneur

Author of the book series: “Police on Patrol” Interviewed over 3000 police and law enforcement officers across the country

Former Radio Host: “Police on Patrol” (7 ½ years)

Former Cable TV Host: “Public Safety on Patrol” (7 years)

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Candidate Video by Palin Smith: Who is Angel R. Fernandez for Common Council?

Below is an article originally written by blogger Robert Cyr at CT Latino News and published at:http://ctlatinoe news.com/blog/2013/09/06/middletown-candidate-seeks-to-expand-latino-political-influence/.
Read out previous post about Fernandez, who is volunteers Deputy Chief at the City's Emergency management department. Fernandez is a husband, father, veteran and small business owner of Eleven Charlie LLC, a company that recently donated over $10K worth of training to the City of Middletown. Fernandez is running as a Republican for a seat on the Common Council.

http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/06/citizen-angel-fernandez-donates.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Angel Fernandez Republican Candidate
 for Common Council Middletown

Middletown Candidate Seeks to Expand Latino Political Influence

By Robert Cyr

As the Latino population in Connecticut’s Middlesex County grows, so does their political influence. Angel Fernandez, who is already a well-known name in Middletown, Conn., political and public service circles, is a prime example of this trend as he seeks a seat on the city’s Common Council expanding the role Latinos play in the city.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s Latino population rose 9.79 percent between 2011 and 2012, and is now home to about 8,600 Latinos residents.

He’s the first Latino to head the city’s emergency management operations and has taught courses on terrorism response to Office of Emergency Management staff.

Now he is poised to possibly make history in Middletown again this November. He is the first Hispanic running for the Common Council as a Republican.

“I’ve always been a Republican since the day I joined the military,” Fernandez said of his decision to run for the GOP in a city where Hispanics traditionally are Democrats. Even his family says he is the unusual one, he said.

He believes that the GOP better represents the needs of the U.S. military, as well as better following the Constitution in the way they govern.

Fernandez said entering local politics was a tough decision for him, but the state’s new restrictive gun laws were enough to force his hand.

“I just figured the only way to make changes is through the local politics then go to state level to make the changes and to really listen to the people and do what the people (voters) ask of you,” he said. “ Is not the other way around, I see politicians who forget that the voters put them in office to do the right thing for them and not what is beneficial to you as a person”

He added, “So, basically, I said my job is not done serving my country now. It is my city and state that I have to go and serve.”

His military career began in 1989, and he retired with an honorable medical discharge due to injuries from the current war on terrorism.

He served in Southern California as an aviation ordnanceman from 1989-91 and was in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He later served in the Army from 1991 until 1995 as an infantry soldier. In 2000, he was called to serve back in the Navy as a military police officer in an anti-terrorist unit and did a short stint as protective service.

“I was General Frank’s body guard during Sept 11, 2001, then I was working with NATO Forces in Crete, Greece. I was in Little Creek, Va., and did multiple tours in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom,” he said.

Fernandez retired at Sub-base New London in 2007. He was awarded numerous commendations and awards, including being the first US Navy Hispanic inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame. He also received  the J. Edgar Hoover Award for training excellence of Law Enforcement Personnel around the world.

Fernandez said his background influenced his decision to run for office.

“It’s not just being a Latino but as an American, I have come from a poor family that worked its way up to what I am now,” he said.. “I can relate to everybody from all walks of life because I have been there.”

“The Latino population is really growing in Middletown. In the past 17 years I have been here I saw a increase the past 2 years which is great and that’s one of the other reason I want to run for office so the city and county can be part of the changes in our community.

Fernandez, 44, studied public safety administration and criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 2007. He has three sons, including a platoon sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps serving overseas.

Below is a video courtesy of guest blogger and videographer Palin Smith of Candidate (R) for Common Council Angel Fernandez.  Read his previously submitted complete bio here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/09/candidate-bio-angel-fernandez-r-first.html

www.middletowngop.com

Candidate Bio: Linda Salafia (R) Common Council

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 
See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Republican Incumbent Candidate for Common Council
Linda Salafia

For the past two years, I have worked tirelessly to try and bring financial stability to our City. I have endorsed efforts to lower taxes and balance the budget. Last fiscal year, I co-drafted a budget that if adopted would have saved the city money and still provided the vital services our citizens rely on. I have voted twice against budgets that would that significantly raised our taxes. I deeply care about the safety, well being, education, economic vitality, and financial stability of the residents of our city; that is why I am running for re-election to the Common Council.

I ask voters to choose candidates that can provide checks and balances between our legislative and executive branches of our government. Please Vote for the WHOLE Republican ticket. VOTE ROW A! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was born in Biddeford, Maine, but grew up in Portland, CT in where my dad taught in the Portland Public School.

I am a graduate of Portland High School and of the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont where I earned a B.S. in education, elementary with a concentration in math.  I’ve also earned a Certificate in Accounting from the Morse School of Business

I’ve worked at local businesses since high school, including Wannerstrom’s in Portland, Mallove’s Jewelers in Middletown, the Institute of Living in Hartford as a Psychiatric Aide, as Bookkeeper for Insurance and Real Estate Center, Inc in Middletown.  I’ve worked for the City of Middletown in the Tax Collector’s and Purchasing Offices.  I’m retired from the City of Middletown, where I was the Payroll/Pension Supervisor in the Finance Office. In my retirement, I have become a small business owner; I started Traditions + Treasures Gift Shop a unique craft and gift line currently located at the Ivoryton Inn's Gift Shop in Essex.

Memberships:

AFSCME Local 466 member for over 25 years, 10 years as an officer, including Vice President

FCRV (Family Campers & RVer’s), since 1993 and past Secretary

Polish Falcons

Middletown Kiwanis current member

I have been married for 33 years to my husband Tom, and have one daughter Molly Salafia.

I have been endorsed by local Union 466 Council 4 AFSCME

www.middletownctgop.com

Candidate Bio: Vin Szynkowicz (R) for Planning and Zoning

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 
See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Candidate for Planning & Zoning
Vin Szynkowicz

 I am currently in my 31^st year as an Elevator Mechanic and a proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 91 and currently Chairman of our Executive Board. As a member of Planning & Zoning, I will work toward the development of the City of Middletown, specifically to develop the Riverfront area as a showpiece and gathering place for all in our community to enjoy. I will work to bring new business to our city to provide jobs and increase our tax base.

Wife: Linda J. Szynkowicz

Children: Nicole Cowie & Paul Szynkowicz

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Candidate Bio: David Greaves (R) for Board of Assessment Appeals

  Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 
See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals

David Greaves (R)

I currently work for the Town of Manchester CT as the delinquent collector of revenue.

I have been a resident of Middletown for close to 10 years now and have enjoyed the many groups, programs and opportunities that residents of Middletown have and present on an ongoing basis.

Over the last 9 years I've spent a great deal of time as a member and officer of a local fraternal organization working to help present a positive impact in our community.

During this time I've held a number of positions, including: Vice President, President and Trustee, as well as headed the monthly bulletin, Veteran Committee, and Soccer Shoot, I also served on the National Veterans Service Commission, and as the Middletown Central District - District Deputy.  

I have also chaired and assisted in several events for including:
Annual children events, Annual Charity events to raise money for the CT Children’s Hospital, Annual Children’s Halloween Party for the Middlesex County Community, and many different motorcycle runs.

One thing that I can say about Middletown is that all their private and fraternal organizations care about their community and I have been proud to be a part of making Middletown a better place to live.

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

The Power of Bauer: Candidate Declines Endorsement, Clarifies Position on Former Councilmens' Performance

Former Councilman David Bauer seeks re-election

In an article published yesterday in the Hartford Courant three term Councilman seeking re-election this November, David Bauer elaborated on his decision to decline the endorsement from the Realistic Party of Middletown. Bauer was nominated to the Middletown Republican slate as a Council candidate, and in the Courant article,  he discusses his wishes to focus on being part of the GOP slate.

The Courant quotes Bauer as follows: "I am pleased and confident that the Republican slate has such a commitment, and they are the team I wish to associate with."

Republican Town committee executive board members  party Chairman Ken McClellan and vice Chair William Wilson, have said in various public forums that they, and the nominating committee for 2013 GOP candidates, no longer agreed with views held by Pessina and Bibisi. 

Bauer gave a letter to decline the Realistic Balance nomination to the Town Clerk earlier this week to have his name removed from the RB line on the ballot, the letter reads: 

"I was pleased to run on the Realistic Balance Party ticket in 2011 when there was a bipartisan selection of candidates. Sadly, the character of this year's Realistic Balance candidates is dominated by the inclusion of candidates Joseph Bibisi and Philip Pessina.

I was part of the Middletown Republican Town Committee selection process that rejected both Phil and Joe's application to the GOP slate. My personal reason to reject their applications was my disappointment in their performance in the current term of the Common Council. 

Philip Pessina and Joseph Bibisi hold the minority leadership positions, so they must take responsibility that the council minority did not advance a single resolution to the council agenda in the entire term, and rarely, if ever, even met in caucus. They let the council majority do all the work of the council, and simply postured their opinions on the majority's legislative resolutions. 

An entire third of the council was rendered ineffective, and I consider that unacceptable. The council minority did show up at meetings, but they showed up empty-handed. 

If our local government is to work its best, all our elected officials have to work. I am pleased and confident that the Republican slate has made such a commitment, and they are the team I wish to associate with, and they are the team I hope the Middletown Voters will support on November 5th. 

We will reward your trust with hard work and innovative legislation to improve Middletown's services and financial stability in a sustainable manner, insuring that the 'checks and balances' that make our democracy so great, are consistently there the entire term."

An article in the Middletown Patch also elaborates on Bauer's position to run solely as part of the GOP team.

Candidates Featured on Cable Access Tonight: Middletown Perspectives Live at 8pm!

David Bauer, host, and Candidate for Common Council

Tonight host and 2013 Common Council candidate David Bauer sits down with 2013 Republican Council Candidate and current BOE member Ryan Kennedy. Kennedy has been an advocate for better spending practices by the board of education.

They are joined by Planning and Zoning Commissioner and candidate for City Treasurer Molly Salafia. Salafia recently announced her run and platform to eliminate the $4,000+ annual stipend for the treasurer's position which she calls a "figurehead" and "political patronage prize with a bill to taxpayers." For an article on her positions see the post written by Cassandra Day of the Patch
Republican Vying for City Treasurer on Mission to defund the position
 Also featured on tonight's show are candidates Angel Fernandez for Common Council and Robert Simpson candidate for Planning and Zoning.

Candidate Angel Fernandez, a father, a war veteran, and small business owner of Eleven Charlie LLC, is an emergency management volunteer who recently donated several thousand dollars worth of training to the City. Fernandez Donates Emergency Management Training and Patch: Local Company Donates $10K Worth of EMS Training

Candidate Robert Simpson currently works as a Legislative Aide for the House Republicans in the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford. His previous employment has been on political campaigns on the local, state and federal level, specializing in grassroots activities and organization. Simpson achieved the title of Eage Scout, graduated in the top 5% of his class, and has a Bachelors in Political Science from the University of Connecticut.

Middletown Perspectives Hosted by David Bauer

Comcast Channel 15 Live at 8 pm.

Candidate for P&Z Robert Simpson brings a fresh perspective to Middletown zoning.

Candidate Angel Fernandez , Emergency Management specialist.

Ryan Kennedy, co host, candidate for Common Council

Molly Salafia, candidate for Treasurer on mission to defund position

Press Release: Middletown Republican Town Committee Meets August 26th, all Welcome

Press Release: "Middletown Republican Town Committee Meets August 26, all Welcome.
Meeting to take place at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

We've nominated our candidates for the 2013 Municipal Elections!

Congratulations to all the nominated candidates, and my personal thanks to all who put their names forward to run for office.

We're now gearing up for the election, and we need volunteers to help:  headquarters volunteers, mailer prep, advertising, get-out-the-vote, drivers to get people to the polls, organizers.  Anyone who wants to help get Republicans into city offices.

We also need your financial support.  If you can help, please see our Help page.

call 860-346-4876 or email Chairman@middletownctgop.com

to volunteer and help."
Vice Chairman William Wilson

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Photo credit: MRTC Press Release