Meet Your Republican Team!
When there's a will'ington', there's a w.a.y!
Board of Selectmen
First Selectman: Peter Tanaka |
Second Selectman: Matt Clark
Peter Tanaka
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Peter Tanaka is running for First Selectman! Thoughtful, Compassionate, Balanced. This is Peter Tanaka. With over 30 years of experience working in various town committees, boards and organizations, Tanaka is ready to step into First Selectman and move Willington forward! He is currently serving on the Board of Finance and has a strong presence with Emergency Services, chairing the Emergency Services Efficiency Committee; Both essential pieces of background we need for our First Selectman! When he isn't serving Willington, you can find Peter wood working! Vote for Peter Tanaka this November!
"I'm running to improve the communication between Willington residents and our Town Government. I want to ensure continued financial stability, to maintain town facilities and consistently provide the best possible possible municipal service for everyone!" -Peter |
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Matt Clark is running for Board of Selectman! Matt is a Director at an international research company where he helps clients design, price, and market medical technologies. Previously he ran his own consulting company where he worked for Morton Salt, Mohegan Sun Casino, The State of Connecticut, Stihl Chainsaws, and Connecticut Children's Medical Center among others. He has also served on the Town of Willington Board of Finance and the Economic Development Commission. Voting for Matt this November is a vote for change when it comes to how your local government represents you.
"I plan on helping bring a professional approach to town operations and town finance that anticipates and plans ahead for our needs. As a resident of Willington for almost 10 years, I have become passionate about serving our community. My expertise in Finance and Management will lead Willington in a positive direction. I’m ready to work for ALL of Willington." -Matt |
Matt Clark
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Board of Education
Jon Mitchell, Nick Tella, Samantha Sperry, Arthur Christensen
Jon Mitchell
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Jon Mitchell is running for the Board of Education! Jon has a Bachelors of Communication with Minor in Business, and current is a Systems Administrator for Manchester Public Schools, where he is also the Co-President of the IT union. Jon has worked at MPS since 2010 and will bring an immense amount of experience to Willington. Additionally, Jon is the Chair of the Prudential Board for the Federated Church of Willington and enjoys volunteering for the community. In his spare time, you can find Jon fishing and camping with his family. Vote for Jon this November!
"As a father of two children who attend WPS and a citizen of this town, I am committed to improving the outcomes for children in this district." -Jon |
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Nick Tella is running for the Board of Ed! Nick spent 12 years in the military, with 8 years as military police and a deployment to the Middle East. He has volunteered for various events in previous communities from military events to assisting at school events. Currently, Nick is actively bringing awareness to things that go on in the Willington School System and has a current FOIA hearing to bring light to how land was selected for the potential new school. Nick is also running for Library Board. When Nick isn't serving the community, you can find him spending time with his family camping, biking or hanging out at the local lakes in the area. Vote for Nick this November!
"Current leadership has failed us. Children’s test scores are consistently dropping below average, school repairs have not been prioritized, and many people feel there is a lack of transparency. Vote for me and I will fight for us!” -Nick |
Nick Tella
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Samantha Sperry
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Samantha Sperry is running for the Board of Education! Samantha grew up in Ashford, and attended Windham Tech for Architectural Drafting, graduating in 2008. She has an Associates Degree in Business Administration, and is also the co-owner of an HVAC business with her father. Samantha also founded a scholarship program in 2018 for HVAC students at Windham Tech and is a major advocate for supporting students to become productive attributes to society. During her spare time, you can catch Samantha trying out different cafés and restaurants with her friends and family, as well as attending concerts. Vote for Samantha Sperry this November!
"After having my first child, I identified a need for a relatable member of our community to represent parents on the board of education." -Samantha |
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Arthur Christensen is running for re-election on the Board of Education! As a local softball and basketball coach for grades K-2, and former substitute teacher at WPS, Arthur always strives to do what is best for the kids of Willington and beyond. As a member of the Region 19 BOE, he has accomplished many things during his time on the board thus far, including:
“I want to continue my work on the Region 19 & Willington BOE to improve the educational experience for our students. I will work tirelessly to update policies, review curriculum and monitor school repairs to ensure a safe and educational environment for students to succeed.” -Arthur |
Arthur Christensen
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Board of Finance
Walter Parsell & Bruce Lawler
Walter Parsell
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Walter Parsell is running for Board of Finance! We have three words for Walter: GET. THINGS. DONE. He has a degree in Economics from UCONN and has spent the last 22 years as a Maintenance, Manufacturing and Facility Engineering Manager at Prysmian Group (General Cable). Walter has experience in project management as well as budget, making him an excellent candidate to cast your vote for this November!
"I feel that my many years of budget experience in private industry would be an asset to the BOF. I fully support maintaining our town infrastructure, and programs that are important to town residents. However, I believe that we don't always look at the most cost effective ways to do this." -Walter |
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Bruce Lawler is running for Board of Finance! He and his wife have been operating their full service residential and commercial cleaning business. Bruce's experience brings a perspective on business management, financial responsibility and customer service. In his spare time, you can find Bruce on the farm with his wife tending to the horses they board and growing vegetables or walking his dog, Atlas. Vote for Bruce this November!
"As a small town, I feel Willington needs a fiscal approach that protects the resources of both working families and retired citizens on fixed incomes. They should not be burdened through higher levels of taxation due to unrestrained spending." -Bruce |
Bruce Lawler
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Treasurer
Doug Roberts
Doug Roberts
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Doug Roberts is running for Treasurer! Doug is a Program Manager in the power generation business sector. He has degrees in engineering and business administration and is additionally a certified Project Manager Professional. Doug been serving on the Planning & Zoning commission continuously since February 2012 . Recently, Doug joined the Willington Hill Fire Department where he has his operating license to drive fire apparatus’ and attended the Fire Academy for Exterior Firefighting. When he isn't serving his community, you can find Doug spending time with his family, building furniture or doing a variety of outdoor activities! Vote for Doug this November!
"Having a strong career, management experience in the power generation industry as well as serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission since February 2012, I offer a reliable, detail-oriented, focused perspective with a willingness to explore folks’ perspectives on issues. I look forward to serving the community of Willington as its Treasurer." -Doug |
Board of assessment appeals
- Ed Taimen
Library Board
- Nick Tella
Paid for by the Willington Republican Town Committee; Diane Bulick, Treasurer.