Familiar Faces Headline 2011 Republican Slate

The list of candidates presented by the Republican town committee Wednesday evening will be recognizable to many local residents. And it should be.

The includes a group loaded with incumbents - five from the Town Council, five from the Board of Education, four from the Board of Finance and two from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Unveiling a six-point platform at the Spartan II Restaurant Wednesday that focuses on professionalism in government, promises of continued economic development in the community and collaboration among boards in town, the Republicans feel they already have a strong core in office.

"We have highly qualified people already in office," said Brian Goralski, Chairman of the Board of Education and one of those seeking reelection this fall. "We need to continue to make progress on what we've accomplished these past few years."

Joining the race for a seat on Town Council this year is Cheryl Lounsbury, a former councilwoman who looks to join incumbent party-mates Edward Pocock III, John Dobbins, Peter Romano Jr., Al Natelli Jr. and Stephanie Urillo.

Cheryl Lounsbury, Republican Town Committee chairwoman, said she's looking forward to the opportunity to serve the town once again after having last served from 2007-2009.

"If people want to know where their candidates stand, attending these meetings is the only way to hear first-hand what we stand for," said Lounsbury.

Together, she said the council hopes to build upon initiatives that have helped key economic growth in the community and improvement of the town's infastructure. Key components of the Republican Town Committee platform includes:

1. Professionalism in all levels of government.
2. Responsible fiscal planning through common sense business practices.
3. Proactive planning for all departments and boards.
4. Continuing collaboration and partnerships within government departments.
5. Foster respect and support for the town's seniors.
6. Support for quality education within our schools.

Much of the success will depend on allowing Republican council members and the four incumbent members of the Board of Finance - John Leary, Edward Pocock Jr., Joseph Labieniec and Wayne Stanforth - to continue efforts already underway, committee members said.

There are a few new faces on the slate this year, however, including new Board of Education candidate Terry Lombardi who will look to replace the seat currently held by Rosemarie Fischer. Fischer is not seeking reelection.

Lombardi regards coming to public service from a 'paying it forward' perspective. As past president of YMCA-Southington-Cheshire and accomplished businesswoman, Lombardi emphasized the importance of quality of education.

"I am who I am because of the educators who were in my life," said Lombardi. "It is a critical that our children will need to compete in a global economy for viable jobs," said Lombardi. "I am looking forward to being a part of a great team."

Robert Sherman, Republican Registrar of Voters, said he is excited about this year's race and looks forward to seeing what happens.

"Local elections, are in essence, more important than presidential ones," expressed Robert L. Sherman,"It's the person that lives in your town, the local official, that feels what you feel on a day-to-day basis. Those folks are who work for you."