New Look Republicans: Four New Names for Council on November Slate

The Republican Party will have a new look on their ticket for Southington Town Council this fall, as four of the six sitting members will not be seeking reelection.

With a mixture of old faces including longtime council members Michael Riccio and Victoria Triano and new names including Paul Champagne and 28-year-old Tom Lombardi joining the mix, however, the party is confident that the group will be able to join incumbents Stephanie Urillo and Cheryl Lounsbury in retaining a super majority in 2013.

"We wanted to bring some people with experience to the ticket this year, as well as some new faces and younger members of our community," said Brian Callahan, chairman of the Southington Republican Town Committee. "With our candidates, there is a lot of talent and business experience that can help our town."

Callahan said the decision to bring in new faces this year was based solely on the personal decisions of the four council members who are not seeking reelection. John Dobbins, Peter Romano and Al Natelli Jr. have all served four years and felt it was time to step down and let others in town have an opportunity, he said. Louis Martocchio, who joined the council after Edward Pocock III resigned, is also not seeking reelection.

"It's a demanding job. For every council meeting, there are about six committee meetings. It can wear on you. These guys have helped accomplish a tremendous amount and they have done so while maintaining careers."

For Riccio and Triano, both who left after serving many years, the desire to run again has never left them and each said their love of the community and passion for Southington helped draw them back in.

Both have remained active in the community, working with civic and religious organizations, and Triano said she felt like it was time to return to the council and work for the people once again.

"I felt like I had some unfinished business and when i was approached, I decided I wanted to get back out there and talk with the residents, learn the issues and try once again," she said. "I feel at home helping the community and this is an opportunity for me to do that once again."

For newcomers Champagne, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Lombardi, the decision to run for council is due to a desire to make a difference in the community.

Champagne said he's learned a lot since his first run for office in 2011, when he gained election to the planning commission, and at 28-years-old, Lombardi said his decision was influenced by his parents including his mother Terry Lombardi, a member of the Board of Education, and their dedication to volunteerism.

Lombardi, a CPA with Centerplan Development in Middletown, said his mother did not push him to run, but provided support when he announced his intentions.

"My mom has always served as a role model for me and I've been taught by both my parents how important it is to give back to your community," Lombardi said. "I'm excited to run and can't wait to get out in the community and talk to everyone."

The Republican Party on Monday also nominated their candidates for other offices as well, including naming Kathy Larkin as candidate to replace retiring Southington Town Clerk Leslie Cotton and adding James Coleman alongside the incumbents on the Board of Finance. Wayne Stanforth is not seeking reelection this year.

The Board of Education has numerous familiar faces as all six candidates seek reelection. Brian Goralski, chairman of the board, said they can't get complacent and will look to hear from residents and continue work to improve an already great education system in Southington.

The complete list of Republican candidates for office is as follows:

*Denotes incumbent.

Town Council
Paul Champagne
Tom Lombardi
*Cheryl Lounsbury
Michael Riccio
Victoria Triano
*Stephanie Urillo

Board of Education
*Terri Carmody
*Colleen Clark
*Brian Goralski
*Terry Lombardi
*Jill Notar-Francesco
*Patricia Queen

Board of Finance
James Coleman
*Joseph Labieniec
*John Leary
*Edward Pocock Jr.

Planning and Zoning Commission
*Paul Chaplinsky Jr.
*Michael DelSanto
*Stephen Kalkowski

Board of Water Commissioners
*Gregory Klimaszewski

Southington Town Clerk
Kathy A. Larkin

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