2023 Candidates

Caring. Committed. Experienced Leadership.

Delivering results for today and tomorrow

 

Town Council

Joe Capodiferro, Chair

I have served on the Town Council for Four years and sat as vice chair the past two. As a third generation resident of Farmington, a 26-year veteran of the Farmington Police Department and an active volunteer on a number of non-profit organizations, I know our Town. Kim, my wife of 22 years, and I have two children, Cooper 17 who is going to be a senior at FHS and Nathan 20 who attends TCTC

Why am I Running?

I am running because I love this town. Farmington is well managed, has outstanding schools and excellent Town services. Maintaining a strong commercial base has allowed our residents to consistently have one of the lowest mill rates and taxes in Farmington Valley. I look forward to continuing the long history of fiscal responsibility of our Town.

During the past 4 years on the Town Council representing the 1 st district I have supported our new High School, created our Racial Equality Taskforce, been the liaison for TPZ, WPC, Human Relations, 1928 Building, and Land Acquisition Committee. I have continually supported maintaining a low tax rate without reducing services to our citizens, many of whom moved here due to low taxes.

I graduated from Farmington High School and I have had the honor of following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather when I joined the Farmington Police Department. Together they served for 60 years. I am extremely proud of the fact that my family and I have protected this community for over 86 years.

Early in my professional career as the Community Police Officer I met with many local businesses and residents on a regular basis, getting to understand their needs and concerns. As the K-9 Police officer for over 10 years my K-9 partner Drak and I would visit our schools and students, gaining a new perspective on our Town.

Community Service has always been important to my family and me. I am currently on the board of the Farmington Community Chest, a proud member of UNICO and a former board member of Amy’s Angels. I am honest, hardworking, fiscally responsible, and with my background, I am confident that I can represent my community for the next two years as your Town Council Chair.

Contact: voteforjoect@gmail.com

Phone: 860-748-3661

Sarah Healey, Town Council 1st District

Why I am running:

I believe that Farmington is a uniquely special and beautiful place to raise a family, and I am committed to ensuring it remains that way for all who live here.  As a lawyer, mother of two children, and current Board of Education member, I have a strong work ethic, sense of civic duty, and ability to build relationships for the common good.  If elected, I would be honored to work for the residents of Farmington to ensure a continued bright future for our town and financial stability for all taxpayers.

Resume:

  • Board of Education Member 2020 – Present

    - Curriculum Committee

    - Elementary Enrollment Ad hoc Committee

    - Building Committee

    - Noah Wallace Fund

    - Community Council for Equity and Inclusion

    - Personnel Committee (2020-22)

    - Liaison to Chamber of Commerce (2020-22)

  • B.A., summa cum laude, Drew University

  • J.D., with honors, University of Connecticut School of Law

    -Executive Editor, UCONN Law Review 2007/2008

  • Current law firm partner, concentration in employment litigation

  • Pro bono attorney representing children in neglect and abuse matters

  • Third-generation Farmington resident (Boettger)

  • Former Member, Board of Directors, Friends Center for Children, New Haven

  • Former Member, Board of Directors, Acts 4 Ministry, Inc., Waterbury

  • Sarah and her husband, John, have two children at Noah Wallace

Shari Greco, Town Council 1st District

Hello, Farmington neighbors and friends! I'm Shari Greco, and I'm excited to share my journey and my vision as I run for the Farmington Town Council in the 1st District. For over 20 years, Farmington has been my cherished home, and now, I'm eager to step up and contribute to the growth and betterment of this incredible community.

Why am I running?

I seek to enhance Farmington's progress through collaborative decision-making. As a candidate for Town Council, my commitment to community welfare and sustainable development drives me. I believe in inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, responsive governance, and making a positive impact on residents' lives.

A Journey of Leadership: Professionally, I've had the privilege of serving as the Regional Sales Manager at Gray Media/WFSB for over 4+ years and in various leadership roles in the media industry for over 30+ years. These roles have taught me the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, a skill that I believe is crucial for effective governance.

Nurturing Values and Community: Over the years, I've been deeply involved in education and community engagement in Farmington.  From my dedication as a Catechism Teacher at St. Patrick's Church for 10+ years, proud monthly volunteer at Immacare Shelter, Social and Fundraising Chair for the Farmington High School Project Graduation, Fundraising lead, and Snack Shack Manager for FHS Football Booster Club and past member of the Garden Gate Association Board.  I've been able to make a positive impact on all these incredible organizations.

My passion for supporting families and fostering a sense of belonging led me to become a current Board Member of the Auburn University Parents Family Association at Auburn University.

My journey wouldn't be complete without the love and support of my amazing family. I've been married to my wonderful husband, Garry Greco, for 25 years, and together, we've raised our incredible children, Nicolas and Mia Greco who are both graduates from Farmington High School and attend Auburn University, in Alabama.

A Promise to Farmington: As a proud Farmington resident, I understand the unique needs and aspirations of our community. My experience, dedication, and passion uniquely position me to serve as your advocate on the Farmington Town Council - 1st District. I'm committed to amplifying your voices, addressing your concerns, and working collaboratively to build a brighter future for all of us.

Keith Vibert, Town Council 2nd District (incumbent)

Why am I running?

I am running for Town Council because I love Unionville and Farmington and I have sincerely enjoyed participating in our local Government these past 4 years. If re-elected I will continue to put the residents of our town first in every decision I am a part of. I am a 4th generation life long resident with deep roots in town. I am a father of 3 kids, all of which will attend Farmington Public Schools. I care about our town's history and while we all know change is a constant I will always work to make sure any changes are smart, necessary and that they fit the character of our town. I believe strongly that it is the responsibility of Town Council to keep our services top notch and carefully monitor our spending. I grew up in Unionville, I am a product of Farmington’s 2nd District and I would be honored to represent it again as a member of Town Council.

Resume:

  • Farmington Town Council, 2022-present

    -TPZ Liaison

    -Retirement Board

    -Library Board Liaison

    -Stephen A. Flis Scholarship Fund

  • Town Planning and Zoning member 2020-2022

  • B.S. in Business Management, Entrepreneurship focus, CCSU

  • Small business owner

  • Justice of the Peace, Town of Farmington

  • Member, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce

  • Republican Town Committee Member

  • Donner/Member Farmington Land Trust

  • Former Realtor

  • 4th generation, lifelong Farmington resident, 2001 FHS graduate

  • Married to Nicole Vibert, father of three children; Jake (6), Jordy (3), Emme (1)

  • More Information: https://patch.com/connecticut/farmington/keith-vibert-running-farmington-farmington-town-council

    Contact: kwvibert@gmail.com

    Phone: 860-670-2287

Amy Palumbo, Town Council 2nd District

Why I’m Running?

As a resident, parent, business owner, and volunteer, I am running for Town Council to preserve and expand the remarkably high quality of life we enjoy here in Farmington & Unionville. In 2022, I retired from a 43-year career as a regulatory accounting analyst with Northeast Utilities. Since 2005, my husband and I have owned and operated Farmington Jewelers in Unionville, where we’ve treasured the opportunity to build close relationships with so many of our fellow residents. I spent a decade as a member (and former President) of The Farmington Community Chest and the Unionville Improvement Association. As a member of the Town Council, I will work with anyone who shares a desire to strike the appropriate balance between low taxes, wonderful schools and the excellent services that we cherish – those things that brought many of us to this town and keep us here. I hope I can earn your vote on November 7th.

Resume:  

  • Northeast Utilities/Eversource, Regulatory Accounting Analyst, Retired 1979 – 2022

  • Married to Gary Palumbo, 36 years, owner of Farmington Jewelers, two children

  • Farmington Jewelers, Financial Officer 1986 – Present

  • Farmington Community Chest, President 2016 – 2022

  • Farmington Community Chest, Board Member 2013 – 2016

  • Dr. Edward Dunne Scholarship Committee (Medical Scholarships) Unionville Board Member 2015 - Present

  • Middle Beach Association, Westbrook, CT, Treasurer 2004 – 2022

  • Council of Beaches, Westbrook, CT, Delegate Member 2017 – 2022

  • Unionville Improvement Association, Board Member 2013 – 2019

  • BSCI in Business Management, Post University

  • Hartford Federal Savings Bank, Accountant 1978 - 1979

  • Lewis Mills HS Crew Team, Burlington, CT, Treasurer and Head Chef 2007– 2011

  • Farmington Resident since 2011

  • St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Member

 

Board of Education

Angela Cianci

Why am I running?

Angela is most passionate about her family and friends. With three young children going through the Farmington School District, Angela is a committed and active leader who wants to have a positive impact on her children’s educational experience. She is an independent thinker who is approachable, reasonable, and empathetic to others. Angela also excels in problem solving and driving efficiencies. Angela would be humbled to serve on the Farmington School District Board of Education where she will place the good and welfare of our children first and foremost to ensure academic and social excellence.

Resume:

  • Angela and her husband Paul have lived in Farmington since 2016. They have three young children, CJ (7), Luke (5) and Anna (3).

  • Angela has bachelor’s (cum laude) and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering, both from Villanova University, where she attended on an academic Presidential Scholarship. Angela was an active member of the Villanova community where she held leadership roles on the Student Government Association and Special Olympics Committee. She was an integral part of organizing the Special Olympics Fall Festival while at Villanova – the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world. She also volunteered her time for the children of Amigos de Jesus – an orphanage located in Honduras. Angela was fortunate enough to travel to Honduras where she helped to design and build foundations for new school buildings. She maintains strong alumni ties to Villanova, and actively participates in mentoring young engineering students.

  • After spending several years in NYC as a structural engineer, most recently working for industry leader Thornton Tomasetti, she relocated to Branford, CT with her husband until 2016. For the past eleven years, Angela has been employed in the wine and spirits wholesale industry and currently serves as Director of Supply Chain Operations at Breakthru Beverage Group. Angela manages the demand planning and supply chain logistics for the entire Diageo and Moet Hennessy portfolios across seven states.

  • Angela served as Vice President of the East Farms PTO for the 2022-2023 school year. In her role as VP, she worked closely with school administrators and parents to coordinate parent volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Angela was also class parent for her 1st grader last year, and for the past two years, she also headed the PTO Appreciation Committee, which highlighted the community’s gratitude for our dedicated East Farms faculty, through PTO-funded breakfasts, Italian ice treats and faculty school apparel purchases, to name a few.

  • As a member of the Devonwood Homeowners Association board for the last two years, Angela has passionately focused on community/family activities. As chair of the Social Committee, her team completely transformed their Halloween and Easter events in the neighborhood –with hundreds of people attending these family-focused, fun-filled afternoons, including local business participation.

  • Angela and her family are also parishioners at St. Patrick’s Church.

  • When Angela is not at dance class with her daughter, or on the sidelines cheering for her boys in soccer or lacrosse she loves spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities and rooting on Villanova basketball.

    Contact: Angela.Cianci.BOE@gmail.com

    Phone: 516-330-1433

Nicole Morin

  • Why am I running?

    Nicole was born and raised in Farmington. Nicole has taken the Back the Blue campaign by storm in Farmington and surrounding towns. As a mother and a well known member of the community she believes strongly in giving back to Farmington and Unionville.

    Resume:

    • President for the Exchange Club of Farmington

    • Works in the New Britain school system servicing students from K-5

    • Attended CCSU where she was the Vice President of Phi Sigma Sigma, as well as holding a position on the board of Social Coordination for 2 terms

    • Currently serves on the Farmington Mudhogs board

    • Farmington Community Chest

Suraj Kurtakoti

  • Chemical Engineer from National Institute of Technology, India

  • MBA - Penn State Graduate (Go Nittany Lions!!)

  • Resident of Farmington since 2011

  • First Generation Immigrant/Citizen

  • Ex- Board of Director for South West Village Condominiums, Farmington

  • Member of Farmington High School Building Committee

  • Member of Financial Committee under Farmington High School Building Committee

  • Republican Town Committee Member

  • Married to Dr Sowmya Kurtakoti

  • Yoga practitioner

  • Motorbike aficionado

  • Math enthusiast - Teaches Math to 6th Graders at RSM Simsbury 

  • Math Teaching Assistant - Penn State 

  • Contact: surajsk50@gmail.com

    Phone: 203-240-1322

Town Planning and Zoning

Rojia Afshar

  • Master of Laws, UConn Law, 2014 

  • In-house counsel for a Connecticut corporation 

  • Farmington resident

Why am I running? 

I fled Iran for freedom in the U.S., and became a proud citizen in 2022. Now I want to give back to our community through public service.

Farmington is a lovely place. Let’s work together to keep it that way. If our town is to remain the wholesome, charming gem that you and l know and love, we need to protect it from runaway development. That is why you can count on me, Attorney Rojia Afshar, to be your eyes and ears on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission. As your representative on the Commission, I will do all I can to help our town control its growth to maintain the quality of life you and I moved here for in the first place.

Robert “Bobby” Canto

  • Lifelong resident of Farmington (FHS class of '90)

  • Town Planning and Zoning member 2023-Present

  • Former member of Inland/wetlands Commission

  • Raised in a construction family (specializing in paving, concrete, and granite curb installation)

  • Proudly served in the United States Coast Guard 

  • Retired police officer (Berlin PD) Traffic officer for 8 years assisting their planning and Zoning office with traffic concerns.

    -2018 Recipient of a Life Saving Award. 

    -2022 Chief's Achievement Award.

  • Currently working as a real estate agent with CT Realty Pros

  • Married for 25 years to Nadine Coutinho (class of '93). Raised two 2 girls (Ashley and Julia) who went through East Farms, IAR, and FHS.

Jigesh Shah, Alternate

  • Graduated York College of PA with a BS in Business Administration.

  • Graduated SCSU with an MBA.

  • Farmington Resident since 2014.

  • First Generation Immigrant/Citizen.

  • Currently an insurance broker for one of the largest wholesale agencies in the country.

  •  Married to Ankita Shah and have 2 wonderful little girls. Maya and Misha.

Kyla Zimmermann, Alternate

  • NDT senior engineering examiner

  • RTC memeber 

  • serves on the human relation Commission 

  • Serves on the FRTC Screening Committee

  • Republican Town Committee Member

    Why am I running?

    I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Town Planning and Zoning Commission as an alternate. 

    I understand the vital role that thoughtful zoning policies play in safeguarding property rights and promoting economic prosperity, and I am committed to serving our community. 

    I value transparent and accountable governance. I am committed to upholding conservative principles while ensuring that every resident’s voice is heard. By fostering open communication and encouraging community participation, we can create a planning process that genuinely represents the desires and needs of our diverse population.

     I firmly believe that a balanced approach to development, one that prioritizes sustainability and the preservation of green spaces, is essential for a thriving and resilient community.

    If elected, I will collaborate with fellow committee members to develop smart growth strategies that maintain the character of our neighborhoods while fostering a welcoming environment for investment and innovation.

    I am deeply honored to be part of the Republican tradition, and I am committed to representing our party’s values as I serve our town and its residents. 

    I kindly ask for your support and vote in the upcoming election. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me

Zoning Board of Appeals

Kerry Callahan (incumbent)

  • Farmington Resident for over 30 years

  • Graduate of Middlebury College and the University of Connecticut School of Law

  • Member and current secretary of the Farmington Zoning Board of Appeals

  • Member, former board of directors member, finance committee member, Winding Trails

  • Principal and chair of the litigation practice group, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.

  • Current president of the Connecticut (Civil) Defense Lawyers’ Association

  • Member of the Farmington River Anglers’ Association and avid fly fisherman, committed to preserving the Farmington River

  • .Enthusiastic, if not great, skier and Member of the Mad River Glen Cooperative

Ronald Llewellyn (incumbent)

  • Zoning Board of Appeals – 13+ years

  • Past President Farmington Rotary

  • Past Board of Director, Farmington Chamber of Commerce

  • Married to Sheila

  • Owner, Ron’s Automotive Unionville

Peter Mastrobattista, Alternate

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • 20 years of public service in Farmington

  • Town Council  (2013-2015 and 2019 to present)

    -Chair of Council Land Acquisition, Farmington Gateway Committee, Retirement Board and Liaison to TPZ

  • Member (since 1993) and Past Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Training Captain, Farmington Volunteer Fire Department

  • Past member Fire Service Board

  • President of the Bass Plating Company, Bloomfield, CT

  • Alternate Member, Town Plan and Zoning Commission, 2010-2012

  • Third-generation Farmington resident, with community roots reaching back 100 years

  • A., Northeastern University

  • Married to Laura Mastrobattista

  • Father of two daughters, FHS graduates, class of 2014 and 2020

Phil Dunn, Alternate

Why am I running?

I am seeking this office as our Town needs committed volunteers to staff our various Boards and Commissions and I have the experience to serve my friends and neighbors on this important Board.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Resume:

  • B.A. Fairfield University, 1985

  • J.D. University of Connecticut, 1988

  • Trial lawyer at Jackson O’Keefe, LLP.

  • Member of Town Planning and Zoning Commission, 2010--2018

  • Chairman of the Town Planning and Zoning Commission 2012—2018

  • Member of Farmington Water Pollution Control Authority

  • Past Member of the Inland Wetlands Commission.

  • Member of the Knights of Columbus

  • Thirty Year Farmington Resident.

  • Husband to Kimberly and father of Brian, Grace and Kerry-- all Farmington High School graduates.

Board of Assessment Appeals

R Higley copy.jpg

Rich Higley (incumbent)

  • Firefighter/EMT with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 since 2000

  • Current Tunxis Hose Fire Chief since 2012

  • Member of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association

  • Assessment Appeals Board since March of 2022

  • Town resident for 23 years

  • Married to Cheryl for 37 years with two son's Richard Jr. and Zachary

Mike Koster, D.C.

  • Connecticut State Representative: International Chiropractors Association 2023-Current

  • Chairman of the board: Connecticut Chiropractic Council 2023-Current

  • President: Connecticut Chiropractic Council 2021-2023

  • Doctor of Chiropractic: New York Chiropractic College 2003

  • BS in Biology: Old Dominion University Honors College 2000

  • Member: Farmington Republican Town Committee 

  • Member: Avon/Canton & Farmington Chamber of Commerce

  • Owner of Life Family Chiropractic with 7 locations including Farmington

  • Local small business owner since 2008

  • Farmington resident since 2006

  • Married to Melissa Koster a local Teacher and Reading Instructional Coach

  • Father of two FHS graduates

 
 

Constables

Diane Rogers (incumbent)

  • Following in the footsteps of...

    -My father, Ralph Hollinger - Farmington Constable 1959 - 1977

    -My late husband, Richard Rogers - Farmington Constable 1979 - 2007

  • Farmington Constable 2007 - Present

  • Lifelong Unionville Resident

  • Graduate of the Farmington school system

  • Member, First Church of Christ, Unionville

  • Enjoy gardening, Nascar, Hartford Wolf Pack hockey, animals, and lake life

  • Dedicated in fulfilling my position to help Farmington prosper

Geno Avenoso (incumbent)

Why Am I Running?

As a Constable I will continue to work with the Farmington Tax Department to collect overdue taxes.

  • Current Farmington Constable bringing over 20 years of experience and knowledge

  • Deeply rooted in the town as the owner of Franklin Jewelers

  • Parish Council Member at Saint Patrick Church

  • Member, Knights of Columbus

  • Board Member, Past President of Farmington UNICO – an Italian Charity Organization

  • Honorary Member, Hartford Italian Officers Association

  • Past Board Member and Coach, Farmington Little League, and Babe Ruth Baseball

  • Past Committee Chair, Cub Scouts

  • Married to Anna for 34 years with two grown sons, and two grandsons