Election season is upon us. No, we’re not talking about the Presidential election circus. We’ve got a bit more time before that heats up. This Fall, we’re focused on our local elections — when the voters of Stafford go to the polls to decide who will be responsible for making the decisions that impact the town every day. From schools to budgets, it’s all on the ballot this November.
The Republicans and Democrats have both announced their full slate of candidates. For First Selectman, the Republicans have chosen Kurt Vail — a familiar name in these parts because Vail already represents the 52nd district (Stafford, Woodstock, Union, and Somers) at the State House. Vail was also elected to the Stafford Board of Selectmen in 2021. (Learn more about Vail’s voting record here.)
On the Democratic side of the proverbial aisle, political newcomer William (Bill) Morrison is running for First Selectman. Morrison is the Assistant Chief of the West Stafford Fire Department, a volunteer position. He is also a U.S. Army veteran and retired from the State Department of Transportation in 2023, where he ended his career as a manager before deciding to run for the office of Stafford's First Selectman.
Naturally, Vail's position at the State level has voters wondering how he can also run for another elected position, but there are no laws to address this specific situation: "A person can run for two different offices at the same state election, but the so-called dual job ban prohibits an individual from serving in the General Assembly and any position in the executive or judicial departments of state government during the term for which he was elected (regardless of whether he resigns from his legislative office) (Ct. Const. Art. III, § 11 and CGS § 2-5)." Because First Selectman is a town position, Vail is free to run and hold both offices. But, if you've been wondering what the "Full-Time Leadership" billboard on Route 190 is referring to, now you know.
The Stafford First Selectman position comes with a salary of roughly $80,000 per year. State Representatives are given a base salary, which was raised from $28,000 to $44,000 in 2022. When lawmakers voted to increase this salary, NBC Connecticut reported, “Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplin, argued during the debate that the current low pay and long hours associated with working at the Capitol has made it impossible for most people to become a lawmaker.”
*Some candidates have dropped out of the race since this was first published. We have indicated that with a strikethrough.
For full candidate lists, see below:
Republican Slate of Candidates — Stafford, CT
First Selectman: Kurt Vail
Selectman: JJ Martorelli
Town Clerk: Melissa Hallenbeck Augusto
Town Treasurer: Danele Pollard Rhoads
Board of Finance (2 yr term): Richard Shuck
Board of Finance (4 yr term): Tony Pellegrino
Board of Education: Eileen Bartlett Clark
Board of Education: Shana Boland
Board of Education: Mike Delano
Board of Assessment Appeals: Dave Galotto
Planning & Zoning Commission: Cindy Rummel
Constable: Matt Bushior
Constable: James Ravetto Jr
Constable: Mark J. Richens
Constable: Larry Vaughn
Democratic Slate of Candidates — Stafford, CT
First Selectman: William Morrison
Selectman: Richard F Hartenstein Jr.
Town Clerk: Karen G. Troiano
Town Treasurer: Neil Hoss
Tax Collector: Stephanie Irving
Board of Finance (2 yr term): Anthony Armelin
Board of Finance (4 yr term): Shelley H. West
Board of Finance (4 yr term): Harold Blake Hatch
Board of Education: Jennifer R Biedrzycki
Board of Education: James Greene
Board of Education: Laura Lybarger
Board of Education: Lori Fortuna
Board of Assessment Appeals: Gene Julian
Board of Assessment Appeals: Erin Dunn Milnes
Planning & Zoning Commission: Gene Julian
Zoning Board of Appeals: Arlene Avery
Constable: Patrick Soucy
Constable: Dale Maynard
Constable: Harold Blake Hatch
Constable: Gary A. Quinn