2025 New Fairfield Municipal Candidates
Meet our First Selectman Candidate!
Melissa Lindsey is a lifelong resident of New Fairfield.
She is married with 3 children, all of whom presently attend or graduated from New Fairfield Schools. She has been a successful business woman and office manager for over 12 years working with budgeting, regulatory compliance, purchasing, blue prints, and a variety of other managerial tasks. Melissa has held various positions for Danbury Schools in the past including Interventionist (both math and reading) and athletic coaching. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Western Connecticut State University. She now also leads the youth field hockey organization in New Fairfield and has been successful in expanding it to promote a strong feeder program for our high school teams.
Melissa envisions a town government that actively listens to the voices of all town residents. She wants every voice to be heard, and will listen closely when elected. She plans to use her business expertise and experience in budgeting, data analysis and mathematical reasoning to present only fair and responsible budgets with no excessive spending in order to keep New Fairfield truly affordable for all residents. She will work to protect New Fairfield’s open space and keep our small town charm intact. Melissa will work with all boards and commissions to represent the will of the New Fairfield voters.
Meet our Candidate for Second Selectman!
Jon Russo is proud to call New Fairfield home. A husband, father of two, and longtime resident, Jon has spent years volunteering at community events, and building the kind of connections that make small-town life special.
Professionally, Jon brings more than a decade of experience in project management, real estate, and small-business leadership. At Apple, he’s helped streamline complex processes and guide cross-functional initiatives, skills he now applies to his work as a licensed Realtor and an alternate on New Fairfield’s Board of Finance. That blend of hands-on business knowledge and fiscal oversight gives him a clear view of how to balance budgets, plan infrastructure upgrades, and keep services running smoothly.
Jon is running for Selectman to put those skills to work for his hometown. His priorities include modernizing and maintaining town buildings, protecting New Fairfield’s rural character, and identifying smart, non-tax revenue sources to ease the burden on residents.
Above all, Jon believes in transparency, accountability, and solutions that put people — not politics — first. He’s ready to serve with integrity and a forward-looking vision for New Fairfield’s future..
Meet our Candidate for Town Treasurer!
Terry Friedman worked as a finance professional at a Fortune 500 company for 40 years, where she held many senior Finance Manager positions. She has extensive experience in all areas of Financial Management, including managing expense & capital budgets, leading investment & pricing decisions, and overseeing all budgetary and financial control aspects of incentive compensation.
She is currently the Town Treasurer of New Fairfield and an Adjunct Finance Professor at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). She is a member of the Advisory Board for the Department of Finance at the Ancell School of Business at WCSU, and serves as the Investment Committee chair for a local non-profit.
Terry earned a BS degree in finance and insurance from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA degree in finance from the University of California Berkeley.
Terry and her husband have lived in New Fairfield since 1987. They have 2 children, both of whom graduated from New Fairfield public schools. In her leisure time, Terry enjoys hiking and biking the local trails, and spending time with family
Meet out Candidate for Tax Collector!
Shareen Langdon is currently serving as the Tax Collector for New Fairfield. She was appointed in April 2023, upon Kerrie Greening’s retirement, and is cross endorsed for this November’s election.
As a lifelong resident of New Fairfield, Shareen Langdon is looking forward to continuing to serve her community. With three sons who graduated from New Fairfield High School, she was an avid volunteer for more than twenty years serving on numerous PTO boards and committees. She served as secretary (2009-2010) and then as student coordinator (2010-2021) for the Post Grad Party. In addition, she volunteered her time and expertise as treasurer for the Post Grad Party, as well as the Diamond Club.
Shareen graduated from Western Connecticut State University, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. Her work experience includes public accounting, audit, banking, and tax, as well as running her own bookkeeping business for over twenty years. She recently returned to public accounting with Fiorita, Kornhaas & Company, but when this position presented itself, she made the choice to leave her clients to work for the town of New Fairfield. Her thirty years of work experience, professionalism, attention to detail and desire to work within her community make her an invaluable choice to continue as Tax Collector of New Fairfield and she’s looking forward to the opportunity.
Meet John Arizzi Candidate for Board of Finance!
John Arizzi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and an MBA from Mount Saint Mary College, as well as a Masters Degree in Financial Risk Management from the University of Connecticut. He has had a near 25 year career in financial services both in retail finance and corporate treasury for muti-billion-dollar institutions on both the sell side and the buy side. He has extensive experience balance sheet management, corporate debt finance and risk management.
A lifelong resident of New Fairfield, John is a graduate of the NFHS class of 1997. He currently sits on the Board of Finance as an alternate and sits on the medical sub-committee. He has been through the budget process and has advocated strongly for adequate funding of the medical reserve, a rightsizing of fees and alternative revenue and common sense spending.
John has two children who are is world, one studying Economics and Sports management at Miami University and the other still here in town. He values the community here in town, the schools, and the small town charm that New Fairfield has to offe
Meet our Candidate for Board of Finance!
Monika Thiel, MBA, is a management and IT consultant with extensive experience in managing projects, advising clients, and delivering a wide range of solutions for business needs and challenges to private, public, non-profit and government entities. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge, skills, and expertise as a member of the Board of Finance - to help keep New Fairfield affordable and provide value to its residents through responsible fiscal governance, oversight, and planning. She has previously served as a member of the Board of Selectman and the Board of Education.
Meet Patrick Hearty candidate for Board of Education!
Patrick Hearty is a dedicated New Fairfield resident with a long record of public service who is now running for the Board of Education.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Connecticut State University and has spent the past 20 years as a Logistics Manager, where he has developed strong skills in organization, problem-solving, and leadership.
Patrick has served the community for over 16 years across multiple town boards, including six years on the Zoning Board, four years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, four years on the Planning Board, and two years as an alternate on the Zoning Board. His experience working collaboratively on these boards has given him valuable insight into how New Fairfield functions and how decisions affect families and the community.
As a parent and an engaged community member, Patrick is committed to ensuring that New Fairfield’s schools continue to provide quality education, support for students and teachers, and the resources needed to help children thrive. He looks forward to bringing his experience, dedication, and passion for service to the Board of Education.
Meet our candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals - Joseph DePaul!
Joseph DePaul is the Managing Director of DePaul Capital, and independent investment firm. I am a 19 year New Fairfield resident. I have served on the Zoning Board of Appeals since 2007 and was elected Chairman in 2010. I have personally visited all of the properties that come before our board. I have enjoyed serving on the ZBA and hope to continue for another four years.
Meet our Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Finance Alternate - Christine Garabo
As a proud wife and mom of two, I care deeply about the future of our town and the values that make it so special. My family and I chose to make our home here because of its small-town charm, community, and beauty.
I currently serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals and am running for re-election to continue preserving the character and integrity of New Fairfield. This year, I am also running for the first time as a Board of Finance Alternate.
In addition, I volunteer and get involved in many community events and my experiences have strengthened my appreciation for what makes New Fairfield so unique and worth protecting.
When you drive through nearby towns, you see heavy traffic, overcrowded schools, and a loss of charm. That’s not the future I want for New Fairfield.
My goal is for thoughtful decisions that focus on our small-town charm that brought so many of us here.
With your support, I’ll continue to work hard to keep our town a place we’re all proud to call home.
Meet Tomas Kavaliauskas, Candidate for Zoning Commission!
Tomas Kavaliauskas is a graduate of New Fairfield High School and lifetime New
Fairfield resident. He earned degrees in Horticulture and Landscape Design from Naugatuck Valley Community College. In addition to owning his own businesses, he has worked in estate property management, classic wooden boat restoration, home renovation, and is currently an Animal Control Officer for New Fairfield. He volunteered for many years at the New Fairfield Animal Shelter caring for dogs that had no home and advocated for animal adoption programs. Through professional and personal experience, he has accumulated a wide knowledge base in residential building and renovation techniques. As a zoning board member, he has evaluated many zoning applications and done on-site inspections to ensure no details are missed. He strives to ensure compliance with zoning regulations while providing a complete and accurate assessment of each zoning application. To stay on top of current zoning regulations, Tomas has regularly attended zoning and other local government meetings in-person or via video calls. By balancing his zoning regulation knowledge while also supporting local residents, Tomas seeks to ensure New Fairfield continues to flourish for generations.
Meet our candidate for Town Clerk - Holly Z. Smith!
Holly is currently serving as Town Clerk of New Fairfield. She began her tenure in the Town Clerk’s office in February of 2008. Over the past 17 years she has taken training courses at Central Connecticut State University and has attended classes at bi-annual Town Clerk conferences to educate herself in all aspects of the office and recently earned her Masters. She is a member of the Connecticut Town Clerk Association as well as the New England Association of City & Town Clerks. She is a Master Connecticut Town Clerk, Fairfield County Vice President for the CTCA`w, a Connecticut Notary Public, and a Justice of the Peace. Prior to working in the Town Clerk’s Office, Holly was employed at Reader’s Digest/QSP Inc. and Pepsi-Cola.
Holly attended New Fairfield Public Schools, Berkley College, and Western Connecticut State University. As a lifelong resident Holly immersed herself in all things New Fairfield, including many hours as a volunteer in the New Fairfield Public School system in a variety of different ways and where needed. Holly continues her dedication to the Congregational Church of New Fairfield as she has been a member for many years.
I want to serve as a way to express my gratitude to my hometown, and to follow through with the goal of providing courteous and efficient services to our residents.
Meet Timothy Murphy Candidate for Board of Finance Alternate
Tim Murphy is a longtime New Fairfield resident and dedicated member of the community with a strong commitment to honesty, accountability, and action. He and his wife, Jaclyn, have raised five children — two now living in Florida, two in New Fairfield, and one in Danbury.
With more than 30 years of experience in the health care field, primarily in hospital settings, Tim understands the importance of trust, transparency, and sound decision-making in high-stakes environments. He spent over two decades as the successful head coach of New Fairfield High School’s cross country and track & field programs (1988–2012), mentoring student-athletes and preparing them for future success both on and off the track.
Tim is seeking to serve as an Alternate Member of the New Fairfield Board of Finance, bringing a practical, “old-school” approach grounded in integrity and follow-through. His philosophy is simple: if a promise is made, it should be kept. Tim believes that by listening to all sides, encouraging honest dialogue, and keeping residents informed, town leaders can earn trust and find balanced solutions to complex financial challenges.
Meet Dominic Cipollone, one of our Candidates for Board of Education!
Dom Cipollone has been on the Board of Education for a number of years and has served as its Chair since 2023. He is currently an investment banker working on providing capital for start-ups, including in the education technology area. He spent 30 years in the education sector, first as a teacher and then as a middle school principal in one of the most challenging districts in the country. Dom and his wife and their children have lived in New Fairfield for 21 years. He is committed to making New Fairfield schools centers of excellence in Connecticut.
Meet Thomas Marino, Candidate for Planning Commission!
Tom Marino is a lifelong environmentalist with a deep commitment to
community development. He earned a B.S. from the University of New Haven
and an M.F.S. from the Yale School of the Environment. He began his career as
a Research Forester in the Forest Products Industry and now works as a Certified Arborist with SavATree, LLC, improving community tree health. A 28- year resident of New Fairfield, Tom is active in his church, has served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 42, and is a Distinguished Toastmaster. His educational background, professional experience, and commitment to service will benefit the New Fairfield Planning Commission. He looks forward to applying his education and background to support growth for the New Fairfield residents.
Meet John Moran, Candidate for Zoning Commission!
John built his home and moved to New Fairfield, with his wife Bonnie in 1975 after living in the Danbury area for several years before that. His daughter, Michele, went through the New Fairfield school system and graduated in 1995. John is currently chairman of the New Fairfield Zoning Commission and has served on this commission for over 10 years. Before that he served as chairman of the New Fairfield Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA), and also on the New Fairfield Park and Recreation Commission.
The zoning commission of a small town like New Fairfield is important because it helps to maintain reasonable growth. Our zoning commission has just hired a company to help re-write our zoning regulations. A primary reason for this re-write is to streamline our regulations, making it easier for residents to make changes to their properties. John is interested in continuing the position on the NF Zoning Commission because he would like to help steer the commission as it enters this phase of re-writing these regulations that will guide our town as it grows.
Meet Cynthia Ross-Zweig, Candidate for Planning Commission!
A 28-year New Fairfield resident, Cynthia has dedicated over a decade to public service. She served over 14 years on the Planning Commission—12 of those as Chair—and lead the authoring of two Plans of Conservation and Development (POCDs) to guide the town’s future. She’s also served 18 years as an employee with the New Fairfield Board of Education, A Union leader. 10 years on the St. Edward Parish Council, and spent 20 years in finance.
Meet Timothy Bellavita, Candidate for Planning Commission (Alt)!
Tim Bellavita is a longtime New Fairfield resident committed to protecting the town’s natural resources and maintaining its small-town character. He currently serves on the Inland Wetlands Commission, where he reviews applications, oversees compliance, and ensures that local development respects New Fairfield’s environmentally sensitive areas. His experience on the Commission has given him a deep understanding of how to balance growth with preservation.
In addition to his wetlands work, Tim has been active in community service and brings a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving. He is known for listening to residents, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions that put the town’s best interests first.
Meet Roberta P. Anderson, Candidate for Library Board of Director!
Roberta is a long-time resident of New Fairfield, having been a summer and weekend resident since she was a child. She moved here year-round in 2019 with her husband of thirty-seven years. Roberta retired from a forty-year career in the banking industry where she was head of Private Banking for a major regional bank. Today, she works as a financial advisor with a local Wealth Management firm.
She and her husband have two grown sons. The oldest works for a major defense contractor, and the youngest is a graduate of West Point and is currently serving our country.
She has served on boards including the Greenwich Council of Boy Scouts of America, The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, and The Red Cross - Metro NY North Chapter. She is currently on the board of The Candlewood Knolls Community.
In addition to her commitment to her family and community, Roberta is an avid slalom water-skier and is passionate about all things Candlewood
Meet John M. Apple, Candidate for Board of Finance (Alt) and Zoning Board of Appeals
Resident of New Fairfield since 1976
Graduated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in 1970
Founder and Director of Westchester Tractor Inc. (construction and landscaping equipment distributor)
Former chairman of the Ford Tractor Dealer Council representing 1250 dealers in North America
Former president of the New York Metropolitan Equipment Distributors
Former Greens Chairman Salem Golf Club
Former President Salem Golf Club Committee
Former New Fairfield Jaycee –Statesman Award
Vice-Chairman of the New Fairfield Zoning Board of Appeals
Owner of Sixty International Boulevard (commercial real estate and solar provider)
Meet Greg Flanagan, Candidate for Board of Education!
Greg Flanagan has lived in New Fairfield for 14 years with his wife, Holly, and their five children, three of whom have graduated from New Fairfield Schools.
He is seeking a third term on the Board of Education, where he has focused on strengthening schools while being mindful of taxpayers. Greg has contributed to major district progress, including building two new schools, upgrading athletic facilities, and helping hire a new Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. He is proud of recent test score improvements and remains committed to advancing academics while keeping future tax increases minimal.
Professionally, Greg has run his own executive search practice for more than 20 years. A dedicated community volunteer, he serves on the New Fairfield Baseball Board and coaches youth basketball and baseball. He and his family are active members of St. Edward’s Church.
Meet Noel Mannion, Candidate for Planning Commission
Noel Mannion has over 35 years of experience in commercial real estate with most of that time working for a private real estate developer/owner of retail and office buildings in the tri-state area. In addition to managing the financial and physical condition of the properties Noel has appeared before many planning and zoning boards to make presentations for the purpose of obtaining site plan approval(s) or variances. He is also responsible for environmental matters affecting the portfolio (investigations, remediation, etc.). In addition to his subject matter expertise, Noel is committed to fairly assessing proposals, presentations and due diligence materials and acting/voting in a manner consistent with New Fairfield's regulations and conservation/growth objectives.
Meet Richard Macarrone Jr., Candidate for Planning Commission Alternate!
Richard Maccarone Jr. has resided in New Fairfield for 5 years. Richard loves this town and think it’s a great place to raise a family. Working at the New Fairfield Food Center as a deli man/ butcher has been a great way to integrate into the community. It also helps him get a sense of how the good folks in this town feel about the progress, and some of the hardships this town faces. He is proud to run for a position in the Planning Commission, with a party that looks towards the future of this town with positivity and the goal of keeping New Fairfield an affordable place to live, like so many of you great residents remember it to be.
Meet Ammy Johnson, Candidate for Library Board of Education!
Amy Johnson has been a proud New Fairfield resident for more than 13 years and is the parent of two children currently enrolled in the town’s public schools. She works for the State of Connecticut in Danbury and is deeply engaged in community life.
Since her daughter entered kindergarten, Amy has volunteered as an assistant coach for several youth sports, served for many years on the PTO, and led a local Girl Scout troop for eight years. She is seeking support to continue a second term on the New Fairfield Board of Education, where she is committed to helping students and educators thrive.