Kleeman Leads Democratic Ticket in Durham

Durham's Democratic Town Committee held its Party Endorsement Meeting on Tuesday night to nominate its lineup for the upcoming fall election.

"In his own words, Roger's a trained observer," said current Selectman Jim McLaughlin of Roger Kleeman, the party's choice to challenge incumbent Republican First Selectman Laura Francis on Nov. 8.

"If you care about your tax dollars, Roger makes sense. He will be a vigilant campaigner and I think he will be a very good member of the Board of Selectmen as First Selectmen," McLaughlin added.

Kleeman, a 38-year resident of Durham, is retired from the State of Connecticut Office of Bridges and Structures Dept., where he oversaw and administered the inspection of bridges and major structures by consultants. He currently serves on Durham's Compensation Review and Personnel Policy Commission, the Recreation Committee and the Building Code Board of Appeals.

Joining Kleeman on the Democrats' ticket this year are: 

Board of Selectman: Steve Levy

Tax Collector: Martin French

Town Treasurer: Craig Bradanini

Planning and Zoning Commission: Jim McLaughlin, David Foley, Eugene Riotte and Frederic Searle

Board of Finance: Laurie Stevens

Zoning Board of Appeals: John Hogarth and B.J. Joyce

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternative: Mark Jungels

Board of Assessment of Appeals: Matt Thompson and Katherine W. Forline (to fill a two-year vacancy)

Durham's Republican Town Committee will hold a caucus on Monday, July 25 at 8 p.m. to nominate the party's candidates for the fall election. Check back with Patch for details.