Meet the Candidates: Middlefield Republican Party

Jon Brayshaw - Candidate for First Selectman (I)
• Middlefield Native
• 8 years on Board of Selectmen. 6 years as First Selectman
• Licensed professional Engineer and Architect
• Married 46 yrs to wife Gwen, 4 children, 11 grandchildren
• Active on Boards and Commissions

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Edward Bailey - Candidate for Selectman (I)
• Rockfall resident of more than 25 years
• 2 years on the Board of Selectmen
• Chairman, Water Pollution Control Authority
• Commissioned Officer in US Naval Reserve (Ret)
• Licensed Marine Engineer
• Registered “Unaffiliated” voter

Personal Statement: I believe my professional and life experiences make me uniquely suited to address the needs of our community. .  I have always been impressed with the small town atmosphere of Middlefield and Rockfall. Over the years many Towns around us have changed. Our Town is a great place to live because of our clean rural character and we must work together to preserve that character. The decisions made by the Board of Selectmen effect the lives of all Middlefield families and should be reflective of the values of our citizens. These challenging economic times require fiscal responsibility that honors taxpayer not politics. Two years ago I agreed to run with Jon Brayshaw and after getting elected Jon mentored me in the position of Selectman.  I’ve strived to avoid partisanship, be transparent, always do what is best for the Town and its citizens without political positioning or grandstanding, and treat all citizens of the Town fairly and equally. I am honored to be running again. 

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Vanessa  Schmaltz - Candidate for Town Clerk

•Lifelong Middlefield resident  
•16 years of mortgage banking experience
• Experienced office manager, handling all aspects of customer service and record keeping
• Contributed to the day-to-day operations and business of the former Schmaltz Farm in Middlefield
• Married 41 years to husband Charlie, 2 children, 2 grandchildren
• Active volunteer in town, former Sunday School teacher, church finance committee member and Little League coach.

Personal Statement: I am a lifelong resident of Middlefield with my husband Charlie. I have two children and two grandchildren who also live in Middlefield. I have been involved in various town activities over the years. My background includes 16 years in the Mortgage Banking industry after which I had a career change. I have been working for the past 5 years as an office administrator which entails wearing many different hats.

My immediate goal as Town Clerk is to utilize current technology to modernize town hall which would include enhancing the town’s website to provide a friendly useful website that saves time; and modernizing the town records. I would also like to seek innovative ideas to generate independent revenue for the Town Clerks office.

My ultimate goal is to provide superior customer service and satisfaction. 
I believe I have the skills, energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to meet Middlefield resident’s needs. I believe the towns greatest strength is its people.  It is a small community and I feel that it still holds the charm of people working together and coming together in tough times. I love the activities and events which promote being neighborly. As for the question of what would I change about the town government my answer is I would not change anything about the town government. I feel that our town government strives to maintain level taxes, is fiscally responsible, and works together to continually better our community.

I have strong ties to this community and feel I am qualified to excel as your Town Clerk. I want only the best for my town and all its residents. I hope you will consider voting for me on November 8th.  I would be honored to fill the position of Town Clerk.

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Frank St. John - Candidate for Board of Finance (I)
• Middlefield resident for 35 years
• Judicial Doctorate from University of Connecticut School of Law
• Practiced law in Meriden CT for 30 years; president of law firm
• Served on DMIAAB Board
• Served on Ad Hoc Committee for the Town Hall Study
• Served on Planning and Zoning as Chairman for 15 years
• Current member Board of Finance
• Married 48 years to wife Betsy, 3 children and 7 grandchildren

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Marie Benedetto - Candidate for Board of Finance
• Middlefield resident since 2010
• BA in Accounting, MS in Taxation, Certified Public Accountant since 1989
• Currently operates an Accounting Consultation practice
• Involved with Middlefield Parent Association
• Active community volunteer
• Married 16 years to husband Paul, 2 children

Personal Statement: I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve the Town of Middlefield through the Board of Finance.  Our family sought to live in a town like Middlefield for the small-town intimacy and values of caring for the community.  As a new resident, I offer a fresh perspective.  Years of Public Accounting experience and owning my own business provide me with a well-rounded background that has served my clients and my business well.  With your support in the upcoming election, I will be sure to serve the town as I do for my family, my clients, and my community.

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Jean Gay - Candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals
• Middlefield resident for 35 years; 25 years at Lake Beseck, 10 years at Laurel Brook
• A.S. in Retailing and Buying from Becker Junior College
• Continued education in: Real Estate, Asset Protection, Finance and Time management, Principals and Practice
• Currently a real estate investor and manager of rental properties
• Former member Lake Beseck Association
• Member: CT REIA, Chamber of Commerce, Midshore Board of Realtors, Middlefield Lions Club, Local volunteer organizations
• Married 34 years to husband Bernie (deceased), 3 children, 3 grandchildren

Personal Statement: My name is Jean Gay and I have lived in Middlefield for over 30 years, many years at Lake Beseck, and the last 10 years on Laurel Brook Rd.  When I was asked to run for the Board of Assessment Appeals, I felt honored.  It is important to have a board for the townspeople to voice their concerns about their assessment, and I would like to be a part of it.  I have been a real estate for several years and understand market values in town. I am currently work as a realtor at William Raveis in Middletown. Thanks for your support.

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Kimberly Schmaltz - Candidate for Treasurer
• Born and raised in Middlefield
• Graduate of the Regional District 13 School System
• B.A. from Central Connecticut State University
• 15 years experience in the banking and financing industry
• Animal advocate and lover: owns and trains horses