2023 MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES

Andrea Alfano has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the University of Connecticut. She spent her entire professional career in public service, for both the State Department of Social Services and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. Andrea retired in 2020 following a successful career in state service of over 30 years.

When it comes to supporting the Portland community, Andrea has always been involved. She is a former member of the Portland Junior Women’s Club, a Sunday School teacher, participated in PTO throughout her son’s education, and was an integral part of the multi-year effort to build the current playscapes at Valley View and Gildersleeve schools.

In 2008, Andrea stepped forward to fill a vacancy on the Portland Board of Education. She went on to be elected to two consecutive four-year terms, serving a total of nine years. During her time on the BOE Andrea served as the secretary/vice chairperson, as well as chairing the Policy Committee. She remains a strong advocate of public education.

Andrea and her husband, Ralph, have resided in Portland for 27 years. They have an adult son, Stephen, who attended Portland Public schools and went on to graduate from the University of Connecticut.

“I am running for the Board of Selectmen to continue my commitment to public service in the town of Portland. As a selectman, I will work diligently alongside other elected officials to keep Portland moving forward.”

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At just 24 years old, Jillian Crawford is the youngest candidate currently seeking political office in the Town of Portland. Though she would be a newcomer to the Board of Selectmen, she is not a newcomer to Portland. A self-proclaimed “townie,” she has spent her entire life living in Portland with her parents, Nicki and Bill, and her younger brother, Billy.

Jillian graduated from Portland High School where she balanced a rigorous course load with several leadership roles while also maintaining a deep commitment to community service. She then went on to study at the University of Connecticut, graduating as an Honors Scholar with a degree in Political Science where she studied public policy, modern political theory, and American politics with a special concentration in democracy within local and state government. She will be attending law school in 2024.

“Portland is my hometown, and I am incredibly lucky to have grown up surrounded by such a small, close-knit community of family, friends, and peers. By serving on the Board of Selectmen, I hope to give back to the community that has been so good to me over the years and fight for those who love Portland just as much as me. I will work to ensure that all Portland voices are heard.”

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John Dillon is currently a member of the Board of Selectmen. He was previously an elected member and Chairman of the Board of Assessment Appeals. 

John retired from the CT Dept. of Social Services Office of Child Support Services in 2022 as statewide Program Director after a 35 year career. He is a fourth generation Portland resident, and a graduate of Portland High School and Central Connecticut State University. John has served the community as an Assistant Scoutmaster, vice president of the Portland Agricultural Fair Association, a member of the Portland Inland Wetlands Commission, and Chairman of St. Mary’s Parish Council. In 2013, John was a recipient of the Ralph Paley Spirit of Portland Award.

In addition to his tenure on the Board of Selectmen, John is a Justice of the Peace, a lector at St. Mary’s Church, and a member of Freestone Council #7 Knights of Columbus. John and his wife, Maura, have three adult children and two grandchildren.

“Serving my home town in any capacity has always been my passion, and looking out for the best interest of Portland residents has always been a part of that service. Throughout my life I’ve found that decision making is rarely simple. Every issue is unique and every decision, no matter its size or complexity, has a short and long term impact on someone or something. I have done my best to bring this thought process to every issue addressed during my tenure on the Board of Selectmen, and will continue to do my very best in support of all Portland residents.”

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Jim Tripp is a familiar face to many through his volunteer work spanning two decades. He has demonstrated his commitment to the Portland community through service in volunteer organizations, on town commissions, and as an elected official. Jim’s public service was recognized in 2022 when he was honored to receive the Ralph Paley Spirit of Portland Award.

Jim is currently serving as Chairman of the Water and Sewer Commission, and is active with the Brownstone Quorum and Portland Lions. Between 2017 and 2021, Jim served on the Board of Selectmen where his focus was on economic development projects like Brainerd Place and the redevelopment of the Portland riverfront, completion of the Route 17 Park, sidewalk improvements, addressing the town’s water and sewer challenges, and ensuring support of Portland’s excellent public schools. Prior to his service as a Selectman, Jim was a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Vice Chair of the Route 17 Park Building Committee, and an elected member of the Board of Education.

Jim holds a B.S. in Engineering from UMASS-Dartmouth and a M.S. in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has enjoyed a 32-year career in the private sector, primarily in telecom, and currently works as a Senior Manager of Construction, managing a team of over 60 employees. He and his wife, Liz, have lived in Portland for the past 24 years, raising two children here.

“As a public servant, my guiding principle has always been to do what is right for Portland. As a member of the Board of Selectmen, I will work with my fellow Selectmen to find cost effective solutions for our water system, to encourage economic development, and support our schools, to ensure we keep moving Portland forward.”

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Kim Nagy-Maruschock has served on the Board of Education since 2022, and sits on the district’s Curriculum and Buildings and Grounds Committees. Kim graduated from UCONN with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Relations with a focus in Early Childhood Education, earned her Master’s in Special Education from SCSU, and most recently earned her Sixth Year degree in Educational Leadership from CCSU. Kim has been a special education teacher for over 20 years and holds a dual certification in both General and Special Education. In addition to teaching, she is the Preschool Coordinator of the early intervention preschool program in Cromwell. She is a dedicated professional and passionate advocate for public education.

During her 22 years as a resident of Portland, Kim has been an active member of the Portland community. She has volunteered at many school and community events including riverfront clean ups and Juneteenth, as well as serving on the Portland Little League Board of Directors and coaching softball. Kim and her husband Scott are raising three children: 16 year old twin daughters who attend Portland High School, and an 18 year old son who is a recent PHS graduate.

“With my experience as a special education teacher, I bring a unique perspective to the BOE. I am a strong, passionate advocate for every student attending Portland’s Schools. My focus while serving on the Board is to provide an equitable education to the students of Portland Public Schools in a supportive learning environment where the students and employees of Portland Public Schools feel valued and heard.”

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Meg Scata has been an elected member of the Board of Education since 2017, and currently serves as the Board Secretary, Chairperson of the Policy Committee, and as a member of the Building and Grounds Committee. Over the last two years, she has represented the BOE on the Town of Portland Facilities Study Committee. Meg retired from the Portland Public Schools after serving students for over 25 years and has made Portland her retirement home. She attended Hartford College for Women and Eastern CT State University. Meg is committed to expanding her skills and knowledge as a Board member and has achieved a Master Board of Education Member credential from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) by pursuing continuing education through CABE’s Board Member Academy.

Meg works full-time for the Northern Middlesex YMCA as Head Teacher and Camp Director. She is a passionate advocate for high quality public schools and equal opportunities for all students. She serves on the CABE Executive Board and is a tireless advocate for Connecticut students as Vice President of CABE’s Government Relations Committee. Meg represents Portland Schools on the Connecticut Regional Educational Consortium (CREC) council as Secretary and Treasurer. With her boundless energy, you can find her helping a friend, hiking, gardening, writing, or organizing interest groups. Meg lives with her dog, Rosie, and two cats. She is the proud mom of four grown children and has nine grandchildren. 

“My dedication to children, education and learning are lifelong passions.”

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Sarah Spear is a member of the Portland Public Schools' Board of Education and sits on the district’s Personnel Committee and Equity and Inclusion Coalition. Her background in general management and disabilities serve her well in this role. She is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Together, a venture-backed marketplace connecting families affected by disability to recommended businesses. Previously, Sarah led development and communications at New Haven-based human rights nonprofit Love146. She also served as Executive Director of Arch Grants in St. Louis and as CEO of PharmaSecure, a healthtech company in India.

Sarah's husband, John, is a retired Air Force officer. They have two children who attend Portland Public Schools and Sarah has been a regular volunteer at Valley View and Gildersleeve Schools. She is a member of a local Presbyterian church where she assists in the children's ministry. Sarah also volunteers locally with NightStrike, serving meals in Middletown, and is a member of Connecticut's Partners in Policymaking alumni disability institute.

"Each student in Portland Public Schools deserves an academically excellent and well-rounded education, preparing them for meaningful lives once they graduate. I am committed to upholding this standard in a fiscally responsible way that ensures the long-term stability of our district."

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Laurel Steinhauser has served on the Board of Education since 2018 and was elected by the Board to serve as Chairperson in 2022. On the BOE, Laurel sits on the Policy, Personnel, and Curriculum Committees, and previously served on the district’s Conservation and Renewable Energy committee, partnering with the town’s Clean Energy Task Force towards the solar array that is now installed on the roof of Brownstone.

Laurel chairs the Portland Library Board of Directors and is a member of Portland’s Prevention Council. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. Having earned her Girl Scout Gold Award in high school, Laurel credits her years in scouting for instilling in her a passion for service and community building.

Laurel is Program Manager for The Wild Gifting Project, a foundation that delivers grants to foster unique charitable projects benefiting underserved communities. She holds a BA from Wesleyan University, has a background in arts education, and in a previous career supported families as a perinatal massage therapist and birth doula. Laurel and her husband, Chris, are raising three feisty children who all attend Portland Public Schools.

“My goal on the Board of Education is to ensure all children in our Portland schools are safe, feel valued and welcome, and have the resources necessary to thrive academically. I am grateful to live in a community that values public education and mindful of our obligation to spend taxpayer dollars transparently and with care. It is a privilege to advocate for Portland students and families on the BOE. I look forward to continuing to work to move our Portland schools forward and to provide the excellent education that our students deserve.”

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Bio Coming Soon.

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Cindy Roman was born and raised in Portland where she made life-long connections to the people and the place. Volunteerism and service were modeled by family, neighbors, and an engaged community town-wide. She chose to stay in Portland, recognizing it always as home and a nurturing place to raise her son Zane. Cindy’s partner, Brian, joined her in Portland several years ago and now also happily calls it home.

Cindy holds a PhD in the history of art and an MS in Organizational Leadership. She has enjoyed a career in public art museums and university collections and is a life-long learner. Cindy currently works for Yale University where she has been a curator for twenty years.

“Having served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, first as an alternate and then as an appointed full member, I am running for election in November so that I can apply the experience gained. I would welcome the opportunity to continue working alongside other members of the ZBA and town officials of both parties to steward responsible land use that balances development with preservation of the natural resources of Portland’s beautiful land on the river.”

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Christopher Darby is a former member of the Portland Board of Education, serving two terms from 2013 - 2021. He has a deep commitment to community service and sustainable community, having served as a member of the Zion Lutheran Church Council and the Portland Complete Streets Group. Christopher is also a longtime supporter of the Middlesex Land Trust, and has served as a volunteer coach with Portland Soccer Club youth soccer and the Boy Scouts of America. 

Christopher has been an English teacher at Middletown High School since 1999, where he has also been employed as a department coordinator, English Language Learner instructor, Adult Education instructor, and a former executive and current building steward with the Middletown Federation of Teachers. He has served as a mentor for aspiring educators through the Future Teachers of America and is also an adjunct instructor with the University of Connecticut Early College Experience program. 

Originally from Tennessee and raised in Iowa, Christopher and his wife, Kerry, a proud PHS alumna, have lived in Portland for twenty years. Their two children graduated from Portland High School in 2019 and 2021. 

"Given the opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, I plan to support the Portland community by learning how to use our community resources to best serve the needs of our taxpayers. I believe our community can maintain our small town character, support local businesses, and pursue sustainable growth for generations to come." 

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Ken Kearns has served on the Board of Assessment Appeals since 2021, having previously served as an elected member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. He was raised in Portland and attended Portland schools before serving in the Navy for four years. Subsequent to his military service, Ken attended Middlesex Community College and Central Connecticut State University, majoring in Russian/East Asian History. He then worked for the Connecticut Department of Developmental Disabilities as a Group Home Supervisor and was a Union Organizer with the Health Care Workers Union. Ken is married to Deb Calavas and they have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ken is active in the community, helping his neighbors, getting to know new people, engaging in recreational activities, attending and promoting local events and organizations, and working as informal recruiter for the Portland Democratic Town Committee. Ken was the recipient of the 2020 Ralph Paley Spirit of Portland Award for his volunteer service to the community.

“I am running for reelection to the Board of Assessment Appeals because I want to continue to give back to the town that has given me so much over the years.”

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