First Selectman Jim Zeoli
Jim has served 10 terms as First Selectman and has been an active member of the Orange Board of Selectmen since 1999. He has shown the necessary experience in municipal management to effectively continue to lead our Town as First Selectman.
Jim is no stranger to hard work. His commitment to the people of Orange is undeniable. Jim has always given freely of his time for Orange, serving as a volunteer fireman for over 20 years, past Assistant Treasurer of the Volunteer Fire Association and Co-Chairman of the Orange Agricultural Fair.
Jim knows the people of Orange. He listens to them and identifies with them and their problems. He is always genuinely interested in offering his advice and help. Jim tackles issues head-on and goes out of his way to find win-win solutions. He is the type of leader that considers the feelings of all residents from the very young to our growing senior population.
Jim is ready to continue his leadership of Orange as our First Selectman. His honest straightforward leadership style is right for Orange. It is right for seniors. It is right for children. It is right for education. It is right for economic development. It is right for business. It is right for open space. It is right for all taxpayers. AND...Jim's straightforward, honest leadership style needs to continue!
John Carangelo
Orange Board of Selectmen - 8 years
B.A. Syracuse University
J.D. Quinnipiac College
School of Law
Former Judge of Probate for Orange
Practicing attorney with over 28 years of legal experience
John Carangelo has been a lifelong resident of Orange and resides with his wife Kathrine and his sons Michael and Joey.
“As a member of the Board of Selectmen I will continue my efforts to keep taxes under control for our residents, and continue to improve our town's infrastructure and schools."
Bill Kraut
Orange Board of Selectmen - 2 years
Past Chairman, Orange Board of Education
B.S. University of Rhode Island
Business Owner of Newport Tennis, Inc.
Active member of Turkey Hill School PTA
“As a father of an Orange school student and as a board member, my number one priority is to provide a safe and secure environment for our children to receive the best education possible. We will provide the most advanced technology to keep our children on the cutting edge of tomorrow.
Judy Smith
M.B.A. in Restaurant & Hotel Management
University of New Haven
B.S. in Marketing, University of Connecticut
General Manager Orange Hills Country Club
Instructor, University of New Haven,
1986-1988
Member of the Orange Town Planning and Zoning Board: 1995, 1999, 2003, 2011-2019
Elected Vice Chairman of Planning and Zoning Commission, January 2006 to 2025
Joseph Nuzzo
B.S. in accounting, University of Rhode Is
B.S. Degree in Business Administration/Management
Southern Connecticut State
University
M.B.A. Degree in Finance
University of New Haven
Joe’s community service includes Orange Soccer Association youth soccer coach, Orange Little League baseball coach,Current Board Member of the Amity Club, a civic and philanthropic organization in New Haven, and Past President and Board Member of the Boys’ /Girls’ Club of New Haven
“I ask the townspeople of Orange for your vote to provide the opportunity to apply my extensive financial experience and expertise to continue the recent tradition of fiscal responsibility and straightforward leadership.”
Ajeet Jain
Associate Professor of Finance
Central Connecticut State University
Former Director of the MBA program
Alabama A&M University
Ph.D. in Finance
Florida International University
MBA from Alabama A&M University
B.S. University of Delhi
Orange Board of Finance 4 years
Drs. Ajeet and Preti Jain, and their daughter, Simran are proud residents of Orange.
“As an Associate Professor of Finance at Central Connecticut State University and the former Director of the MBA program at Alabama A&M University, I have gained extensive experience in the field of finance.“
“I am committed to keeping taxes low while providing the highest support possible for community services, infrastructure improvements and excellent schools.”
Doing more with less...
Conservative Budgeting Practices led to savings through spending controls.
Strong fiscal policies implemented by Jim Zeoli's administration has resulted in Orange's S&P AAA Rating.
Oscar Parente
Town of Orange Planning and Zoning Commission 15 years
B.A. Villanova University
J. D. University of Bridgeport School of Law (now Quinnipiac College School of Law)
Ozzie is an attorney engaged in the private practice of law, focusing in the areas of real estate law, corporate finance, commercial law and contracting, and in the representation of buyers and sellers of various types of business organizations.
Earlier in his career Ozzie was Vice-President and General Counsel of a large Connecticut manufacturer. He was a key member of the company’s executive staff while overseeing all aspects of the company’s legal affairs.
Kevin Cornell
Currently Serving on the Zoning Commission
B.E. Mechanical Engineering Stevens Institute of Technology
J. D. University of Bridgeport School of Law (now Quinnipiac College School of Law)
Professional Certification: Professional Engineer,
New York State
Kevin Cornell is a Real Estate Development professional with over 30 years of experience in all facets of commercial and residential real estate development and construction.
Current Employer Midwood Investment and Development
"As a resident of Orange for 32 years I feel an obligation to give back to the community that helped raise and educate my children and allow my family to enjoy the wonderful quality of life that Orange offers. My work experience aligns precisely with the demands of the Planning and Zoning Commission"
Jay McGuire
B. S. Industrial Technology, CCSU
M. S. Counseling in Higher Education, SCSU
Administrative Assistant to the First Selectman
Town of Orange 2012-2019
Orange Board of Education - Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent 2019 – present
As a result of her extensive experience working closely with all Orange municipal offices, Mary is uniquely qualified to serve as Town Clerk.
B. S. Michigan State University
M.S. Economics, Wayne State University
PMI—Project Management
APBM, Certified Business Manager
USAF Veteran (Captain)
Sr Vice Commander
American Legion Post 127
Tom Hurley been dedicated the people of Orange for many years. As a member of the Amity Board of Education for over 13 years Tom served as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary.
Tom is a Financial Professional, owner of Thomas Hurley Consulting LLC and a APBM Certified Business Manager. He is uniquely qualified to serve as Tax Collector.
Jeff Cap
Chairman
Orange Board of Education
Chief Information Officer
Former Technology Teacher
Boy Scout Leader & Trainer
Knights of Columbus Member (Third Degree)
Jeff has served as a community volunteer for many organizations in Orange including the Orange Country Fair, Holy Infant Church, and Website Administrator for non-profit groups.
“It is important for children to receive the highest quality of education from Orange Elementary Schools. Not only is education a top priority but having safe and secure school buildings is equally as important. Having modern technology access will set students, faculty, and staff up for continued success.”
Ronnette James
Orange Board of Education Member 2021 to 2025
B.S. Elementary Education, SCSU
M.S. in Reading, SCSU
Certified Elementary School
Teacher/Reading Specialist
President of Peck Place School PTO from 2016-2021
“My family moved to Orange 20 years ago, attracted by its close-knit community and top-notch school system.
I wanted our children to receive the highest quality public education possible.”
“In my years as a volunteer in our schools, I have been impressed by the outstanding education my sons have received.”
“I will continue the work of building on our tradition of excellence on behalf of every child we have the privilege to educate.”
Tatiana Messina Mullen
Orange Board of Education Member 2021 to 2025
B.A. Villanova University
J.D. New York Law School
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney
CT State Division of Criminal Justice
Tatiana grew up in Orange and is a product of the excellent Orange school system. After continuing her education and starting her own family, she moved back to Orange, where she lives with her husband and daughter.
“As both a candidate and the mother of a child who will be starting her journey through the Orange Public Schools, it is important that we all work together to make sure that all students obtain the best possible educational experience that will benefit them throughout the years.”
“By working collaboratively, we can foster a safe and welcoming school environment so the children of our close knit community feel comfortable.”
Amanda Zapatka
Current member of the Orange Board of Education
B.S.
Fairfield University
M.S, Elementary Education, SCSU
Reading Aide Peck Place School
Pre-K Teacher
St. Mary School Milford
Coordinator in the Children’s Ministry at Kingdom Life Christian Church
"I am passionate about education and deeply invested in our community. As a lifelong resident, I attended the Orange and Amity school systems and was honored as a Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete.
I credit my experience here for providing a strong academic foundation and preparation for college and beyond.
On the Board of Education, I remain committed to preserving the high standards of traditional education, ensuring our schools stay among the top in the state and continue to prepare our children for bright futures."
Meghan Rabuse
BBA, Finance and Business Economics, University of Notre Dame, 2004
7 years Wall Street Investment Management
Co-President, Turkey Hill School PTO,
2019-present
Mother of 3
"I was raised in a classroom. My mother is a retired public school teacher, and both my husband and I were public school graduates. When we had our own children, we moved to Orange specifically for its strong public school systems.
Our great public schools are no accident. They are a direct result of excellent teachers and administrators who work together with engaged students and parents to keep sound academics at the forefront of our children’s educational experience. I look forward to serving on the Amity Board of Education to preserve that tradition, while also maintaining fiscally responsible budgets for our community."
Christian Young
Former Orange Board of Education Member
Attorney practicing law in
Connecticut for 15 years
J.D., Quinnipiac University
School of Law, 1998
B.A, Calvin College
State of Connecticut
Judicial Branch
“I am a Turkey Hill parent of two boys, both of whom started school in our town at MLT. Over the years, I have been consistently impressed with the quality of our school administrators, teachers and support staff, and the resulting growth of our children in their care.
It is no mystery why our town enjoys such acclaim for its educational system – involved parents who encourage and are encouraged by exceptional education professionals working together for the education, safety, and future of our children.
I look forward to moving on to serve on the Amity Board of Education.”
Jody Daymon
Mike Donadeo
Jeff Vargo
Gary Palermo