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!

An Interesting story about Jim's commitment to Orange

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 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."

Meet John Carangelo

Bill Kraut

Board of Selectman 9/2024 to present.

Chairman, Orange Board of Education
11/2011 to 9/2024.

Bond Committee 6/2012 – 4/2013

Bond Construction Oversite Committee 4/2013 to present.

Chairman
Bond Construction Oversite Committee since 6/2018 to present.

B.S. University of Rhode Island

Owner Newport Tennis, Inc.

Bill has been a resident of Orange for 35 years. He and his wife Phyllis have a daughter Michaela who attended the Orange public schools and Amity.

As Chairman of the OBOE, Bill worked with our school superintendent, teachers, and the board to safely provide both remote and in-person learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

First Selectman Jim Zeoli, working with our Board of Finance and Board of Education, made sure that funds were allocated to meet state mandates, allowing our schools to remain open. The Orange school system was one of less than 3% of school systems statewide to have in school learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instituted security guards in all our schools with cooperation of First Selectman Zeoli, the Board of Finance and the Board of Education.

"As a Selectman, I will continue to work collaboratively in a bipartisan manner. Orange has been and is a wonderful town. I will do my best to preserve what has made it so special and work to make sure the Town’s future is just as great."

Meet Bill Kraut

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

Meet Judy Smith

 

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.

 

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

Currently Serving on the Zoning Commission

B.S Math, Computer Science,
Roger Williams University

Chief Technology Officer,
Ivy Biomedical Systems

Living in Orange for 35 years Jay McGuire has deep roots in our community. His longtime involvement in the Orange Country Fair, was sparked by his father-in-law, William Sperry. He was appointed to serve on the Town Planning and Zoning Commission in 2025.

Jay was a business owner in Orange operating Iron Boot, Inc., before becoming the Chief Technology Officer at Ivy Biomedical Systems, a company that specializes in cardiac and respiratory gating monitors for medical imaging.


 

Mary Shaw - Town Clerk

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.

 

Tom Hurley - Tax Collector

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

Ronnette has been active in the Orange community for 20 years. As a mom, she served as PTO president at Peck Place School and worked on several town committees with passion and enthusiasm.

“I care deeply about our students and community. My experience, dedication, and vision will help us continue building strong schools and a bright future for our children.”

“As a board member, I know we can take our excellent schools to the next level, ensuring our students have greater opportunities and our teachers have the support they need.”

 

Tatiana Messina Mullen

Vice Chair
Orange Board of Education

B.A. Villanova University

J.D. New York Law School

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney

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 9-year-old daughter who is enjoying 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 Vargo 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