Orange Republican Town Committee

Orange, CT Republicans

Orange Republican Youth Advisory Coalition

The Republican Party of Orange is ready to invest directly in today's youth and tomorrow's leaders! If you're a young Republican (30 & Under) prepared to step up, show up, and speak up, join our Orange Republican Youth Advisory Coalition!

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RSVP

Orange is a wonderful town with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and protected green spaces.

This didn’t happen by accident. Sound town management and fiscal planning by our First Selectman and his Republican team has enabled us to achieve many objectives for the people of Orange. Add to that a strong spirit of volunteerism, and you have a formula for success.

Excellent schools require strong financial planning. Education comprises over 61% of our budget, so Jim Zeoli and our Board of Finance pay close attention to the requirements of both Amity Regional and Orange elementary schools and the need to keep your taxes under control. Jim Zeoli, works with our Board of Finance to make sure that funds were available for our excellant schools.

Safe neighborhoods require the strong support of our police and Orange Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD). We continue to support our police with needed upgrades to communications, fleet, and other requirements.

A spirit of volunteerism is strong in Orange. From people who serve on our boards and commissions to those who work behind the scenes at our town events to our volunteer fire department, these people help make Orange a great place to live.

Open space acquisition has greatly increased during Jim Zeoli’s time in office. As a result of sound management and strong economic development, we were able to achieve S&P's AAA bond rating. This lowers the cost of borrowing for open space purchases.

We continue to protect our community’s green character through strategic open space purchases. The acquisition of the Racebrook Country Club was an important step in controlling its future development while generating revenue for the town. Orange has recently acquired land on Wheeler’s Farm Road.

These objectives could only have been achieved with the sound management practices of Jim Zeoli and his team, along with the volunteers who help out at our events and serve on our boards and commissions.

Paid for by Orange Republican Town Committee, Despina Esposito, Treasurer

Dynamic Economic Development

Jim’s team has built an environment resulting in dynamic economic growth, attracting numerous new businesses.

Firelite Commons is a great example of economic development in Orange. Jim Zeoli worked with our Economic Development Corporation Director, our Town Planning and Zoning board, and the property owners to bring to Orange the right kind of development over years of planning. Firelite Commons is just one example of the strong economic development that we have successfully implemented over the past 20 years. These businesses increase our commercial tax revenues, reducing the burden on residential taxpayers.

Now completed, Charter Senior Living of Orange provides needed Senior assisted living. Orange will also benefits from significant tax revenue with minimal impact on town services.

Lascana Homes has completed a 46-unit housing development, including 36 units of affordable housing, located here in Orange on Smith Farm Road.

Communication

Jim’s team upgraded the Town’s website allowing residents to receive notices and updates on all town business. orange-ct.gov

All meetings of our Boards and Commissions in Orange are open to the public and include public participation. Access to our First Selectman has been and remains available to those who choose to take advantage. Jim meets with many town residents during various hours in the day, including evenings.

Protecting Open Space

Jim’s policies have increased our protected open spaces by over 70% since 2005.

A prime example of this successful policy is the purchase of Race Brook Country Club. All Selectmen, both Democrat and Republican, voted in favor of the purchase. Voters in referendum approved the purchase. Now this 287 acre green space is protected for current residents and future generations.

Our Rainy Day Fund and Your Taxes

Republican leaders of the Orange Board of Finance have worked diligently with all members to meet the needs of our community by budgeting for town services and excellent schools cost-effectively.

In addition to town services and infrastructure improvements, over 62% of the Orange budget supports our schools.

We prudently use our “Rainy Day Fund” for emergencies and capital projects. In 2021-2022 we allocated $1.7 million for projects including paving town roads.

We help secure our AAA Bond rating by protecting our fund balance. Our top rating lowers the cost of borrowing.