2025 Candidates

First Selectman 

CArl Fortuna 

Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. is in his seventh term as the Republican First Selectman in Old Saybrook.  He became involved with Old Saybrook’s government in 1999, first serving on the town’s Water Pollution Control Authority and then as chairman of the town’s Board of Finance from 2001-2011. He also serves as the treasurer for the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments. Carl is an active runner and cyclist and enjoys golfing at Black Hall Club in Old Lyme, CT.  Full Bio 

Selectman 

Scott Giegerich 

Scott has proudly served Old Saybrook as an elected representative over the past 22 years.  Eight years with Parks and Recreation and finishing up on 14 years as Selectman. You may see Scott Giegerich on a local field refereeing soccer, or umpiring baseball; he’s sure to be at most Saybrook Events and his new favorite- out and about with his two lovable, fun, cherished grand babies. Full Bio

Police Commission

MArk Caldarella

Mark Caldarella brings a strong track record of public service and community leadership to his candidacy for the Police Commission. With ten years of experience on the Old Saybrook Zoning Commission—Mark has demonstrated his commitment to thoughtful, effective governance. His approach is grounded in transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of residents. Full Bio

Zoning

Gerri Lewis

Gerri is a Zoning Board veteran having served for many years, and is currently Vice-Chair.  She was an alternate for 4 years before being elected to the Zoning Board.  Gerri feels that this is a critical board, as it has shaped Old Saybrook into the beautiful and safe town that it is. Full Bio 

Treasurer

Barbara Labriola

Barbara, as your incumbent Town Treasurer, has 3 key priorities for Old Saybrook’s finances: transparency, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. Full Bio

Board of Education

Joe Maselli 

Joe Maselli is a father of four who moved to Old Saybrook shortly after the birth of his first child. Joe and his wife Brenda chose Saybrook as the community in which to raise their children and have been active in all three schools over the years, their youngest child is currently enrolled in Old Saybrook High School  Full Bio 

Parks and Recreation

theresa watford

Theresa Watford is a lifelong Old Saybrook resident and a passionate advocate for community service. She currently works as an analyst for Connecticut’s leading healthcare system, bringing strong organizational and problem-solving skills to everything she does. Full Bio

Zoning

Derrik kennedy

Derrik Kennedy has called Old Saybrook home since 2009 and has a strong history of local civic service. He has served on the Board of Finance, Zoning Commission, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Education Foundation Board, First Congregational Church Board of Trustees—including one term as chair—and the Police Building Committee. His involvement in the Zoning Commission included advancing local special exception permits, such as his own business permit for Sip Wine Bar Full Bio 

Zoning Board of Appeals

Laurie deneen

Laurie is seeking a permanent position on the Zoning Board of Appeals, where she has served as an
Alternate Member since March, 2024. A full-time resident of Old Saybrook since 2023, Laurie brings a
unique blend of professional expertise and deep roots to her candidacy.Full Bio 

Board of Education

Deborah bole

After many years away, I’m so grateful to be back in Old Saybrook—a community that has always felt like home. Returning to be closer to family and to work within the Old Saybrook school system has reignited my passion for education and reaffirmed my belief that every student deserves the resources and support to succeed. In a town where the spirit of education is strong, I’m committed to giving back through service, advocacy, and engagement.Full Bio 

Parks and Recreation

Barbara Krucko

As someone who lives and works in this wonderful Town of Old Saybrook and brings over 25 years of real estate experience. I truly care about the people and the homes that make it such a special place. Full Bio

Police Commission

Shawn hatchel

Shawn Hatchel is running for a seat on the Old Saybrook Board of Police Commissioners, bringing with him a unique blend of law enforcement experience, financial services expertise, and deep commitment to the community. Full Bio 

Board of Finance

steve johnson

Steven J. Johnson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Alchemi Wealth, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm based in Essex, Connecticut. Founded in 2018, the firm manages over $260 million in client assets and serves more than 1,000 clients with a dedicated team of nine professionals. Full Bio

Board of Finance, Board of Assessment Appeals

Jim wakim

Jim spent the first 13 years of his career as a commercial real estate attorney with Schatz Schatz Ribicoff & Kotkin, followed by years as a partner in the Capital Markets Group of the national law firm, Brown Rudnick.  Full Bio

Board of Finance

greg gernhardt

Greg is honored to be a candidate for the Board of Finance, caucusing with the Republicans. Greg is committed to preserving the essence of the Old Saybrook we all know and love, while working to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.   Full Bio 

Zoning Board of Appeals, Police Commission

Chuck gadon

As a degreed engineer, I have been trained to work the problem and solve it. That is what I will bring to the table if I am re-elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  If you were to ask those in town that know me, you would hear that I am “unafraid to roll up my sleeves and work the problem”. Full Bio

Zoning Board of Appeals

Kevin danby

Originally from Meriden, Kevin and his wife Maribeth of 47 years purchased their first home in Old Saybrook in 1993, and they became full time residents of the town in 2006.  The couple currently lives in Knollwood Beach, and they have 5 children and 5 grandchildren. Full Bio 

Police Commission

Mike kapij

Mike is running for the Police Commission. Presently, Mike is a Security Specialist for the
Madison Board of Education assigned to Jeffrey Elementary School. He is also a licensed
Private Investigator. Full Bio

Board of Assessment Appeals

Barbara dennison

With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Barbara brings deep insight into the real estate valuation process and a strong understanding of how property values impact homeowners and the broader community. Her professional background gives her a unique perspective that supports fairness and accuracy.Full Bio

Board of Finance

Paul Carver

Paul Carver, 72, was born and raised in New Britain where he served on the City Council for 10 years and eight years on the Board of Education.  He was also President of the Library Board and Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Full Bio

Tax Collector

Erin Colwell 

Erin Colwell is running for Tax Collector. For the past three years, Erin has served on The Zoning Board of Appeals, where she was unanimously elected Vice-Chairperson. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, walking, crafting and cooking. As Tax Collector, her goal is to foster a welcoming, respectful environment where every taxpayer is treated with dignity and fairness.  Full Bio 

Planning

Paula Kay

Paula S. Kay is seeking a third term on the Planning Commission.  In this role she has also served as the Commission's Representative on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Full Bio 

Parks and Recreation

Alex Bertran

Alex was born and raised in Miami but his career brought him north.  He and his wife Maria moved to Old Saybrook two years ago with the express purpose of becoming part of our small-town community. Full Bio

Town Clerk

Sarah Becker

A lifelong resident of Old Saybrook, I have been honored to serve as your Town Clerk for more than 35 years. In this role, I manage and preserve the Town’s official records dating back to 1864, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with state and local regulations.

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Beyond Town Hall, I have dedicated my life to service in our community. For over three decades, I have been Choir Director and Organist at St. John Roman Catholic Church. I have also served as president, chairman, and member of numerous civic and church organizations, working side by side with neighbors to strengthen Old Saybrook.

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My roots run deep here. I raised three children who attended Old Saybrook schools and today I am blessed with 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Board of Education

Kelley Kennedy 

Kelley is a veteran Board of Education (BOE) member having formerly served as Chair for multiple years.  At present, Kelley is a VP for clinical research at a global organization of over 95k employees where she oversees a multi-million budget and ably puts her math and science background to work. Full Bio