Election 2025 Results
A clean sweep for Stonington Democrats!
Bill Middleton was elected First Selectman and Deborah Norman was elected Selectman, leading the way in a great Election Day for our town and our team.
Voters also elected Democrats Chris Johnson, Eugene Winchester, and Michael Serra to the Board of Finance, Bridget Shirvell, Zachary Boudah, and Daniel Kelley to the Board of Education, Matt Berger to the Board of Assessment Appeals, and Sandy Grimes as Town Treasurer.
Our constables include Democrats Ashley Gillece, Peter Perenyi, Maria Petrillo, and Lorraine Tamsky.
Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, donated, and supported our candidates. This victory belongs to all of you and to the future of Stonington!
Meet Our Candidates
Election Day is November 4th!
This November, Stonington voters will choose local leaders who will shape the future of our town. From schools to budgets to town services, these decisions affect all of us. Our Democratic slate brings experience, commitment, and a shared vision of fairness, transparency, and community.
Get to know our neighbors who are ready to serve.
First Selectman: Bill Middleton
Selectman: Deborah Norman
Treasurer: Sandy Grimes
Board of Finance: Chris Johnson, Eugene Winchester, Mike Serra
Board of Education: Bridget Shirvell, Zachary J. Boudah, Dan Kelley
Board of Assessment Appeals: Matt Berger
Constables: Peter Perenyi, Lorraine Tamsky, Ashley Gillece, Maria Petrillo
First Selectman
Bill Middleton
I am a lifelong Stonington resident, entrepreneur, and community leader. With more than 25 years of experience in finance and business, including work with one of the nation’s largest municipal bond managers, I have built a career rooted in responsibility and collaboration. I also founded and grew a local hospitality company that now employs nearly 200 people, creating jobs and supporting the local economy.
I am currently a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, a trustee of Mystic Aquarium and on the board of The James Merrill House Foundation. Previously I have been on several other non-profit boards including The Josh Piver Scholarship Fund, The Mystic Museum of Art (Treasurer), The James Merrill House (Treasurer, Co-Chair) and The Estate and Tax Planning Council of Eastern CT (Treasurer, President), Southeast Area Transit, The Riverfront Children’s Center (Treasurer, President), The Lawrence and Memorial Benefactors Society (Treasurer, President), The Olde Mystic Village Merchant’s Association (Treasurer, President) and The Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut. Throughout this work, I have focused on building consensus, supporting local organizations, and strengthening the community I call home.
I am running for First Selectman to bring thoughtful leadership, responsible budgeting, and transparent decision-making to town government. I believe the strength of Stonington lies in its people—our staff, our volunteers, and our residents. My vision is to preserve the town’s character while planning carefully for its future and ensuring that Stonington remains a place where families, businesses, and communities can thrive.
Learn more about Bill at middletonforstonington.com
.jpg)
Selectman
Deborah Norman
I’ve been lucky to call Stonington home for over 30 years—raising my family, running a small business, and getting involved wherever I can. I am proud to serve on Stonington's Board of Finance and on the Board of Directors of Historic Stonington. I also volunteer with the Stonington Merchants Association, the James Merrill House, and other community organizations. I’ve learned that listening, rolling up your sleeves, and working together get things done.
I’m running for Selectman because I love this town and want to keep it vibrant, welcoming, and full of opportunity for everyone. I’ll focus on supporting our local businesses, protecting what makes Stonington special, and making sure our voices are heard at the table.
Town Treasurer
Sandy Grimes
I was born and raised in Stonington and have lived here my entire life with my wife of 56 years, Terry Santos Grimes, our three sons, and our six grandchildren. After graduating from the University of Hartford and earning a master’s degree in education from Connecticut College, I spent more than 40 years teaching math at the elementary and middle school level.
My commitment to service has included leadership and volunteer roles across town: President of the Deans Mill School PTO, President of the Board of Directors at the Stonington Community Center, 25 years on the Sandy Point Patrol, soccer coach, and Meals on Wheels volunteer. I am a lifetime member of the Stonington Borough Fire Department, St. Mary’s Church, Knights of Columbus, Portuguese Club, Elks Club, and the Westerly Yacht Club. I have also served on town committees responsible for facilities, dog parks, and athletic fields, helping to expand recreation opportunities for our community.
For over 40 years, I have been actively involved in local government. I have held elected and appointed positions such as Fire and Water Commissioner on the Borough Board of Warden & Burgesses, Justice of the Peace, Constable, six years on the Board of Finance, and I currently serve as the Chair of the Waterfront Commission.
I am currently serving in my fourth term as Town Treasurer. In this role, I work closely with the Boards of Finance, Education, and Selectmen to ensure responsible oversight of town funds.
I have always believed in giving back to the community that raised me, and I hope the voters will continue to grant me the privilege of serving as Treasurer.
Board of Finance
Chris Johnson
I am proud to be the third generation of my family to live in Connecticut, after my great-grandparents immigrated from Greece. My father and grandfather were both active in local government, and they taught me that showing up at the community level is one of the best ways to make a difference. My spouse, Lyndsey, and I have called Mystic home for nearly twenty years, where we live with our two dogs and the occasional foster pup.
I am completing my first term on the Board of Finance and serve as Chair of the Stonington Climate Change Task Force. I also serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for HOPE Inc., a nonprofit that renovates homes and creates homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families in our region, and I volunteer with the Mystic River Historical Society. I believe that every resident deserves a chance at success and that strong, resilient communities are built on access to opportunity and long-term planning.
Professionally, I work in cybersecurity as a GRC Analyst, focused on compliance and risk management to support our country’s critical infrastructure. This work requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a commitment to protecting the public interest. I bring these skills to my service on the Board of Finance.
My priorities include responsible budgeting, investing in schools and infrastructure, and preparing for the challenges of our shared climate future, all while ensuring transparency and accountability in town government.
Board of Finance
Eugene Winchester
I grew up in a city-owned project in New York and was the recipient of an excellent and free public education, including college. As a result, I have a personal appreciation for the government’s ability to do good and change lives. Following college, I received my MD from the University of Connecticut and completed internship, residency, and fellowship at Hartford Hospital. I was the co-founder of a group of urgent care centers that employed over 200 individuals, served as medical director of the Wethersfield Police Department, and advised the Town on medical issues. After careers in the insurance and consulting industries, I co-founded an emergency medicine group that now serves seven emergency departments around the state. These experiences taught me leadership, collaboration, budgeting, and how to make strategic decisions that deliver the best value.
I have been a lifelong Democrat who has always believed that America’s bounty and opportunity should be shared. My wife and I have lived full-time in Mystic for the last 15 years. We value this community, and I want to do all I can to pay back what I have been so generously given. With federal policies likely to result in cuts to health, nutrition, and education programs, the State budget will be pressured, and that will affect our Town budget. It is essential for the Board of Finance to provide best-value decision-making for the citizens of Stonington. I believe my experience as a physician, an insurance industry executive and consultant, and a medical entrepreneur makes me a strong candidate for the Stonington Board of Finance.
Board of Finance
Mike Serra
I am motivated to run for the Board of Finance by my belief in the foundational role that local government plays in fostering a vibrant community. The most meaningful impact must be found at the local level, especially against the backdrop of today’s troubling national political environment. At this critical time, I want to help ensure that Stonington remains financially strong, resilient, and prepared for the future. I believe in listening to residents and making decisions that balance fiscal discipline with compassion and foresight. Continued investment in our excellent public schools, support for economic development, and building resilience as a coastal community are both strategic and moral imperatives.
My background in finance and law has prepared me well for this role. After earning an undergraduate degree in Finance and working in financial services, I graduated from Northeastern University School of Law. I am now a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, a large international law firm, where I represent companies and institutional investment firms in completing investment transactions. Collaboration, negotiation, and smart compromise are at the core of my career, and I will bring those same skills to the Board of Finance.
I am also an active participant in local affairs. I serve as a member of Stonington’s Climate Change Task Force, as a director of Next Up Music Inc., a nonprofit that enhances opportunities for young musicians, and as a volunteer coach for my children’s sports teams through the Westerly-Pawcatuck YMCA and Stonington Little League. Above all, I am a devoted parent of two young boys—current and future students of Stonington Public Schools—and proud husband to an incredible woman who has dedicated her career to serving the underserved.
Board of Education
Bridget Shirvell
I believe public schools represent the heart and health of their communities. I’m seeking a seat on the Stonington Board of Education because I want to ensure that Stonington schools are supported, innovative, and serve the needs of all families.
I’m a parent – the mother of a first grader at Deans Mill School – and I bring the perspective of someone who is invested in students’ day-to-day experiences and their long-term success. I’m also a professional communicator: a writer and the author of Parenting In A Climate Crisis. At the Yale School of the Environment, I work closely with students (aka “the big kids,” as my child calls them) to elevate their work but also to help them with everything from managing deadlines to their social media accounts to parking tickets. These experiences give me a firsthand understanding of the challenges young people face, and I believe they equip me to be a thoughtful and effective advocate for students and families on the Stonington Board of Education.
Whether in journalism, higher education, or community organizing, I’ve always worked to build coalitions, listen deeply, and find common ground. As the parent of a young child, my family will be part of this district for many years, and I am aware of the challenges our town and students face – from the pressing need to address the middle school building to ensuring our kids are equipped with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I’m running to help navigate these issues with transparency, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to student well-being and long-term resilience.
I’d be honored to earn your vote, and I’d also love to connect personally and hear what matters most to you regarding Stonington schools.
Learn more at breeshirvell.com
.png)
Board of Education
Zachary J. Boudah
I am a proud fourth-generation Stonington resident and a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in English from UConn. I am currently pursuing an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs and have dedicated my career to expanding access to education. From teaching writing and first-year seminars to creating and managing a peer mentoring program for first-generation, low-income students, I have experience inside and outside the classroom that informs my commitment to students and families.
In August I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education, and I am honored to continue serving in that role. At 20 years old, I was elected Chairman of Stonington’s Ethics Commission. At UConn, I served as Student Body President at the Avery Point campus and as a Faculty Senate representative, where I helped launch the Husky Harvest Food Pantry, authored amendments to the University By-Laws, and advocated before the Connecticut General Assembly for increased state support.
I believe education should be a right, not a privilege, and I am committed to bringing integrity, energy, and a fresh vision to the Stonington Board of Education.
Learn more at zacharyboudah.com
Board of Education
Dan Kelley
I’ve lived in Stonington for nearly 20 years with my wife, Pam Deary Kelley, and our son, who graduated from Stonington High School. Throughout my education, I was actively involved in the school community, serving as PTO president at Deans Mill Elementary and Mystic Middle School. I currently serve on the Board of Education as a member of the Policy Subcommittee. I have also served as a board member of the High School Athletics Boosters, a former Boy Scout leader, and have coached baseball, soccer, and basketball in town.
Professionally, I am a retired correction officer for the State of Connecticut and have worked in several security roles, including as Director of Security for the Providence Marriott. I graduated from UConn and completed the ECSU Teacher Certification program. Before moving to Stonington, I served in the City of Groton as a councilor, treasurer, and deputy mayor, as well as on the Representative Town Meeting and the city’s parks and recreation committee. On the Board of Education, I am committed to building on the excellence of our schools and ensuring that every student in Stonington has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Board of Assessment Appeals
Matt Berger
My wife and I have lived in Stonington for more than 25 years, and our three children all attended Stonington schools from preschool at the COMO through graduation at Stonington High. Over the years I have served the town as a member of the High School Building Committee and as Chair of the Charter Revision Commission, the Inland Wetlands Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. I also serve on the Board of Directors of the COMO.
I am a graduate of Skidmore College, Rutgers University, and Northeastern University School of Law. I have been a lawyer since 1995, serving as Past President of the New London County Bar Association and recently completing my term as Chair of the Statewide Grievance Committee. For the past five years I have been a Public Defender, and in my prior 25 years of private practice I reviewed hundreds of appraisals and represented property owners before Boards of Assessment Review and in the Tax Appeal Docket of the Superior Court. These combined years of professional experience and public service prepare me to serve on the Board of Assessment Appeals with both expertise and fairness to all.
.jpg)
Constable
Peter Perenyi
Peter has decades of experience in international security and public service. He served in the U.S. Foreign Service and later worked with the Department of Defense and nonprofit organizations on defense and homeland security issues. A lifelong advocate for good governance and civic engagement, he is now active in Stonington’s Democratic community and brings integrity, global perspective, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
.jpg)
Constable
Lorraine Tamsky
Lorraine is a local business owner and operator focused on marine upholstery and canvas. Growing up along the shore and working in boat shops and marinas, she has a distinct connection to the town. She is a regular member of the Mystic River park commission and cares deeply about preserving what is left of the town she grew up in. Lorraine is an active member of her community, helping fellow business owners, friends and locals whenever she can.
.jpg)
Constable
Ashley Gillece
Ashley is a longtime Pawcatuck resident and an active member of the Stonington Democratic Town Committee. She has more than 16 years of experience in local politics and has served on the Stonington Charter Reform Commission. She has worked and volunteered on many Democratic campaigns and is known for her commitment to women’s rights, working families, veterans, and accessible healthcare. A single mom and lifelong advocate for her community, Ashley works across party lines to make sure Pawcatuck voices are heard.
.jpg)
Constable
Maria Petrillo
Maria grew up in North Stonington and graduated from Wheeler High School in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Roger Williams University and a master’s degree from the University of Exeter before returning to the area in 2013. Maria is the Director of Interpretation at Mystic Seaport Museum, where she oversees the museum’s public historical interpretation and the preservation and demonstration of traditional trades and shipboard skills. Before joining Mystic Seaport Museum full-time, she worked as a Policy Analyst for the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, focusing on Medicare and Medicaid integration programs and developing solutions that strengthen programs for families and communities. She lives in Pawcatuck with her husband Nathan, their cat Pippin, and two dogs, Albus and Tash.
Recent Articles
From the CT Examiner: Storms Don’t Keep Stonington Candidates from Door Knocking By Amy Wu, October 14, 2025 Please note: The full article may require a CT Examiner subscription. What follows is a summary of the article. Please click the link below to read the full article. The CT Examiner recently featured Bill Middleton and Deborah Norman, highlighting their dedication, teamwork, and hands-on approach to connecting with voters. Reporter Amy Wu joined them, along with Board of Education member Zachary Boudah, as they went door to door in Stonington during last weekend’s nor’easter. “Spending time to do it in the middle of a rain and windstorm, it really shows their commitment and their availability,” said Leslie Bartholomew, a longtime Stonington resident who met them at her door. Despite the storm, Bill, Deborah, and Zach continued to meet voters across town. “People are generally very receptive and are genuinely appreciative that you make the effort,” said Bill Middleton after the group returned to Deborah’s shop, Grand & Water Antiques, to dry off. Amy Wu writes that the candidates’ partnership “grew out of years of working together in the community.” “Bill said he was thinking about it, and he also said, but you have to run as second,” said Deborah Norman. “I’ve worked with Bill on a lot of projects. I really like working with him. I still have two more years on the Board of Finance, but I am willing to step aside from my seat to run with him.” Wu reports that Middleton “has been actively involved in the Stonington community and believes this is a critical moment for the town’s future. He pointed to rapid tourism growth and high housing demand as key challenges, emphasizing the need for careful planning to protect community character while accommodating visitors.” She also notes that Norman “said her key platforms include addressing aging infrastructure, particularly the bridge into Stonington Borough that has been deteriorating, along with upgrading existing schools, roads and sewers.” The article closes with a reminder of how much local engagement matters. “I do think that it’s important for them to be out there and getting people to pay attention to the local issues and everything else,” said Stonington resident Holland Burt. “With local politics, I feel like it’s so important because the national politics is theater that is taking our attention away. I give them [Middleton and Norman] a lot of credit.” Amy Wu’s reporting offers an inside look at Bill, Deborah, and Zach’s energy, teamwork, and dedication to listening to the community.
From The Westerly Sun: Middleton announces run for Stonington first selectman By Ryan Blessing Jul 11, 2025 Updated Jul 11, 2025 STONINGTON — Longtime Stonington resident and Mystic business owner Bill Middleton announced Friday that he is running for first selectman. As part of a joint announcement, Deborah Norman, a six-year member of the Stonington Board of Finance and local business owner, said she had joined Middleton in the campaign as his running mate, vying for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. The campaign was scheduled to officially kick off with a public event on Friday evening at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society, where supporters and the public could meet the candidates and ask questions. The announcement came a day after First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough said she would not seek another term. Selectwoman Deobrah Downie also announced with Chesebrough that she would not run for reelection. Middleton, 59, is most known for almost a decade for creating a series of popular dining spots in the Mystic area, a hospitality business which he said employs close to 200 people in Stonington. They include the Jealous Monk social hall and beer garden at Old Mistick Village, Mexican fare at Rio Salado, the casual tacos-and-margaritas eatery Taquerio and the Italian-themed Andiamo. He’s also heading up work on The Commodore, a 56-room mid-century modern hotel adjacent to Andiamo in the former Old Mystic Motor Lodge. Middleton also has more than 25 years of experience in finance, including time with one of the nation’s largest municipal bond managers. His extensive civic involvement includes service on nonprofit boards and town commissions. Norman, 56, is owner and operator of Grand & Water Antiques, a shop at 135 Water St. in the Borough, since 1994. In addition to her time as a member of the Board of Finance, she has also served on the boards of the Stonington Merchant Association, Stonington COMO, the James Merrill House and the Stonington Historical Society. Middleton, unaffiliated, pledged to bring “thoughtful leadership, professional experience, and a commitment to public service” to the town’s highest elected office. “I am running not because I seek the title, but because I believe deeply in public service,” Middleton said. “I want to be sure Stonington continues to have a first selectman who listens, builds consensus, and makes decisions that serve all of our residents. I’ve spent my career building teams, managing complex budgets, and supporting community focused organizations, and I want to bring that same approach to municipal government.” He said he believes effective leadership begins with people. “The most valuable resource our town has is its people: our staff, our volunteers, and our residents,” he said. “Effective leadership is about supporting our people, recognizing diverse strengths and creating a culture of trust and collaboration.” The ticket casts Norman, a Democrat, as a dedicated public servant who brings a different and complementary skill set. “I’ve worked hard to be a thoughtful and collaborative voice on the Board of Finance, and I want to continue that work at the selectmen’s table,” Norman said. “Our town needs steady hands and clear priorities, people who are willing to listen, plan carefully, and put community first.” A Finance Board member for six years, she “is widely respected for her commitment to responsible fiscal oversight and community engagement,” the announcement said. “Her volunteer work has been expansive and she is widely respected for her compassion and thoughtful approach to challenges brought before her.” Middleton said he is proud to run alongside someone with Norman’s experience and character. “Deb Norman brings a depth of knowledge and integrity that Stonington can count on,” he said. “Together, I believe we offer a principled, balanced, and effective leadership team.” The campaign aims to focus on responsible budgeting, transparency, support for town employees “and public engagement that brings all voices to the table.” Both candidates expressed confidence that their combined professional experience and deep community roots will serve the town well in the years ahead. “This job is about stewardship, about making good decisions today that benefit Stonington tomorrow,” Middleton said. “We’re not running to make noise. We’re running to get to work.”
From The Day: Mystic restaurateur to run for Stonington First Selectman By CARRIE CZERWINSKI Special to The Day Published: Jul 11, 2025 5:35 PM Stonington — On Friday, Mystic restaurateur and hotelier Bill Middleton announced his bid to become the town’s next first selectman, while local businesswoman Deborah Norman announced she would seek a seat on the Board of Selectmen as his running mate. The unaffiliated Middleton and Norman, a Democrat, released a joint statement prior to their Friday evening announcement at the Portuguese Club in which they pledged “thoughtful leadership, professional experience, and a commitment to public service.” Middleton owns Cannonball Management, which runs, among others, the Jealous Monk, Rio Salado, Taquerio and Andiamo restaurants as well as Unicorn Project LLC, which plans the Commodore, a $2.5 million hotel project to modernize the former Econo Lodge at 247 Greenmanville Avenue. He said his background in finance, business and leadership experience will help him manage the town budget, employees and infrastructure while also supporting town staff, volunteers and residents. Middleton, 59, spent 25 years in the investment business before pivoting to the hospitality industry. He noted that he currently employs more than 200 people, more than the town does. He is a current member of the Board of Police Commissioners and has served on various taskforces and non-profit boards including Mystic Aquarium, the Mystic Museum of Art, the James Merrill House Foundation and the Riverfront Children’s Center in Groton, among others. When asked why he was seeking the seat, Middleton said he was doing it out of a sense of civic responsibility. “I owe this town a lot to be honest, and it’s good timing in my life, and I really feel like we’re at a critical point with the town in terms of a lot of these issues that, in many ways, are interrelated,” he said Wednesday. He pointed to the ways in which tourism positively and negatively impacts the town, which he had the opportunity to delve into during his time on the state’s tourism taskforce. “I think we’re at a critical point, where we need to decide what happens once people get here,” he said, stressing that the town needs to focus on future planning and finding a community consensus and solution to issues like parking, traffic, housing affordability and the public schools. “I think it’s important to get those decisions right because they are really going to have implications far off in the future,” he said, explaining the issues are deeply intertwined and require more longer-term planning than the town has seen in the past. Norman, who has served six years on the Board of Finance, said her reasoning was similar. . .
