Congratulations to Ben Blake and the Democratic Party.

Today, Tom Jagodzinski issued a communication attacking the Halloween decorations of one of our candidates. The decorations include the predictable tombstones, on one it said, "Dear Old Fred, He was alive and is now dead", a play for rhyming Fred and Dead. Pretty common stuff. But not to super sleuth Tom Jagodzinski!

Today, Tom's communication alleged that the "Fred" must be an attack on the former Mayor of Milford and called it hurtful.

In fact, the candidate in question has had these same decorations in her yard for 13 years, long before our former Mayor passed away. In fact, there are many similar decorations across town and across the country.

If this great political strategy is the work of Tom alone, I would encourage the Republicans to remove this guy from his post. He is making your Party look really desperate and silly. Rather than talking about issues, he's attacking Halloween decorations.

In all my years, this is by far the most goofy and nonsensical and desperate political move I have every seen, and I've seen a lot.

I hope all voters across our city get to hear Tom's allegations. I think they speak clearly and plainly that Republicans do not want to engage in a discussion about the challenges facing our city and the issues in this race but instead want to issue communications about peoples' haloween decorations.

I think this basically sums up this years election.

Candidate for Planning & Zoning 2nd District
Jeanne.Cervin@teammilford.com
Jeanne Cervin previously served two terms on the Planning and Zoning Board - endorsed by both political parties for her second term, during which she was elected Chairperson. Her many accomplishments include:

• Instituted New Member Orientation Process
• Created Member Policy Handbook
• Spearheaded televising of P & Z meetings
• Led regulation to limit height of shoreline homes
• Ardent advocate for a bi-partisan approach to land use decisions
  

Jeanne has lived in Milford for many years. She resides in the same home where she raised her two sons and is devoted to her three grandchildren. She is currently Chair of the Milford Environmental Protection Initiative. Jeanne is a psychotherapist in private practice.

“I believe in a balance between natural resource conservation and meeting the needs of a growing/changing business community, to protect the integrity of our neighborhoods”

It is truly unfortunate that Mr. Joy’s faltering campaign has chosen to put its interest above those of Milford and to exploit the recent disaster to win political campaign points.

Today Mr. Joy issued a press release proclaiming the compassion in his proposed ordinance which would waive permitting fees for Milford residents rebuilding in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene.

Candidate for Planning & Zoning 5th District
Victor.Ferrante@teammilford.com
Victor M. Ferrante is a practicing attorney in Bridgeport and current elected member of the Milford Planning &Zoning Board, proudly representing his constituents in the 5th district. If re-elected, he pledges that he will continue to concentrate on reasonable growth, keeping in perspective Milford's history, beauty, and charm.

• B.A. in Political Science, Villanova University
• J.D. from Boston University School of Law
• Secretary &Member, Greater Bridgeport Bar Association
• Member, CT Bar Association &CT Trial Lawyers
• Member, Milford Land Trust
  

Victor and his wife, Josephine, have three adult children

"I believe that, while Milford needs development, that development should not take place at the expense of Milford's natural beauty and heritage. I will continue to ask the difficult questions, and will try to preserve our residential neighborhoods from being over developed, and protect our natural resources and environment."

Candidate for Board of Education 2nd District
Tracy.Casey@teammilford.com
Tracy Casey is honored to have served the 2"d district as a member of the Board of Education for the past four years. She is currently the Director of Diversity at Aetna in Hartford, and brings a solid business perspective to the Board. Tracy hopes to continue to serve as a vocal Board member, striving to improve education while ensuring we spend our tax dollars in the most thoughtful and fiscally responsible way.

• Board Member, CT Alliance for Business Opportunities
• Former Board of Directors, Capital Workforce Partners &Equal Employment Advisory
• Currently pursuing an MBA at UCONN
• Graduated Cum Laude- Northwestern University,BS in Organizational Behavior
  

Tracy and her husband, Marty, have four children -the oldest graduated from Law and ECA in 2010 and the other three currently attend Milford Public Schools.

"I will continue to question why we do things the way we do, think outside of the box, and hold administration accountable to meet the goals of our school system in a cost-effective way."

Candidate for Board of Aldermen 4th District
Susan.Shaw@teammilford.com
Business owner Susan Shaw, the current chair of the Planning & Zoning Board, is seeking her first term on the Board of Aldermen. Susan has served on the Board since 2008 and is currently spearheading updates and revisions to the City's Plan of Conservation and Development. In addition to serving the residents of the 4th District as an Alderman, if elected, Susan plans to continue to be active in the economic development of Downtown and on local preservation and conservation.

• Chairwoman, Planning & Zoning Board
• Small Business Owner
• Member, Audubon Society & Walnut Beach Association
• Member, former President, Downtown Milford Business Association (DMBA)
  

Susan is married and has a teenage son.

"7he City's lack of a comprehensive vision for Milford has resulted in wasteful spending decisions that have caused higher taxes and decreasing services. To lower taxes, the city's financial decisions must reflect the current needs and future aspirations of our communities."

Candidate for Board of Education 2nd District
Susan.Glennon@teammilford.com
Susan Glennon has been deeply involved in Milford for the past 20 years - as a parent, resident, local leader, and as a small business owner. Her work in the community has been highly recognized, and her understanding of school district operations will be a valuable asset as she seeks her first term on the Board of Education.

• Licensed early childhood professional
• Current member, Women with United Vision, Milford United Way, Milford Council of PT As Honorary Life Membership Award, March 2010
• Member, CT PTA Board of Directors, 2004-2011
• President, citywide PTA Council, 2004 - 2006
• President, Meadowside School PTA, 1998 - 2000, 2001-2003
  

Susan has three grown children, all of whom attended Milford public schools.

"I will bring a unique perspective to the Board, based on my personal and professional experiences relating to education in Milford. I hope to help the school system continue to move forward."

Candidate for Board of Aldermen 1st District
Ray.Arnold@teammilford.com
Ray Arnold is currently a member of the Milford Housing Authority and is the Secretary for the 1'1 District Democrats. A Graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Ray has been an active member of the Town Committee for 12 years.

• Past Member of the Library Board
• Manager of Engineering, Unicorr
• Milford United Soccer Club- Commissioner /C Girls
• Vice President of Parish Council - Christ the Redeemer Church
• Milford Relay for Life - 5 Year Participant
  

Ray and his wife, AnnLena, are the parents of Raymond, a freshman at NYU, and Lena, a sophomore at Jonathan Law High School.

"I think Ben Blake is the right man for the job. I want to help him achieve his vision."