Orange Election 2011: Zeoli seeks fourth term

Written by Bettina Thiel
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 13:56

ORANGE — First Selectman Jim Zeoli, who is running for this fourth term, has guided the town through an economically difficult time.

But by controlling taxes and spending, he said, he managed to provide for some measure of stability.

“I make sure each service in town gets some sort of coverage that they deserve,” he said.

He is proud of his administration’s record regarding economic development, especially with United Illuminating coming into town, possibly next year.

Yale University also is expanding its research and development facilities on its West Campus in Orange, which will generate additional taxes.

The latest news, that of Aurora Products purchasing the former Finlay building, coupled with the expansion of the PEZ facility will bring in new sources of revenue, he said.

Zeoli said there is continued interest in the Orange location on the Boston Post Road.

“The Boston Post Road has come back to life, thanks to the hard work of the business community, Realtors and the property owners,” he said.

New restaurants are opening along that road.

“When one door closes, another door opens,” he said.

Zeoli said he worked hard to keep taxes as reasonable as possible. The last budget round the town faced a close to $2 million deficit, but by asking the department heads to make across-the-board cuts, the town managed to keep tax increases at 3%.

Fiscal discipline has earned the town an improvement in its bond rating to AA+, and consequently, a low interest rate in financing the Hubbell purchase.

Zeoli said he feels very strongly about balancing development with open space preservation.

“I feel very strongly if this generation doesn’t step up what will be left for the children when they grow up,” he said.

He is proud of the schools and their work, saying he worked very hard to keep the funding for schools “level and fair,” even in bad years.

Even though he protested the increase cost Orange had to take on for the Amity budget, he said parents are moving into the district for the excellence of the schools, and “we honor that commitment.” He pledged to continue to do what he can for education.

Zeoli grew up in Orange, where he now manages a farm. He said he has seen many changes in this town. His goal is to “make everything work” and ensure quality of life for everybody.

He mentioned improvement to the ballfields and a review of the senior tax program as things he accomplished.

“I feel very honored and privileged to be part of the history of the town,” he said.