Biographies
Learn more about our candidates and their backgrounds below.
Town Council At-Large
Debrah Manke - Candidate, Town Council At-Large
Debrah is a lifelong Cheshire resident and third-generation descendant of a local agricultural family, and attended Chapman School and Dodd, graduating from Cheshire High School in 1981. In 1985, she began a 37-year teaching career at Norton School in Cheshire, retiring two years ago. She raised her three children- Dan (34), Elena (31) and Olivia (28) in Cheshire, and all are graduates of Cheshire Public Schools. In 2020, she was honored as Cheshire Teacher of the Year. She continues to be involved in education, currently serving as a math interventionist at Dodd.
Debrah is eager to contribute to the town where she grew up and raised her family. She is a learner, a listener and a thoughtful decision-maker who values analysis and collaboration to achieve common goals. Her involvement in the community helps her understand its concerns. Currently, she serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals and is a part owner of Tower Farms on Highland Avenue. She is a strong supporter of the Land Trust and local farming. Her deep love for Cheshire, its schools and its offering has kept her here her entire life.
She actively supports our local community by attending events at the Ball and Socket Arts, utilizing our Library, and enjoying the town's parks and trails. Having positively impacted our students as a teacher, she now wishes to continue contributing to the welfare of our town as a retiree.
Debrah is a lifelong Cheshire resident and third-generation descendant of a local agricultural family, and attended Chapman School and Dodd, graduating from Cheshire High School in 1981. In 1985, she began a 37-year teaching career at Norton School in Cheshire, retiring two years ago. She raised her three children- Dan (34), Elena (31) and Olivia (28) in Cheshire, and all are graduates of Cheshire Public Schools. In 2020, she was honored as Cheshire Teacher of the Year. She continues to be involved in education, currently serving as a math interventionist at Dodd.
Debrah is eager to contribute to the town where she grew up and raised her family. She is a learner, a listener and a thoughtful decision-maker who values analysis and collaboration to achieve common goals. Her involvement in the community helps her understand its concerns. Currently, she serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals and is a part owner of Tower Farms on Highland Avenue. She is a strong supporter of the Land Trust and local farming. Her deep love for Cheshire, its schools and its offering has kept her here her entire life.
She actively supports our local community by attending events at the Ball and Socket Arts, utilizing our Library, and enjoying the town's parks and trails. Having positively impacted our students as a teacher, she now wishes to continue contributing to the welfare of our town as a retiree.
Fiona Pearson - Town Council At-Large
Fiona Pearson has resided in Cheshire for over 20 years with her husband Scott Ellis and two daughters, Seneca and Danielle. Both daughters attended Cheshire’s public schools and the family has been actively involved with many of Cheshire’s youth organizations, including Girl Scouts, softball, soccer, volleyball, and theater. Fiona teaches courses in public policy and education at Central Connecticut State University, where she is a professor of sociology. Elected to Town Council in 2023, Fiona chairs both the Audit and Sustainability Committees. She is liaison to the Parks and Recreation as well as the Energy Commission and directs Cheshire’s Sustainable CT Team. Additionally, Fiona serves as Executive Director of the non-profit Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, Inc. In 2021and 2022, Cheshire’s Sustainable CT Team successfully collaborated with municipal leaders as well as local businesses and nonprofits to earn Bronze certification with the state-wide initiative Sustainable CT.
Email: [email protected]
Fiona Pearson has resided in Cheshire for over 20 years with her husband Scott Ellis and two daughters, Seneca and Danielle. Both daughters attended Cheshire’s public schools and the family has been actively involved with many of Cheshire’s youth organizations, including Girl Scouts, softball, soccer, volleyball, and theater. Fiona teaches courses in public policy and education at Central Connecticut State University, where she is a professor of sociology. Elected to Town Council in 2023, Fiona chairs both the Audit and Sustainability Committees. She is liaison to the Parks and Recreation as well as the Energy Commission and directs Cheshire’s Sustainable CT Team. Additionally, Fiona serves as Executive Director of the non-profit Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, Inc. In 2021and 2022, Cheshire’s Sustainable CT Team successfully collaborated with municipal leaders as well as local businesses and nonprofits to earn Bronze certification with the state-wide initiative Sustainable CT.
Email: [email protected]
Peter Talbot - Town Council At-Large
Peter is a lifelong Cheshire resident. He was elected to an at-large seat in 2023 after proudly serving the 4th district on the Town Council since 2011. Prior to his election to the Council, Peter served on the Board of Education and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, including two years as Chair and two years as Vice-Chair. Peter’s education includes Norton, Dodd, Cheshire High and a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College. He worked for Cox Communications for over 37 years and retired at the end of 2022.
Peter will continue to fight to:
Email: [email protected]
Peter is a lifelong Cheshire resident. He was elected to an at-large seat in 2023 after proudly serving the 4th district on the Town Council since 2011. Prior to his election to the Council, Peter served on the Board of Education and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, including two years as Chair and two years as Vice-Chair. Peter’s education includes Norton, Dodd, Cheshire High and a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College. He worked for Cox Communications for over 37 years and retired at the end of 2022.
Peter will continue to fight to:
- Preserve Cheshire's charm, sustainability and community
- Ensure fiscal responsibility to keep taxes low
- Closely monitor school modernization projects
- Promote small business and economic growth
- Maintain safe neighborhoods, streets, and parks
Email: [email protected]
Louis Todisco - Town Council At-Large
Lou and his wife Paullette have lived in Cheshire for over 40 years and raised their three children (Jill, Joseph, and Amy) here. He is devoted to our town, and believes in and has a history of public service. Lou has served on the Cheshire Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for a total of 25 years. He also served as the President of the Cheshire High School Athletic Boosters Club and participated in Cheshire Youth Baseball, Park and Recreation sports, the Leadership Cheshire Program, and as a school volunteer.
If elected, Lou will listen to constituents. He will take calls and set aside a time every month at a convenient location to meet with constituents, and to learn and their needs, ideas, and points of view. Maintaining public safety, good schools, and other town services are the responsibility of elected leaders. He will pay attention to this responsibility and to promoting economic development to help pay for these services. Lou will endeavor to show leadership through persuasion, consensus building, and respect for all persons. He will also where possible promote climate friendly policies. Saving our planet is everyone’s responsibility.
Lou is currently a full time attorney with the Connecticut Department of Education, formerly in private practice (primarily labor and employment law and health care regulatory law). Education: B.A. University of Connecticut (Political Science), M.S. University of New Haven (Criminal Justice), J.D. University of Miami.
Email: [email protected]
Lou and his wife Paullette have lived in Cheshire for over 40 years and raised their three children (Jill, Joseph, and Amy) here. He is devoted to our town, and believes in and has a history of public service. Lou has served on the Cheshire Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for a total of 25 years. He also served as the President of the Cheshire High School Athletic Boosters Club and participated in Cheshire Youth Baseball, Park and Recreation sports, the Leadership Cheshire Program, and as a school volunteer.
If elected, Lou will listen to constituents. He will take calls and set aside a time every month at a convenient location to meet with constituents, and to learn and their needs, ideas, and points of view. Maintaining public safety, good schools, and other town services are the responsibility of elected leaders. He will pay attention to this responsibility and to promoting economic development to help pay for these services. Lou will endeavor to show leadership through persuasion, consensus building, and respect for all persons. He will also where possible promote climate friendly policies. Saving our planet is everyone’s responsibility.
Lou is currently a full time attorney with the Connecticut Department of Education, formerly in private practice (primarily labor and employment law and health care regulatory law). Education: B.A. University of Connecticut (Political Science), M.S. University of New Haven (Criminal Justice), J.D. University of Miami.
Email: [email protected]
Greg Wolff - Town Council At-Large
Greg Wolff has lived in Cheshire since 2006, purchasing the 18th century family home of his grandparents. He has seen the town grow and change over the last 50 years. His grandparents were both active in civic organizations and he grew up seeing what it meant to give back to the community. Greg is again asking for your support as a candidate for Town Council At-Large.
As an At-Large representative, Greg is tasked with making decisions on behalf of the town as a whole. There are many aspects to making these decisions that are complex. He says, "When I was first elected to council I had aspirations of completing many items on my wish list. I quickly realized that governing properly takes time, patience and a respect for processes set by statute. In our current political climate, norms and rules are being abused and the result is a distrust of how proper governing occurs. I am beholden to an oath that I took to serve the Town of Cheshire and State of Connecticut and take that oath very seriously. I will continue to listen to residents, town staff, state agencies, and legal representation to make decisions for the best interest of the town. These decisions are rooted in what will make Cheshire a better place to live, work, and find peace."
Cheshire is facing many challenges from the rising costs of living. The cost of everyday life affects residents as well as municipalities. Greg
has worked to maintain the excellent services we expect in town while keeping in mind the burden this can have on taxpayers. He is not naive to the financial strain made by rising taxes, but he is committed to maintaining the high level of service provided by the Town of Cheshire. Greg will work to involve the community in decision making and appreciates their input in how our town evolves. He believes in investing in our infrastructure and will work to support the continual modernization of our schools, roadways and parks. It is not the time to go back to the old ways of deferring investment in our town to keep taxes artificially low. It is time to take on the challenges for the next generation of Cheshire.
Greg Wolff has lived in Cheshire since 2006, purchasing the 18th century family home of his grandparents. He has seen the town grow and change over the last 50 years. His grandparents were both active in civic organizations and he grew up seeing what it meant to give back to the community. Greg is again asking for your support as a candidate for Town Council At-Large.
As an At-Large representative, Greg is tasked with making decisions on behalf of the town as a whole. There are many aspects to making these decisions that are complex. He says, "When I was first elected to council I had aspirations of completing many items on my wish list. I quickly realized that governing properly takes time, patience and a respect for processes set by statute. In our current political climate, norms and rules are being abused and the result is a distrust of how proper governing occurs. I am beholden to an oath that I took to serve the Town of Cheshire and State of Connecticut and take that oath very seriously. I will continue to listen to residents, town staff, state agencies, and legal representation to make decisions for the best interest of the town. These decisions are rooted in what will make Cheshire a better place to live, work, and find peace."
Cheshire is facing many challenges from the rising costs of living. The cost of everyday life affects residents as well as municipalities. Greg
has worked to maintain the excellent services we expect in town while keeping in mind the burden this can have on taxpayers. He is not naive to the financial strain made by rising taxes, but he is committed to maintaining the high level of service provided by the Town of Cheshire. Greg will work to involve the community in decision making and appreciates their input in how our town evolves. He believes in investing in our infrastructure and will work to support the continual modernization of our schools, roadways and parks. It is not the time to go back to the old ways of deferring investment in our town to keep taxes artificially low. It is time to take on the challenges for the next generation of Cheshire.
Town Council District Officials
Jim Jinks - Town Council District 2
For the past twenty-five years Jim has held leadership positions in Connecticut-based advertising and marketing companies, including operating his own direct marketing business. Jim is currently Vice President at Mediabids, the leading direct response ad agency.
First elected to the Town Council in 2019, Jim was re-elected in 2021 and 2023. For the past two years Jim has served as Vice Chairperson on the Council and as the Budget Committee Chairperson. Jim has also served on several important committees including School Modernization. In 2018 Jim founded Bike Cheshire, an award-winning community nonprofit devoted to encouraging and improving biking in Cheshire. Bike Cheshire has operated a popular community bike share, organized Bike to School Days, group rides, bike safety classes for Cheshire elementary schools and advocates for mountain bike trails in Cheshire. Jim is also one of the founders of the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire and serves on the Chesprocott Board.
For years Jim has been active in our community in several other capacities, volunteering his time on the Cheshire Youth Services Committee, the Cheshire Planning & Zoning Commission, and was the Vice Chairperson of the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee. He lives in Cheshire with his wife Marie, their four kids and their dog Claudia Jean ‘CJ.’ Jim has an undergraduate degree in history from UConn, and a master’s in public policy from Trinity College
Facebook page: @JimJinksCT
Instagram: jimjinks
Twitter: @JimJinksCT
For the past twenty-five years Jim has held leadership positions in Connecticut-based advertising and marketing companies, including operating his own direct marketing business. Jim is currently Vice President at Mediabids, the leading direct response ad agency.
First elected to the Town Council in 2019, Jim was re-elected in 2021 and 2023. For the past two years Jim has served as Vice Chairperson on the Council and as the Budget Committee Chairperson. Jim has also served on several important committees including School Modernization. In 2018 Jim founded Bike Cheshire, an award-winning community nonprofit devoted to encouraging and improving biking in Cheshire. Bike Cheshire has operated a popular community bike share, organized Bike to School Days, group rides, bike safety classes for Cheshire elementary schools and advocates for mountain bike trails in Cheshire. Jim is also one of the founders of the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire and serves on the Chesprocott Board.
For years Jim has been active in our community in several other capacities, volunteering his time on the Cheshire Youth Services Committee, the Cheshire Planning & Zoning Commission, and was the Vice Chairperson of the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee. He lives in Cheshire with his wife Marie, their four kids and their dog Claudia Jean ‘CJ.’ Jim has an undergraduate degree in history from UConn, and a master’s in public policy from Trinity College
Facebook page: @JimJinksCT
Instagram: jimjinks
Twitter: @JimJinksCT
Paul Calaluce - Town Council District 3
Paul Calaluce has been a Cheshire resident for 33 years and is the proud father of a daughter and proud grandfather of three grandchildren. He worked as an administrator for Cheshire Public Schools for 17 years and retired as Assistant Superintendent. He favors maintaining support for Cheshire Public Schools as well as the Police and Fire Departments. His main issue is to provide compassionate leadership to help balance the need for services with affordable taxes.
Paul Calaluce has been a Cheshire resident for 33 years and is the proud father of a daughter and proud grandfather of three grandchildren. He worked as an administrator for Cheshire Public Schools for 17 years and retired as Assistant Superintendent. He favors maintaining support for Cheshire Public Schools as well as the Police and Fire Departments. His main issue is to provide compassionate leadership to help balance the need for services with affordable taxes.
Tricia Cramer - Town Council District 4
Tricia Cramer was first elected to the Town Council in 2023. "As a former small business owner, educator, wife, and proud sports mom of two growing (and endlessly busy!) kids, while managing real health challenges, I understand firsthand the everyday struggles and hopes of Cheshire families. My journey is one many women know well: balancing care, career, and community with strength and grit.
"Professionally, I serve as a Legislative Clerk and Trade Commission Administrator for the Connecticut General Assembly, positions that sharpen my ability to lead locally with knowledge, skill, and tenacity. I also hold a Master’s degree in Education, which has deepened my belief in the power of learning, the value of diverse perspectives, and the importance of uniting around shared goals.
"As your current representative for District 4, I’ve been a clear and consistent voice for accountability, opportunity, and thoughtful growth. I’ve proudly led efforts that:
"With your vote for me, you’re choosing steady, inclusive leadership, leadership that invests in progress without leaving behind our most vulnerable neighbors. I will continue to fight for a town that protects working families, honors our seniors, helps preserve our neighborhoods, farms, green spaces, and builds a future that includes everyone. Again I am asking for your vote. Let's move forward, together."
Email: [email protected]
Tricia Cramer was first elected to the Town Council in 2023. "As a former small business owner, educator, wife, and proud sports mom of two growing (and endlessly busy!) kids, while managing real health challenges, I understand firsthand the everyday struggles and hopes of Cheshire families. My journey is one many women know well: balancing care, career, and community with strength and grit.
"Professionally, I serve as a Legislative Clerk and Trade Commission Administrator for the Connecticut General Assembly, positions that sharpen my ability to lead locally with knowledge, skill, and tenacity. I also hold a Master’s degree in Education, which has deepened my belief in the power of learning, the value of diverse perspectives, and the importance of uniting around shared goals.
"As your current representative for District 4, I’ve been a clear and consistent voice for accountability, opportunity, and thoughtful growth. I’ve proudly led efforts that:
- Protect taxpayers: by expanding senior tax exemptions and pushing back on excessive bonding that would burden future budgets.
- Strengthen our schools: through responsible, collaborative budget work that maintains class sizes, preserves critical student services, and keeps middle school sports alive at Dodd.
- Improve core services: by prioritizing updates to our aging water treatment facilities and modernizing the town website to enhance communication and transparency.
"With your vote for me, you’re choosing steady, inclusive leadership, leadership that invests in progress without leaving behind our most vulnerable neighbors. I will continue to fight for a town that protects working families, honors our seniors, helps preserve our neighborhoods, farms, green spaces, and builds a future that includes everyone. Again I am asking for your vote. Let's move forward, together."
Email: [email protected]
Town Clerk
Patti King - Town Clerk
Cheshire is my hometown, and I’ve lived here most of my life. I attended Cheshire Public Schools from kindergarten to grade twelve and my children did as well. I earned my master’s degree from SCSU and was an elementary teacher in town for sixteen years.
I’ve worked in the Town Clerk’s office for fourteen years and have been the Town Clerk for two of those years. I am also the Registrar of Vital Statistics, a Certified Connecticut Town Clerk (CCTC) and a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC). In addition to all other Town Clerk duties, I work with the Secretary of the State’s office and the Registrar of Voters office to guide Cheshire successfully through elections. I have earned the endorsement of both major parties as a candidate for Town Clerk in the 2023 and 2025 municipal elections.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Cheshire is my hometown, and I’ve lived here most of my life. I attended Cheshire Public Schools from kindergarten to grade twelve and my children did as well. I earned my master’s degree from SCSU and was an elementary teacher in town for sixteen years.
I’ve worked in the Town Clerk’s office for fourteen years and have been the Town Clerk for two of those years. I am also the Registrar of Vital Statistics, a Certified Connecticut Town Clerk (CCTC) and a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC). In addition to all other Town Clerk duties, I work with the Secretary of the State’s office and the Registrar of Voters office to guide Cheshire successfully through elections. I have earned the endorsement of both major parties as a candidate for Town Clerk in the 2023 and 2025 municipal elections.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Board of Education
Heather Fitzgerald - Board of Education
Heather Fitzgerald is a 20-year resident of Cheshire and parent of three Cheshire Public School students (two graduates and one currently at Dodd). She is a dedicated volunteer and community leader with deep roots in Cheshire’s schools and town programs. Heather serves as Secretary of the Cheshire Education Foundation, is a member of the Parks & Recreation Commission, co-led the Cheshire High School Booster Club for four years, and chaired the successful “Vote Yes to Bartlem Park Improvements” campaign that brought new energy to a space our community now enjoys.
Heather is running for the Board of Education to ensure that students remain at the center of every decision. She is committed to supporting educators who bring creativity and innovation to the classroom, strengthening transparent communication with families, and fostering inclusive learning environments that promote student success, trust our teachers, and help families feel connected and heard.
Heather Fitzgerald is a 20-year resident of Cheshire and parent of three Cheshire Public School students (two graduates and one currently at Dodd). She is a dedicated volunteer and community leader with deep roots in Cheshire’s schools and town programs. Heather serves as Secretary of the Cheshire Education Foundation, is a member of the Parks & Recreation Commission, co-led the Cheshire High School Booster Club for four years, and chaired the successful “Vote Yes to Bartlem Park Improvements” campaign that brought new energy to a space our community now enjoys.
Heather is running for the Board of Education to ensure that students remain at the center of every decision. She is committed to supporting educators who bring creativity and innovation to the classroom, strengthening transparent communication with families, and fostering inclusive learning environments that promote student success, trust our teachers, and help families feel connected and heard.
Mandy Miller - Board of Education
Born in Manhattan, NY, Mandy Miller moved to Meriden, CT, after middle school attending Orville H. Platt High School, where she excelled academically including music and theater, earning the lead role in their production of South Pacific. She then pursued studies in accounting and business management at Southern Connecticut State University, which launched her early career in business management within both for-profit and non-profit sectors. She rose to become the Director of a nonprofit organization supporting adults with mental illnesses and although fulfilling, Mandy sought a more direct way to give back to her community.
With a lifelong passion for real estate, Mandy transitioned into the mortgage industry, leveraging her strong numerical skills, multitasking abilities, and desire to advocate for others. She is dedicated to guiding clients through complex processes with honesty, transparency, and care—helping them become financially sound and treating clients like family. Her professionalism and attention to detail are reflected in nearly 100 Five Star reviews, and she proudly works with the Connecticut Team at Province Mortgage Associates.
Mandy enjoys working on DIY projects with her husband Randy and staying active with her energetic daughters, Skylar and Ripley.
Why am I running? "I am running for the Board of Education to support and preserve the high quality of education in our community. My focus is on maintaining strong schools while ensuring fiscal responsibility, so we can balance educational excellence with the financial realities faced by our residents. I want every resident to continue feeling proud to call this town their home."
Born in Manhattan, NY, Mandy Miller moved to Meriden, CT, after middle school attending Orville H. Platt High School, where she excelled academically including music and theater, earning the lead role in their production of South Pacific. She then pursued studies in accounting and business management at Southern Connecticut State University, which launched her early career in business management within both for-profit and non-profit sectors. She rose to become the Director of a nonprofit organization supporting adults with mental illnesses and although fulfilling, Mandy sought a more direct way to give back to her community.
With a lifelong passion for real estate, Mandy transitioned into the mortgage industry, leveraging her strong numerical skills, multitasking abilities, and desire to advocate for others. She is dedicated to guiding clients through complex processes with honesty, transparency, and care—helping them become financially sound and treating clients like family. Her professionalism and attention to detail are reflected in nearly 100 Five Star reviews, and she proudly works with the Connecticut Team at Province Mortgage Associates.
Mandy enjoys working on DIY projects with her husband Randy and staying active with her energetic daughters, Skylar and Ripley.
Why am I running? "I am running for the Board of Education to support and preserve the high quality of education in our community. My focus is on maintaining strong schools while ensuring fiscal responsibility, so we can balance educational excellence with the financial realities faced by our residents. I want every resident to continue feeling proud to call this town their home."
Samantha Rosenberg - Board of Education
Samantha Rosenberg has been a proud Cheshire resident for nearly 25 years. She and her husband, Adam, chose Cheshire for its outstanding educational opportunities and strong community values. All three of their children are alumni of Cheshire Public Schools: their oldest graduated from the University of Albany, their second from Bard College, and their youngest is currently attending Penn State University. The family is also joined by their 11-year-old dog, Mimi.
Sam is the Director of Career & Community Learning for Stratford Public Schools, overseeing Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Adult/Continuing Education. She leads curriculum development, professional learning, and program initiatives; builds partnerships with businesses, higher education, and community organizations; and manages grants and budgets to support district goals. She also advances student engagement, intervention, and family outreach to ensure equitable access and postsecondary readiness. Her prior roles include Supervisor of School Innovation & Engagement, Supervisor of STEM, Enrichment & CTE, and more than 16 years as an administrator and teacher in Bridgeport and Stratford. Before entering education, she spent 13 years in the financial services sector, where she developed leadership and organizational skills that continue to guide her work.
Cheshire Public Schools are committed to “Excellence in Education,” preparing students through high-quality learning, lifelong learning, and service to others. Its Vision of the Graduate emphasizes cultivating complex thinkers, collaborative contributors, self-directed learners, effective communicators, and community-minded citizens. Sam’s leadership in CTE, STEM innovation, adult education, and community engagement directly reflects these priorities. Her inclusive, future-focused approach promotes lifelong learning, critical thinking, and community contribution — embodying Cheshire’s vision for all graduates.
Contact Information:
● Personal Email: [email protected]
● Board of Education Email: [email protected]
● Facebook page: @RosenbergforCheshireBOE
Samantha Rosenberg has been a proud Cheshire resident for nearly 25 years. She and her husband, Adam, chose Cheshire for its outstanding educational opportunities and strong community values. All three of their children are alumni of Cheshire Public Schools: their oldest graduated from the University of Albany, their second from Bard College, and their youngest is currently attending Penn State University. The family is also joined by their 11-year-old dog, Mimi.
Sam is the Director of Career & Community Learning for Stratford Public Schools, overseeing Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Adult/Continuing Education. She leads curriculum development, professional learning, and program initiatives; builds partnerships with businesses, higher education, and community organizations; and manages grants and budgets to support district goals. She also advances student engagement, intervention, and family outreach to ensure equitable access and postsecondary readiness. Her prior roles include Supervisor of School Innovation & Engagement, Supervisor of STEM, Enrichment & CTE, and more than 16 years as an administrator and teacher in Bridgeport and Stratford. Before entering education, she spent 13 years in the financial services sector, where she developed leadership and organizational skills that continue to guide her work.
Cheshire Public Schools are committed to “Excellence in Education,” preparing students through high-quality learning, lifelong learning, and service to others. Its Vision of the Graduate emphasizes cultivating complex thinkers, collaborative contributors, self-directed learners, effective communicators, and community-minded citizens. Sam’s leadership in CTE, STEM innovation, adult education, and community engagement directly reflects these priorities. Her inclusive, future-focused approach promotes lifelong learning, critical thinking, and community contribution — embodying Cheshire’s vision for all graduates.
Contact Information:
● Personal Email: [email protected]
● Board of Education Email: [email protected]
● Facebook page: @RosenbergforCheshireBOE
Planning and Zoning
Chris Affie - Planning and Zoning
I have been a resident of Cheshire for 16 years. I have worked as an educator in Connecticut for 26 years. I am running for Planning and Zoning to uphold the current zoning regulations and to attract businesses to Cheshire. One of the most important issues in the next few years will be listening to the residents about the need for affordable housing in Cheshire and the effects new construction has on our community. I will look to educate residents on fairly applying zoning rules within the given law.
Email: [email protected]
I have been a resident of Cheshire for 16 years. I have worked as an educator in Connecticut for 26 years. I am running for Planning and Zoning to uphold the current zoning regulations and to attract businesses to Cheshire. One of the most important issues in the next few years will be listening to the residents about the need for affordable housing in Cheshire and the effects new construction has on our community. I will look to educate residents on fairly applying zoning rules within the given law.
Email: [email protected]
Jim McKenney - Planning and Zoning
Jim and his wife Pat moved to Cheshire in 1971. Since then, they have been thoroughly involved in town activities. Jim has served the town in multiple roles, including as a member of the Cheshire Public Building Commission for approximately 30 years and Chairman for 13 years, a role he currently holds. He was also a Cheshire Public School teacher for over 30 years, retiring in 2004, and is the founder and president of Royal Crown Builders. His many community volunteer roles include the Cheshire Jaycees, Cheshire Parks and Recreation softball coach, parish council chairman at Church of the Epiphany, and the Education Association of Cheshire. Jim received his bachelor's degree, master's degree, and sixth year certificate from UConn. Jim said, "I hope that I have demonstrated to you my leadership abilities, nonpartisanship, and dedication to Cheshire."
Jim and his wife Pat moved to Cheshire in 1971. Since then, they have been thoroughly involved in town activities. Jim has served the town in multiple roles, including as a member of the Cheshire Public Building Commission for approximately 30 years and Chairman for 13 years, a role he currently holds. He was also a Cheshire Public School teacher for over 30 years, retiring in 2004, and is the founder and president of Royal Crown Builders. His many community volunteer roles include the Cheshire Jaycees, Cheshire Parks and Recreation softball coach, parish council chairman at Church of the Epiphany, and the Education Association of Cheshire. Jim received his bachelor's degree, master's degree, and sixth year certificate from UConn. Jim said, "I hope that I have demonstrated to you my leadership abilities, nonpartisanship, and dedication to Cheshire."
Zoning Board of Appeals
Therese Bradley - Candidate, Zoning Board of Appeals
My family has been part of the Cheshire community since 1960. I am currently an IT Project Manager and have served on the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee since 2017, in addition to my role on the CMS Cable Advisory Council. I place a strong emphasis on listening, collaboration, and constructive dialogue. My guiding principles are grounded in facts, history, integrity, and respect for people.
My family has been part of the Cheshire community since 1960. I am currently an IT Project Manager and have served on the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee since 2017, in addition to my role on the CMS Cable Advisory Council. I place a strong emphasis on listening, collaboration, and constructive dialogue. My guiding principles are grounded in facts, history, integrity, and respect for people.
Constables
Breina Schain - Constable
Breina is running for the position of Constable due to her dedication, experience and enjoyment of serving the town (where she has proudly lived for 14 years) and utilizing her skills acquired from her working career, interests and education. She enjoys meeting her fellow town residents, getting to know them, listening to their needs and being in a role to respond. She is especially interested in safety and security due to her career in the Department of Correction. She was appointed to the Cheshire Historic District Commission (Commissioner) and previously served in elected office on the Cheshire Zoning Board of Appeals.
Email: [email protected]
Breina is running for the position of Constable due to her dedication, experience and enjoyment of serving the town (where she has proudly lived for 14 years) and utilizing her skills acquired from her working career, interests and education. She enjoys meeting her fellow town residents, getting to know them, listening to their needs and being in a role to respond. She is especially interested in safety and security due to her career in the Department of Correction. She was appointed to the Cheshire Historic District Commission (Commissioner) and previously served in elected office on the Cheshire Zoning Board of Appeals.
Email: [email protected]