Slate of Candidates
Michael Pelton
First Selectmen
Michael (Mike) Pelton has proudly served Portland for more than a decade, including three terms on the Board of Education and over ten years on the Board of Selectmen. As First Selectman, Mike has focused on strengthening schools, supporting small businesses, and improving the quality of life for all residents. A small business owner and longtime youth coach, Mike understands the needs of families and the importance of fiscal responsibility. He and his wife raised three children who are graduates of Portland Public Schools, giving him a personal commitment to education and community growth. Mike is dedicated to smart planning, transparent leadership, and keeping Portland a place where families and businesses can thrive.
Joe Spada
Board of Selectmen
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Joe Spada has lived in Portland for over 30 years with his wife Kristine and their son Tyler. He works as a Building Construction Specialist for the State of Connecticut, where he oversees state facilities and ADA home modifications for children with special needs. Joe also runs a small local business and has served on numerous town committees, including Planning & Zoning, Water and Sewer, and the Conservation Commission. His deep community roots and strong family ties give him a unique perspective on preserving Portland’s hometown feel while planning responsibly for the future. Joe is committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen Portland for generations to come.
Robert 'Bobby' Hetrick
Board of Selectmen​
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Bobby Hetrick is a lifelong Portland resident and proud third-generation community member. A graduate of Portland High School, Bobby has worked for the State of Connecticut as a Corrections Officer for nearly two decades. He has also served on the Inland Wetlands Commission, Planning and Zoning, and as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. As a youth sports coach, he has mentored many young people in leadership and teamwork. On the Board of Selectmen, Bobby has focused on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, and strengthening the partnership between town leadership and the school system. He remains dedicated to keeping Portland a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Timothy Lavoy
Board of Selectmen
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Tim Lavoy has called Portland home for more than 20 years, raising two sons here with his wife Sandie. He served over nine years on the Board of Education, where he consistently emphasized transparency, accountability, and student achievement. Professionally, Tim has led human service programs across Connecticut, managing budgets and resources to improve lives. He also holds a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Central Connecticut State University. In addition to public service, Tim is active with the First Congregational Church and the Portland Exchange Club. Tim brings a steady, experienced voice to the Board of Selectmen, with a focus on fiscal responsibility, education, and strengthening Portland’s future.
Vincent 'Vinnie' Pitruzzello
Board of Selectmen
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Vinnie Pitruzzello and his wife Lisa have been proud Portland residents for over 36 years, raising two children and now enjoying time as grandparents. With a Bachelor’s in Engineering from UConn and a Master’s in Management from RPI, Vinnie has built a distinguished career in aerospace and business leadership. He currently works as a consultant, helping organizations improve efficiency and long-term planning. Locally, Vinnie serves on the Long-Range Capital Improvement Commission and previously served on the Portland Soccer Club board. He has also been a coach and referee for youth sports. Vinnie brings fresh ideas, strong financial oversight experience, and a collaborative spirit to the Board of Selectmen, with a focus on preserving Portland’s small-town charm while planning responsibly for the future.
Dave Murphy
Board of Education
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Dave Murphy has proudly served two terms on the Portland Board of Education, focusing on fiscal responsibility and long-term planning. He played a key role in reducing special education transportation costs and in creating a Building and Grounds Committee to address school infrastructure needs. A retired planning manager with Stanley Tools, Dave brings decades of professional experience in operations, budgeting, and management. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University and an MBA from Mount Saint Mary College. Dave and his wife Phyllis have lived in Portland for more than 20 years and raised their daughter here. His continued focus is transparency, fiscal discipline, and ensuring Portland schools are strong for generations to come.
Anne Whalen
Board of Education
Anne Whalen is an accomplished middle school educator with more than a decade of teaching and leadership experience. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and has served as both a department leader and team leader in her school district. Since moving to Portland five years ago, Anne has been an active volunteer with Youth Services and is the proud mother of two young daughters who will soon be entering Portland schools. Anne also serves on the Connecticut Board for Social Studies, working to advance curriculum statewide. She is committed to bringing her passion, professional expertise, and fresh perspective to the Portland Board of Education, ensuring a strong academic environment for all students.
Karen Renner
Board of Education
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Karen Renner is a dedicated parent, local Realtor, and longtime Portland resident with a strong commitment to education and community service. She and her husband raised three children in Portland, including a daughter with autism, which inspired her advocacy for students with special needs. For more than a decade, she has helped families navigate the special education system, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. In addition to her work as a Realtor, Karen serves as an Administrative Assistant for a nonprofit organization. Her priorities include fiscal responsibility, empowering parents, improving student achievement, and ensuring facilities decisions balance both educational needs and financial realities. With her firsthand experience as a parent and advocate, Karen is a strong, relatable voice for Portland families, committed to raising academic standards and building schools that serve all students while maintaining accountability to the community.
William 'Bill' Donahue
Board of Assessment Appeals
Bill Donahue has served two terms on the Board of Assessment Appeals and is seeking a third. A Portland resident for more than 20 years, Bill and his wife Michelle raised three children here. He is the Director of Dealer Sales for Magner Corporation of America and brings decades of business experience to his public service. Bill has also been active in his church and community organizations, including youth mentorship. On the Board, Bill applies a common-sense approach and business background to ensure fairness and transparency in the appeals process.
Margaret 'Peggy' Keser
Board of Assessment Appeals
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Peggy Keser is a lifelong Portland resident with deep roots in the community. She has held a seat on the Board of Assessment Appeals since being appointed after the passing of Peter Castelli. Professionally, Peggy served as Vice President of an international real estate firm, bringing valuable expertise in property and assessment to the board. She is passionate about serving her town and ensuring fairness for taxpayers. Peggy is committed to continuing her work with integrity and care for the community she loves.
Lillian 'Lil' Whalen
Zoning Board of Appeals
Lil Whalen has lived in Portland for five years and is a lifelong Connecticut resident. With over three decades of experience as an independent residential title searcher, Lil brings a unique perspective to land use, variances, and zoning matters. She has also worked in banking and understands both the homeowner’s and community’s perspectives. Lil believes zoning decisions must balance the rights of property owners with the needs of neighbors and the town as a whole. She is eager to contribute her expertise and collaborative spirit to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Jennifer Tallone
Zoning Board of Appeals
Jennifer Tallone has been a Portland resident for 16 years, moving here with her husband in 2008. With a degree in Elementary Education, her career path shifted into aerospace manufacturing, where she has built more than 20 years of experience, working her way up from her family’s electroplating business to become Vice President and Quality Manager. She now serves as a Quality Engineer, bringing expertise in compliance, blueprint review, and communication. Jennifer has also served on Portland’s Planning and Zoning Board for the past two years, where she has worked to balance responsible growth with preserving Portland’s small-town charm. She believes the town is at a crossroads and is committed to making thoughtful, community-first decisions that keep Portland business-friendly while protecting its unique character.
