OUR ELECTED OFFICALS
Michael Pelton
First Selectmen
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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.
Michael Hernandez
Board of Selectmen
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Michael "Julio" Hernandez is a candidate for reelection to the Board of Selectmen. Mike is proud to be a lifelong resident of Portland. Professionally, he works as a Project Manager for Environmental Services Corporation, but his most important role is that of the proud father of a beautiful 7-year-old daughter Addison.
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His desire to improve our town is the reason why he has decided to officially run for this position-so that he can help Portland to become a town where people not only want to come and visit but make it their home. His passion for Portland is evident in all that he does. Please join us in support of Mike with your vote on November 5th!
Tim 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.
Robert Hetrick Jr.
Board of Selectmen
Robert "Bobby" Hetrick Jr. is a candidate for the Board of Selectmen. Bobby is a third generation, resident of Portland, who graduated from Portland High School in 1993.
Being a proud lifelong resident in the town of Portland, Bobby wants to work alongside the Board of Education to develop a stronger relationship with the administration, staff and students to identify needs to continue to move the school system forward in the twenty-first century, while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Portland. Please join us in supporting Bobby by voting for him on November 5th.
Dave Murphy
Board of Education
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Dave Murphy is a candidate for reelection to the Board of Education. Dave has served one 4-year term on the Board of Education and has been essential to the attainment of several major goals, including the roll out of Chromebooks to grades 5-12 and the completion of Phase 3 of the Brownstone Window replacement project.
Dave plans to bring his drive, energy and attention to detail into his continuing work on the Board of Education. Please join us by supporting Dave for election to the Board of Selectmen.
Stacey Benham
Board of Education
Stacey Benham is a long time Portland resident and a first-time candidate for the Board of Education. Stacey and her husband Jon have lived in Portland for 25 years, where they are committed to revitalizing their historic home on Main Street.
She will advocate for fiscal responsibility and transparency with strategic planning and capital expenses to maintain our schools. Stacey plans to use her leadership in education to work collaboratively with the board to align policy and curriculum, maximize student achievements, and increase inclusion and equity within the Portland school system.
Michael Tierney
Town Clerk
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Michael, 42, is a fifth generation, lifelong Portland resident. He is deeply involved in Portland community activities, including being Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 2, serving in multiple roles at St. Mary’s Church, and volunteering at the annual town holiday tree lighting parade. Michael was appointed Portland Town Clerk in January of 2022, filling the vacancy when Ryan Curley was elected First Selectman. In 2023 Michael was elected for his own 4 year term as Town Clerk. Prior to his appointment as Town Clerk, Michael’s professional career was in Client Service/ Project Management in the retirement services industry for several insurance companies. Michael’s focus is to continue to strive to provide the most efficient services to Portland’s residents and taxpayers while maintaining the high level of customer service that has always distinguished the office of Town Clerk. Michael plans to keep innovating and looking to make improvements in the office. Mike successfully met a major challenge in 2024, with both his office and the Registrar of Voters, by implementing an early voting process. This successful implementation required much work and coordination between the two offices, and other town departments. Michael looks forward to continuing to perform high quality work that makes Portland a model for efficient and high performance in service to the community.
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.
William Donahue
Board of Assessment Appeals
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​William (Bill) Donahue is a first-time candidate for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Bill and his wife Michelle have lived in Portland for 19 years. They have a son, Connor (28) and two daughters, Emily (26) and Erin (20).
Bill is looking forward to serving the town of Portland as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals. Bill's focus will be to bring his business experience and common-sense approach to the appeals process. Please join us with your vote for Bill on November 2nd!
Robert Casati
Zoning Board of Appeals
Robert Casati is a current member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and is a candidate for reelection. Robert is a 19-year Portland resident and a retired Captain in the Hartford Police Department, having served for 33 years.
Robert thanks everyone who has voted for and supported him in the past and asks for your continued support. Please join us by supporting Robert with your vote on November 2nd!
