Mike Makuch for First Selectman

Mike is a lifelong resident of Willington, and he is well-known for his leadership, with a record of service that is unmatched.  Mike has been a WFD officer for 44 years, he is a former Selectman, BOF Chairman, SBC Chairman, retired deputy fire chief, and current full-time fire marshal. Mike is the right person for Willington and the challenges we face.

Andy Marco for Selectman

I have been privileged to serve the Town of Willington as a Selectperson for the prior two years. I am asking for your Selectman reelection vote so I can apply what I have learned and continue my mission of expanding internal and external communication while engaging residents of Willington as often as possible. I bring a common sense approach to town issues, and collaborate with all boards and commissions to find solutions.

The 2025 Democratic slate is the best solution for Willington in 2025. All of the candidates have proven leadership skills easily confirmed through their decades of work on the boards and commissions on which they have served. We are residents with deep roots and insight into town and our challenges. Vote Democratic in November,

I am a life long resident of Willington, with three generations of my family making our lives here and attending Willington public schools. Our school system produced and and continues to produce successful lawyers, business owners, religious leaders, corporate executives and IT and language specialists. It is critical that we do not relent on educating our children and provide them the best learning experience possible.

Every day and every meeting I draw on my leadership experience as a corporate executive in the insurance industry, my twenty-one years in the Connecticut Army National Guard and Iraq deployment and my early and current work as a manual laborer. That experience helps me understand the people, the issues and how they impact Willington residents.

Board of Finance

Stephanie Summers

Stef Summers is a dedicated, hard working member of the Board of Finance, with broad knowledge and a keen mind. She has served the town of the Board of Education and the Board of Finance for years.

Bill Bunnell

Bill has spent 47 years living in Willington, 6 years on Willington Housing Authority, 2 years on Planning and Zoning plus 1 year as PZC alternate, 2 years Willington Sustainability & Energy Committee, and 2 years as a CT Food Share Truck volunteer.

“My goal for serving on board of finance will be to help Willington achieve its community priorities while fulfilling fiscal obligations in a careful and balanced manner.”

Board of Finance Alternate

Laurie Mazich Semprebon

Laurie Mazich Semprebon has been a leader in Willington for years, serving three and a half years as Town Treasurer (appointed and then elected), former chair of the Willington Board of Education, eight years total served on Board of Finance, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Conservation Commission. She is also a U.S. Army Veteran.

In addition, Laurie was a Girl Scout leader in town for ten years. She is currently a retired teacher who occasionally substitutes at Center School.

Board of Education, Willington Public Schools

Four candidates, please scroll down to see them all.

Briana Ross

I am Briana Ross and I am seeking reelection to the Board of Education. I was first elected to this Board in 2021 and have held the position of Chair since 2023. Last year I helped develop the cell phone policy that implemented the use of Yondr Pouches, worked with the Superintendent and staff to choose a new, state approved literacy program, and collaborated with a committee to hire a new Principal for Hall School.

As a 25 year veteran teacher, I am acutely aware that decisions made by the Board of Education directly affect student achievement. My professional experience with current trends and issues at district, state and federal levels aides in deciding what is best for OUR students.

Willington holds a special place in my heart because I was born and raised here. I have been proud to watch my two daughters grow up in our little town as well. I want all Willington students to be supported and challenged to grow individually as they learn to be positive, contributing members of their community. I look forward to continuing to advocate for Willington’s students through my service as a member of the Board of Education.

Ann Grasjen

Ann Grosjean holds a PhD in Education, and she is a twelve year incumbent of the Board of Education, and a retired elementary teacher of 35 years. Her adult children and grandchildren attend(ed) the Willington Schools. She seeks innovative ways to create the best schools for our children, families, and community while stretching our education tax dollars.

Tracey Anderson

Tracey has lived in Willington for 29 years, and she has served on the Willington Board of Education for 8 years. Sheios currently employed as a Reading Specialist in a neighboring town, and she was previously involved with Willington Public Schools as a parent volunteer, substitute teacher, paraprofessional and President of the PTA. Her daughters attended and graduated from Willington Schools.

Tracey is a loyal and committed advocate for public education, supporting responsible spending while still being an advocate for rigorous curriculum to improve achievement.

E. O. Smith High School, Region 19 Board of Education

Allan Ayers

Allan is an 11-year resident of Willington, and father of two children who will be attending E.O. Smith in the near future.

“I’m running to not only advocate for my own children, but your children, and all of the parents of Willington.”

Melissa McKinnon

Melissa is the mother of students in all three schools who currently serves as the Chair of Willington Day, on the Capitol Improvement Projects Committee, and as Vice President on the Willington PTA board. Melissa has served previously on the Willington Board of Education and is looking to continue to make a difference on the Region 19 Board.

Board of Assessment Appeals

Erika Wiecencki

Erika should need no introduction – formerly our First Selectman, Erika has a unique perspective on civic life in town, and she will be a fantastic addition to this important town board.

Library Board

Jennifer Tehan

Jen currently serves as chair of the Library Board, where her tenure and no-nonsense approach has delivered a smoothly functioning board. She is a lifelong library lover and sci-fi fan, with a biology degree and some post-grad study in medicine. She relied on library services as a young single mom and understands the far-reaching impact of a strong public library and will bring the frequent user’s perspective to the table.

Her focus is on fiscally responsible gains in programming, outreach and professional development. In her former town, she was an elected member of the Milford, MA, Town Meeting. 

Laura Rodriguez

Laura Rodriguez is a 23-year Willington homeowner and lifelong educator. I am running for library board because I care deeply about literacy and want to ensure all residents have access to the books they want to read.

Planning and Zoning Commission

Bob Shabot

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Bob Shabot

Since moving to Willington I have enjoyed our quiet rural community and also working as a substitute teacher in both of the schools. Prior to my arrival four years ago, I worked for over 30 years in Silicon Valley in senior business roles at leading companies including Cisco and Juniper. I also-founded and helped build innovative startups like LiveReach AI.

In addition, I bring public service experience as a ten year board member, with two as chair, of the largest mental health services provider in Northern California, Momentum Behavioral Health. I also founded the Bear Valley Mountain Cooperative to preserve and invest in vital business and economic opportunities in the small town community of Bear Valley, CA.

Ethan Griswold

Ethan Griswold is an active resident of Willington, CT, having moved here over a decade ago. Holding an undergraduate degree in Political Science and an MBA from the University of Connecticut, he has built a successful career in technology, having exited three startups. Currently, he currently serves as the Director of Partnerships for a multinational Fortune 500 real estate investment trust, where he leverages strong leadership skills to drive strategic initiatives.

Growing up in Washington, D.C., Ethan spent much of his youth involved in Federal politics and worked on Capitol Hill, which instilled a deep understanding of governance and community engagement. Ethan is committed to fostering sustainable growth and development in Willington and resides in the town with his wife and two children. He looks forward to bringing his expertise to the Planning and Zoning Committee to enhance the community’s future.

Willington Democratic Platform 2025

The Willington Democratic Town Committee is nominating a slate of candidates who are committed to preserving our small-town character while being responsible financial stewards given our challenging economic times. We will do this by adopting a collaborative approach to town planning to maximize efficiency and work to increase citizen participation with boards and commissions. We will foster open communication with the public. Further, we will support and mobilize existing town assets to provide improved services to all our residents.

Support and maintain a high quality education for all of Willington’s children.

• Support the Board of Education and Town in their efforts to create financially responsible improvements to school facilities to address the educational needs of Willington’s students. The new legislation allowing a much larger reimbursement for school projects is a priority, we must find a way to take advantage of this generous offer.
• Support ongoing curriculum development and rigor while maintaining current class sizes.
• Support school staff as they address educational deficits resulting from Covid-19.
• Help the library to implement its long-term strategic plan while increasing its capacity to bring in grant funding.

Promote sustainable economic development while maintaining Willington’s historic and rural character.

• Support Village District Zoning in South Willington.
• Revitalize the Economic Development Commission to bring new businesses to town that are appropriate for Willington’s resources and character.
• Create an anti-blight ordinance in consultation with residents to promote public safety and maintain Willington’s charm.
• Develop better communications tools to share information with the public. 

Support community health and wellness.

• Protect and expand open space including nature trails.
• Support youth, family and senior services through increased grant funding.
• Work to promote wellness in our community including initiatives such as a pickleball court and support for additional Parks and Recreation offerings.

Maximize efficiencies in all areas of town spending.

• Act as responsible financial stewards of town finances by spending sensibly to take care of our existing town buildings, roads and bridges.
• Revitalize the Emergency Services Efficiency Committee to allow for an informed discussion about fire and ambulance priorities and facility planning. 
• Promote sustainable and environmentally friendly improvements in town and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.