2025 Campaign | Orange CT Democrats

KEEP ORANGE
STRONG

We love Orange just the way it is—but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it even stronger.

This year, we’re stepping up with a full team of local Democratic candidates who are ready to listen, lead, and deliver real results for you and with you. As decisions made far from Orange increase the price of everything and make us less secure, who represents you in Town Hall matters more than ever.

This is our chance to protect what we love about Orange and make it even better. Let’s roll up our sleeves, work together, and keep Orange strong for everyone.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

FIRST PRIORITIES

Each of these first four priorities delivers on our promise to get the basics right: lower taxes and improve services. Together, we'll make Orange feel like the town we all love, only stronger than ever.

Create an Economic Development Department

Right now, no one at Town Hall is focused full-time on growing Orange’s economy. This new town-run department will revitalize outdated commercial areas, aggressively secure public and private grants, and support our local farms and businesses. Our neighbors are already enjoying the rewards of having an Economic Development Department and we can’t afford to be left behind.

How We’ll Pay for It

One full-time position plus basic operations for the department will cost approximately $150,000, which we will fund by making smarter use of existing resources—no tax increase needed
By leading grant-writing and revenue-generating projects, this department will more than pay for itself

Why This Matters

A stronger commercial tax base eases the burden on homeowners, helps fund our town budget, and brings more places to shop, dine, and gather
Small towns across Connecticut are already moving forward with smart economic development strategies that enhance the culture and character of their communities

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Orange Economic Development Corporation, Amity Chamber of Commerce, and Orange Economic Development Commission all play key roles in our community, but dedicated and professional leadership from this new department inside Town Hall is needed to take our economic development initiatives to the next level
Trumbull and Milford have dedicated Economic Development Departments and North Haven continues to expand its retail footprint
CT Main Street Center helps small towns with economic development projects

Protect What Makes Our Schools Great

Our public schools are a cornerstone of our community. But national political agendas are creeping into local curriculum and funding decisions. Education is about children, not politics. Decisions should stay with local families, educators, and leaders—not outsiders with a politically charged agenda. Supporting our Orange and Amity Boards of Education is critical to maintain high academic standards, upgrade facilities, attract and retain our educators, and ensure every child has the support they need to succeed.

How We’ll Pay for It

Education already makes up 61% of the town budget
Ensure long-term financial stability through smart local planning, advocating for adequate state funding, and applying for public and private grants to avoid further strain on taxpayers

Why This Matters

Strong schools protect property values, attract new families, and keep our communities safe and vibrant
Even if you don't have kids or your kids are grown, you benefit from schools where children are always the priority

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This February, Orange Republican Town Committee sent a politically charged letter to the Amity Board of Education
A recent lawsuit against Guilford Public Schools was funded by a national group

Fix Fred Wolfe Park — Finally

Let's start renovating the basics: roads, parking, and existing sports fields. These Phase 1 improvements align with the new master plan and won’t impact any existing town-owned farm leases. This ensures that residents of all ages can enjoy this vital town asset and enables future upgrades like safe walking trails, bathrooms, pickleball courts, and more.

How We’ll Pay for It

We estimate this first phase will require $750,000 in bonding, a common financing tool for towns similar to a home mortgage, adding about $60,000 annually to our budget for the next 20 years
We’ll cover this annual expense by making better use of existing resources—no tax increase needed
We will immediately start securing grants, sponsorships, and private donations to fund any remaining costs for this and future phases of the master plan

Why This Matters

Upgrading the park strengthens property values, supports local businesses, and helps Orange remain a community of choice
Every delay means rising costs and lost opportunities for outside funding — it’s time to break ground

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BL Companies will finish the new master plan in August → review their community workshop presentation for the latest updates
Cheshire recently completed an $8M expansion of Bartlem Park
Salt Meadow Park in Madison blends recreation and conservation

Get Answers Fast with “Orange Connect”

Today there’s no easy way to report a pothole or get information from Town Hall. You dig through outdated websites, get bounced between offices, and post on social media until someone with insider knowledge finally helps. “Orange Connect” will change that, offering a central place for all non-emergency requests. This simple, modern, and proven solution will enable our Town Hall to work better for residents and town employees alike.

How We’ll Pay for It

A “SeeClickFix 311” add-on for our current website costs $25,000 annually
We’ll shift part of the technology budget to pay for this annual service contract—no tax increase needed
This requires no new staff and will make our departments more efficient

Why This Matters

Streamlined communication means faster service, more accountability, and less frustration
When Town Hall works smarter, everyone benefits

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SeeClickFix instructional video from Yountville, CA (population 3,300)
History of 311 non-emergency systems
Nearby, New Haven, Glastonbury, and Derby offer centralized platforms similar to "Orange Connect"

Excluding education, these first priorities will cost about $235,000 in the next town budget—just 0.25% of Orange’s typical annual spending of $86 million. See the current town budget →

Are we on the right track with these first priorities? Tell us what you think →

Prefer to read on paper? Here's a printable PDF version →