Your Party

Now more than ever, Chester needs strong Democratic leadership to build on the progress we’ve made and move our town forward.

Your Chester Democrats

We believe in Democratic values – inclusiveness, equality, quality health care and education for all, respect for the environment, and transparency in government. All politics are local, and we believe in governing from the ground up.

Our Mission

The mission of the Chester Democratic Town Committee (CDTC) is to advance the core principles of the Democratic Party at the local, state and national levels, and promote public programs, activities and policies that support Democratic values.

Our members are Chester residents, elected every two years by and representing the enrolled Democrats of the town. We meet monthly to:
  • Actively support local, state, and federal legislation and policies of the Democratic Party.
  • Campaign and elect local, state, and federal candidates of the Democratic Party.
  • Collaborate with other Democratic Town Committees, affiliated organizations, groups, and volunteers, to strengthen a regional, statewide, and national network of Democrats.
  • Conduct CDTC business with civility, equity, fiscal responsibility, integrity, and transparency, and encourage town, state, and federal leaders to do the same.
  • Engage the community to promote civic education and active participation in our democracy, encouraging citizens to register to vote as Democrats and to protect and exercise their right to vote.
  • Identify, recommend, and recruit knowledgeable and experienced candidates for town, state, and federal elected offices and appointed town positions.
  • Encourage policies and activities that improve the quality of life for all residents, by supporting and advancing:
    • A multi-generational, diverse, and inclusive community;
    • Chester’s natural beauty and unique historic and rural character;
    • Fiscally responsible budgeting to ensure that expenditures reflect the needs, health, and safety of all residents, support quality education and infrastructure, and avert unnecessary property tax burden;
    • Appropriate economic and small business development;
    • Environmental awareness and protection, asserting a proactive role in addressing climate change at the town level through direct action and certification in Sustainable CT; and
    • Recognition of volunteers and organizations serving our town, and actively participating in town-wide events and programs to promote Chester and its local economy.

Our Members

Erik Anderson, Chair
Amber Forrest, Treasurer
Robert (Bob) Lee, Secretary

John Connelly
Lorraine Connelly
Victor (Vic) Fetter
David Fitzgibbons
Andrew Gardner
Justin Kronholm
Raymond (Ray) Lemley
Cynthia (Cindy) Lignar, Chester First Selectwoman
Ed & Peg Meehan
Christine Palm, former State Representative
Michael Peck
Michael Price
Sasha Sanford
Sandy Senior-Dauer
Susanne Spellacy
Theodore (Ted) L. Taigen
Roseann Ventimiglia
Kurt Ziemann

Honorary Members

Sam Chorches
Lori Ann Clymas
Marta Daniels
Charlene Janecek
Jim Miller
Karli Spinella
Dan Wrightsman
Peter Zinardi

Your Chester Democratic Elected Officials

Board of Selectmen

Town Clerk

Cynthia Lignar

First Selectman
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Cynthia Lignar

First Selectman

Cindy Lignar has served as First Selectman since 2023. Her first-term accomplishments include improved transparency and communication; the completion of multiple infrastructure projects; applying for and receiving grants, and cutting costs; overseeing, in coordination with the Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Town departments, responsible budgets that were approved by Town vote. She has established a positive and efficient working culture at Town Hall through her consistent leadership and presence. Additionally, Cindy has declined the opportunity to receive a raise in both fiscal years.

Going forward, Cindy is equipped to address the challenges facing Chester, including collaborating on the Region 4 potential reconfiguration project, ensuring infrastructure is improved and maintained, maintaining health and safety protocols, and overseeing Chester’s preparation for unforeseen events. One of her primary goals is to have a town government that enhances the quality of life in Chester, while honoring its history and culture.

Cindy has been a resident of Chester for 21 years, where she lives with her husband, Ken.

 

Pat Bandzes

Selectman
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Pat Bandzes

Selectman

Pat Bandzes has served as a Selectman since 2023. Pat has been instrumental in obtaining grant revenue for the Town of Chester. She is a champion for diverse housing and smart development solutions that preserve Chester’s unique character and quality of life. A life-long volunteer, Pat is chair of the Chester Economic Development Commission and serves on the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce’s regional Economic Development Steering Committee. She was a liaison to RiverCOG for Chester’s first Affordable Housing Plan and now chairs their Regional Housing Committee.

Pat and her husband, Bob, have been married for more than 40 years and have lived in Chester for the past 13 years.

 

Kathryn Hair

Town Clerk
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Kathryn Hair

Town Clerk

Kathryn Hair has been the Town Clerk for Chester since 2021 and became a Connecticut-certified town Clerk in 2024. She holds a BS from Rutgers University, grew up in Chester, and graduated from Valley Regional High School.

A compassionate person with strong communication skills, Kathryn enjoys supporting the needs of the town’s residents.

Board of Finance

John Connelly

Member, Board of Finance
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John Connelly

Member, Board of Finance

John Connelly has been an educator for nearly 50 years, and most recently taught two International Baccalaureate classes in global politics and comparative history at Valley Regional High School. After serving on the Chester BOF as an alternate for two budget cycles, John remains passionate about maintaining the town’s financial health. He worked with the bipartisan BOF members to create lean, workable budgets and will seek equity for Chester in its relationship within Region 4’s tri-town education system.

He lives in Chester with his wife, Lorraine.

Roger Labrecque

Roger Labrecque

Member, Board of Finance
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Roger Labrecque

Roger Labrecque

Member, Board of Finance

Roger Labrecque recently retired as a senior account executive at Emerson Automation Solutions after 40 years of service. He also held positions in operations and project management. Now retired, Roger has the time and desire to contribute meaningfully to the Chester community.

Roger currently serves as treasurer on The Forest Homeowners Association Board and, for the past 16 months, has served on Chester’s Board of Finance as an alternate. During his time on the Board of Finance, he’s collaborated not only with members of the board to facilitate proper analysis and oversight of the town budget, but he’s also had the opportunity to gain greater insight into the town’s services and programs. Roger’s goal is to ensure that Chester has the financial resources it needs to support these services and programs while remaining fiscally responsible.

Roger has always enjoyed Chester; its people and culture are second to none, and he was lucky enough to have moved here eight years ago.

Deborah Vilcheck

Deborah Vilcheck

Member, Board of Finance
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Deborah Vilcheck

Deborah Vilcheck

Member, Board of Finance

Deborah Vilcheck is a full member of the Board of Finance, appointed in November 2021, and elected in 2023.

A lawyer and former trust officer and financial advisor, Deborah is a 24-year resident of Chester and has been an active volunteer in the community, including helping at the Chester Sunday Market and as a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Chester. Rotary’s guiding principle the Four-Way Test (Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?) is very much a part of Deborah’s own principles.

Justin Kronholm

Alternate, Board of Finance
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Justin Kronholm

Alternate, Board of Finance

Justin Kronholm has lived in Chester for more than twenty years. He currently serves as senior advisor to Attorney General William Tong and was a member of the Chester Zoning Board of Appeals.

Justin and his wife, Candace, are proud to raise their two daughters in Chester.

Bria Gilbert

Bria Gilbert

Alternate, Board of Finance
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Bria Gilbert

Bria Gilbert

Alternate, Board of Finance

Bria Gilbert is a Chester resident and financial advisor who helps individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions. She previously served as a vice president and investment consultant for global financial firms, advising on portfolio strategy and long-term planning. Bria brings a practical understanding of financial stewardship and is committed to the fiscal health of her community.

She lives in Chester with her husband and their three young sons.

Chester Board of Education

Region 4 Board of Education

David Fitzgibbons

David Fitzgibbons

Chairman, Chester Board of Education
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David Fitzgibbons

David Fitzgibbons

Chairman, Chester Board of Education

David Fitzgibbons has been a Chester resident for 52 years. He is Chair of the Chester Board of Education for eight years and is a 12-year member of the BOE. David is an Independent Mental Health Care Professional. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of Tri-Town Youth Services, a former Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCONN School of Medicine, and a Ph.D. at NYU.

Dale Bernardoni

Vice Chair, Chester Board of Education
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Dale Bernardoni

Vice Chair, Chester Board of Education

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Lorraine Connelly

Lorraine Connelly

Secretary, Chester Board of Education
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Lorraine Connelly

Lorraine Connelly

Secretary, Chester Board of Education

Maria Scherber

Member, Chester Board of Education
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Maria Scherber

Member, Chester Board of Education

Maria Scherber has served on the Chester BOE for 10 years as an advocate for transparency, equity, and school safety. She is committed to supporting Chester’s high academic standards and ensuring a quality education for every student. Maria is a former K-12 Spanish teacher and current USA Swimming official.

Her husband’s family has resided in Chester for four generations, and her twins attend John Winthrop Middle School.

Jihan Schulte

Member, Chester Board of Education
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Jihan Schulte

Member, Chester Board of Education

Jihan Schulte has been a Chester resident since 2015. She has strong ties to the tri-town area through her employment in downtown Chester, co-owning a small local business, and participation in a variety of local activities and groups. Previously, she was a lead forensic metallurgist in the aerospace field and taught as an adjunct professor of chemistry at Southern Connecticut State University. Jihan also has first-hand experience in early childhood development and special education. She would like to see Chester improve its ability to teach kids of all learning styles and celebrate the strengths of each child, both while considering fiscal responsibility.

She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom has been through all three Chester schools.

Jillian K. Zupan

Member, Chester Board of Education
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Jillian K. Zupan

Member, Chester Board of Education

Jillian K. Zupan was appointed a member of the Chester BOE in 2023, and elected to a full term in 2025.

An emergency room nurse for 10 years, she now chairs the nursing curriculum committee for all six nursing programs for Connecticut State Community College. As a board member and parent with children in the school system, she is committed to fostering academic excellence, equity, and student success.

5Jillian is a professor of nursing at Three Rivers Community College and co-owner of Seed and Soil Flower Farm LLC.

Douglas Mahana

Member, Region 4 Board of Education
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Douglas Mahana

Member, Region 4 Board of Education

Douglas Mahana is the recording secretary for the Chester Economic Development Commission. He is also a senior vice president of a healthcare consultancy group, where he leads a team overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget and nearly 40 colleagues. Douglas understands the importance of academic rigor, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration. Douglas is committed to working transparently and thoughtfully with families, educators, and the community to ensure that our schools continue to thrive.

He holds a PhD in microbiology. Douglas lives with his wife, Lauren, and their two children in Chester.

John Harris Region 4 Board of Edcuation

John Harris

Member, Region 4 Board of Education
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John Harris Region 4 Board of Edcuation

John Harris

Member, Region 4 Board of Education

John Harris was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in January 2025 to fill a vacancy and elected to a full term in November 2025.

Richard Strauss

Richard Strauss

Treasurer, Region 4 Board of Education
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Richard Strauss

Richard Strauss

Treasurer, Region 4 Board of Education

Planning & Zoning Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Henry Krempel

Chairperson, Planning & Zoning Commission
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Henry Krempel

Chairperson, Planning & Zoning Commission

Henry Krempel has served on P&Z for 13 years. A former software engineer, his past service to Chester includes three years on the Board of Finance. He holds a BA from Binghamton State University and an MS from Syracuse University.

Henry has lived in Chester for 20 years.

Carlie Dailey

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission
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Carlie Dailey

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission

Carlie Dailey has been serving on P&Z and is currently vice chair of the Chester Economic Development Commission, and has been an active member of Chester’s Affordable Housing Committee. Carlie believes in supporting and providing local businesses with economic opportunities, celebrating Chester’s history, and creating options for all to enjoy what the town has to offer.

She is a high school business teacher and lives in Chester with her husband, Brian, and their two children.

Keith Scherber

Keith Scherber

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission
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Keith Scherber

Keith Scherber

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission

Michael Joplin

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission
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Michael Joplin

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission

Jonathan S. Tobin

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission
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Jonathan S. Tobin

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission

Jonathan S. Tobin was endorsed by the Chester Democratic Town Committee as an unaffiliated voter and elected for a full term on P&Z in 2025. Jonathan believes that thoughtful, diverse opinions, and visions are critical to shaping the future of Chester. With his passion for preserving history, his experience in strategic planning and zoning, and his desire to serve his community, Jonathan believes that he can contribute in a meaningful way in this role.

He has been a Chester resident for 10 years and has had family in the tri-town area for the past 40 years.

Rebecca Mead

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission
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Rebecca Mead

Member, Planning & Zoning Commission

Rebecca Mead was appointed as an alternate to P&Z in January of 2025 and elected in November of 2025 for a six-year term.

Rebecca, a Chester business owner and adjunct staff member at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, has been a member of the Chester Economic Development Commission since 2023. She also serves on the RiverCOG Regional Planning Committee and is a board member of the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau.

Rebecca is a proponent of aligning responsible planning and smart growth with Chester’s long-term goals and small-town values, and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a full member of P&Z to help steward Chester for future generations.

Rebecca and her husband Jason have lived in Chester since 2013.

John Guthrie

Alternate, Planning & Zoning Commission
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John Guthrie

Alternate, Planning & Zoning Commission

John Guthrie was born and raised in Chester and elected as an alternate for the P&Z in November 2025, hoping to give back to the community that shaped him.

In this role, he will work to ensure that development in Chester preserves our town’s historic character while meeting the needs of our growing population. He is committed to promoting thoughtful land use, supporting small businesses, protecting our natural resources, and advocating for more affordable housing for residents of all ages.

Victor J. Fetter

Victor J. Fetter

Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals
Democratic Registrar
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Victor J. Fetter

Victor J. Fetter

Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals
Democratic Registrar

Victor J. Fetter is a 27-year resident of Chester and has served as Deputy Registrar of Voters, an election moderator, and a poll worker. A dedicated champion of Chester’s and southeast Connecticut’s diverse and inclusive community, Victor supports protecting voter rights and access for all eligible voters.

Victor currently serves our town on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He has previously served on the YMCA Camp Hazen Board of Directors and with Chester Harbor Management, as well as a Cub Scout Pack 13 advisor, a Little League baseball coach, and a Sea Scouts advisor. Victor has been employed since 2011 as an Engineer Specialist at Electric Boat.

Aaron Zain

Vice Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals
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Aaron Zain

Vice Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals

Aaron Zain has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) after being first appointed as an alternate and then as a full member. Additionally, the board elected her vice chair of the ZBA. Aaron has a strong interest in the workings, logistics, and processes of Chester’s ZBA.

She is a Connecticut native who primarily lived in Essex and later moved to Chester to raise her family. She cares deeply about the Town and stays up to date on the government workings, issues, and decisions affecting Chester and its future. Aaron has volunteered in various capacities for the Town, the people who live here, and the children growing up here. Most notably, she served two terms as the president of the Chester Elementary School PTO. During her first term, she raised funds for and coordinated the project of a new playground at the elementary school. Several years later, at the principal’s request, she served a second term, raising funds and overseeing the project for a new fish tank at the school.

She holds a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in law and has a postgraduate education.

Erik Anderson

Erik Anderson

Member, Zoning Board of Appeals
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Erik Anderson

Erik Anderson

Member, Zoning Board of Appeals

Erik Anderson has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for the past six years. Maintaining Chester’s charm and small-town characteristics is a careful balance, and Erik believes that at times, zoning rules do not take into consideration the unforeseen nonconformities of small lots and unique properties. Given that zoning must adhere to the written rules that are our town zoning regulations, Erik believes that the ZBA is essential, and he aims to view those who are presenting their hardships to the ZBA with an open mind. Where hardships exist, there is usually room for compromise.

Erik has 22 years of experience in the HVAC and plumbing building trades. He is a current member of Local 35, serving as a mechanic, technician, and power plant operator in utilities at Yale University. Previously, he was a member of Local Union 777 Plumbers and Pipefitters and served on their executive board for four years, representing almost 3,000 of his fellow tradesmen in negotiations, dispersing funds, and assisting in running the union. In 2022, Erik started his own business, The Guild Plumbing and Heating, based in Chester.

Erik’s beautiful wife, Jenny, has been a member of the Chester community for her entire life, as have her parents. Erik and Jenny’s children (Aviendha, Erik, Jr., Sky and Austin) all attended the Chester school system.

Board of Assessment Appeals

Registrar of Voters

Brian Dailey Board of Assessment Appeals

Brian Dailey

Board of Assessment Appeals
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Brian Dailey Board of Assessment Appeals

Brian Dailey

Board of Assessment Appeals

Brian Dailey has been a dedicated public school teacher for 20 years. He currently teaches physics at Valley Regional High School, where he combines expertise in science and technology with a passion for motivating students. Brian hopes to see the town maintain its cherished traditions while embracing the challenges of the present and future. He feels strongly that collaboration, both in Chester and with our tri-town neighbors, is essential.

He lives in Chester with his wife, Carlie, and their two children. 

Victor J. Fetter

Victor J. Fetter

Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals
Democratic Registrar
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Victor J. Fetter

Victor J. Fetter

Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals
Democratic Registrar

Victor J. Fetter is a 27-year resident of Chester and has served as Deputy Registrar of Voters, an election moderator, and a poll worker. A dedicated champion of Chester’s and southeast Connecticut’s diverse and inclusive community, Victor supports protecting voter rights and access for all eligible voters.

Victor currently serves our town on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He has previously served on the YMCA Camp Hazen Board of Directors and with Chester Harbor Management, as well as a Cub Scout Pack 13 advisor, a Little League baseball coach, and a Sea Scouts advisor. Victor has been employed since 2011 as an Engineer Specialist at Electric Boat.

Chester Library Board of Trustees

Karin Badger

Chair, Chester Library Board of Trustees
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Karin Badger

Chair, Chester Library Board of Trustees

Karin Badger is an Art Director and Graphic Designer, specializing in book design. Karin has worked in Connecticut and New York for over 40 years for Garland Publishing, Hinterhoeller Yachts, and AT&T, and freelanced for publishers in the US and internationally. A Chester resident since 2005, Karin says, “Libraries have been a very significant, wonderful influence on my life. I feel they are an immensely important part of the community.”

Sandy Senior-Dauer

Member, Chester Library Board of Trustees
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Sandy Senior-Dauer

Member, Chester Library Board of Trustees

Sandy Senior-Dauer taught history for 33 years. She is a vice president and co-chairs programs and exhibits for the Chester Historical Society. She also serves on the Tri-town Youth and Family board and is vice-president of the CT Fulbright Alums. She and husband Keith love to travel, garden, and read.

Susan Wright, Chester Library Trustee

Susan Wright

Treasurer, Chester Library Board of Trustees
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Susan Wright, Chester Library Trustee

Susan Wright

Treasurer, Chester Library Board of Trustees

Susan Wright was appointed by the Board of Selectmen in January 2024 to fill a vacancy and was elected to a full term in November 2025.

Abagail Rice, Chester Library Trustee

Abigail Rice

Library Trustee
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Abagail Rice, Chester Library Trustee

Abigail Rice

Library Trustee

Abigail Rice has been on the Library Board of Trustees since 2019.

She is a first-grade teacher at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School in Westbrook. Abigail lives in Chester with her husband and four children.