Mix Of Established Veterans, Fresh Faces On Slate Of Enfield Democratic Candidates

ENFIELD, CT — Following a unanimous vote by members of the Enfield Democratic Town Committee Wednesday night, the makeup of the town's Board of Education will be considerably different following Election Day, as just one of the party's four incumbents is seeking re-election.

Amanda Pickett, who first won a seat on the board in 2021, is the lone holdover from the current crop of Democrats, as Tina LeBlanc, Scott Ryder and Dr. Gerald Calnen all opted not to run. Joining Pickett on the ballot will be first-time candidates Bobbie Kiner, Rosalee Brocuglio, Danielle Girard and Kelsey McGuire-Bruce.

On the town council side, at-large incumbents Gina Cekala and Bob Cressotti seek their eighth and fourth terms, respectively. Cynthia Mangini, who has held an at-large seat for more than two decades, is running as the District 3 candidate, while District 2 incumbent John Santanella, the council minority leader, seeks a third term.

Political newcomers Linda Allegro and Maya Nicole Matthews are seeking seats representing Districts 1 and 4, respectively, while Aaron Thomas and Zach Zannoni will be on the ballot as at-large candidates.

"Every election is important, and this one is about the direction people want to see the town of Enfield go in," Santanella told Patch. "The choice is clear - we have put forward a diverse slate of new and experienced individuals. We expect we will go up against an extreme right-wing slate of MAGA Republicans this fall."

The Enfield Republican Town Committee will endorse its candidates at a caucus Thursday night.