East Lyme Republican Slate Features Mostly Incumbents

East Lyme's Republican Town Committee yesterday unanimously approved a slate of candidates for municipal election in November. For the most part, however, there were few surprises and mostly familiar names. 

First Selectman Paul Formica had already announced his intention to run again, and the three Republicans on the Board of Selectmen, Mark Nickerson, Holly Cheeseman, and Kevin Seery are also going to be running for reelection.  

"I was thrilled to have the vast majority of our incumbents run again and incredibly thrilled to have such a strong candidate [Paul Formica] at the top of the ticket," said Republican Town Committee Chairwoman Holly Cheeseman. "I commend them all for their willingness to volunteer and serve their community."

Three newcomers have also thrown their hats into the ring. Local realtor Mary Ann Salvatore is running for the Board of Assessment Appeals; Robert J. Kupis is running for the Board of Education; and Michael D. Hess, who works at Millstone, is running for alternate on the Planning Commission. 

"We’ve got some new blood, which is always nice to see," said Cheeseman.     

Here's the full slate of Republican candidates:

• First Selectman: Paul M. Formica
• Board of Selectmen: Holly H. Cheeseman, Mark C. Nickerson, Kevin A. Seery
• Board of Finance: Camille F. Alberti, Stephen F. Harney, Raymond J. Hart, Steven J. Kelley (Kelley for the two year term)
• Board of Education: Robert J. Kupis, Albert L. Littlefield, Marlene Popeo Nickerson
• Board of Assessment Appeals: Mary Ann Salvatore
• Planning Commission: Joan A. Bengtson, Ernest Covino, Rita. L. Franco-Palazzo, Brian Schuch (Covino is also running for the first time and for the two year term.)
• Planning Commission Alternate: John Birmingham, Michael D. Hess 
• Zoning Commission: Norman B. Peck, III, Marc Salerno, Matthew J. Walker
• Zoning Commission Alternate: James Liska
• Tax Collector: John H. McCulloch
• Town Clerk: Lesley A. Blais
• Town Treasurer: Bruce R. Brailey