Middletown CT Republicans

Christopher Cardella – Candidate for Board of Education

Chris Cardella is honored and proud to be nominated as a candidate for
the Middletown Board of Education. Born and raised in Middletown,
Chris is a proud graduate of the Middletown public school system. He
earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Marist College in
New York and his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of
Connecticut. He currently works as a forensic social worker for the
State of Connecticut and continues to reside in Middletown with his
wife and their two young children, ages five and eight.

Chris is committed to ensuring that every student in Middletown
schools has the opportunity to receive an excellent education, just as
he did. He believes students deserve safe, supportive environments
where they can develop critical reasoning skills. Teachers must be
equipped with the resources they need to teach effectively and
efficiently. And parents should be true partners in their children’s
educational journeys. With strong and visible leadership and
collaboration among all stakeholders — including teachers,
paraprofessionals, students, parents, and administrators — Chris
believes Middletown’s public schools can once again become the envy of
Central Connecticut. He is ready to work hard to solve the challenges
facing our schools and bring people together to build a brighter
future.

Chris brings a “can-do” attitude and a deep commitment to service.
He’s excited to hit the campaign trail and speak with neighbors about
the issues that matter most to Middletown families.

Robin Goss – Candidate for Board of Education

Robin was born and raised in New Haven and has lived in Middletown for over 30 years.  She is a graduate of Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Robin is a dedicated and compassionate professional who has devoted her career to improving patient outcomes with a patient-centered approach. She is seeking a seat on the Board of Education to help improve student outcomes with a student-centered approach. 

Robin comes from the private sector where results matter.  She is a strong critical thinker with an independent mind. She is thoughtful in her analysis and open to discussion. Robin believes well intended policies should be evaluated for their effectiveness in improving student outcomes and in preparing students for life after graduation.  MPS students should graduate with the reading, writing and math skills necessary to succeed in life whether they are bound for college, the military, technical school, or the workforce.  Objective budget analysis is necessary to evaluate how the money is spent and where cuts can be made to reallocate funding directly to students in the classroom.  Robin hopes to be another voice of reason on the Board of Education with your support.

Adam Hayn – Candidate for Board of Education

Adam is seeking reelection after filling a two-year vacancy. He has lived in Middletown all his life, attending Bielefield Elementary, Keigwin Middle, and Woodrow Wilson Middle prior to Attending Xavier High. He is proud husband and father of two.

He holds bachelors degrees in psychology and education, as well as a masters in US History. Spending the first portion of his education career in Middletown Public Schools as a substitute teacher and math tutor and latter portion for Plainville Public Schools as both a special ed and math tutor, he’s developed an understanding what it takes to serve struggling students. During his time in Plainville, he served a term as the paraprofessional and tutor union president. 

Pursuing his entrepreneurial spirit, he took a break from education to run his business.

…and was called right back. Serving on the Middletown Board of Ed is a thankless job if you do it for the wrong reasons. Adam experiences gratitude on a daily basis, with God as his strength and compass for every action. During his time on the BOE, Adam has served on the curriculum community as a strong advocate for rigor in the classroom and has voted with accountability in mind.

Kimberly Riordan – Candidate for Board of Education

Kim Riordan is running for the Middletown Board of Education because she cares deeply about our schools and the students they serve. Middletown has been her home for most of her life. It is where she met her husband, raised her children, and is now blessed enough to have her grandchildren close by to share in this same wonderful community.

Her commitment to education runs deep. Kim began her educational journey at Middlesex Community College (now CT State/Middlesex) before transferring to Central Connecticut State University, earning a Mathematics degree, and launching a lifelong career in education. She began as a middle school math teacher at St. John School in Middletown where she spent ten meaningful years guiding young learners through one of the most critical phases of their academic lives. After that, she transitioned to higher education, returning to Middlesex Community College, this time as an adjunct faculty member teaching students who were underprepared for college level math courses. Concurrently, she worked on a collaboration between Middlesex and Middletown Adult Education offering a transitional strategies program aimed at helping MAE graduates transition to college math. In 2018, she secured her current position as the Math Support Specialist where she continues to serve students on their path to achieving their goals.

Kim is especially concerned about student performance in reading and math. These core skills lay the foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity, and she wants to help strengthen support in these areas. She also believes education should connect more directly to real-life experiences—through vocational training, practical skills, and career exploration—to help students feel empowered and prepared for their futures.

When elected, I will bring a collaborative, informed voice to the Board, rooted in firsthand teaching experience, a lifelong connection to Middletown, and a belief in education as one of the most powerful tools we have to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Lucas Antonius José Chaves – Candidate for Planning & Zoning

Lucas, a dedicated candidate for Planning and Zoning, has been a proud resident of Middletown since 2021. His wife, Silvia, joined him here two years ago, further solidifying their shared vision of building a life rooted in the city they now call home. Their family expanded on May 21st, 2025, with the birth of their son ¨Baby Lucas,¨ marking a new and joyful chapter in their lives.

He began his career in construction right after high school, working with his hands on major job sites including schools and government buildings. Professionally, Lucas brings a wealth of experience in real estate, a field in which he has been in since 2010 while simultaneously working full-time and eventually making it his main career. Over his more than a decade-long tenure, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of urban planning, property development, and the housing market, equipping him with the expertise to address complex zoning issues and advocate for smart, innovative growth. His background has also instilled in him a practical, result-driven approach to solving problems while staying connected to the real-world concerns of residents and stakeholders.

At the core of Lucas’ leadership is a deeply held faith that informs every decision he makes. His guiding principle is to place God first, ensuring that his actions align with a commitment to integrity, fairness, and the greater good. This foundation of faith motivates him to work tirelessly to create policies and plans that honor Middletown’s traditions while paving the way for a prosperous future. Lucas is unwavering in his belief that tax-paying citizens deserve fair and meaningful representation in planning and zoning matters, and he is committed to ensuring that the voices of the community remain at the forefront of his efforts. It is important to him that citizens can cultivate as much agriculture and a self-sufficient healthy lifestyle as possible and will work with city officials to make that happen.

Tyler Eckstrom – Candidate for Planning & Zoning

Tyler Eckstrom is a native of Middletown. He attended Saint John’s School from Kindergarten to 8th grade, graduating in 2012. Then he moved onto Xavier High School, where he graduated with high honors in 2016, earning numerous academic awards. That same fall, Tyler began his time at Middlesex Community College in the Honors Program. Earning both and Associate in General Studies and in Business Studies in 2019, he transferred to Central Connecticut State University and finished out his Bachelor’s in Marketing in the Fall of 2020. Tyler has also served our country, starting in the United States Coast Guard as an Auxiliarist in 2017. Eventually he made his way up to be a Flotilla Commander for a year in 2022. In addition to that, he has served as a soldier in Connecticut Governors Guard since 2020, currently holding the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and actively working to support the CT National Guard. Tyler’s other activities include being a part of the Save Pameacha Pond movement, which eventually became Friends of Pameacha Pond & Long Hill Brook LLC. Tyler is a new era Republican, dedicated to preserving our history, traditional values, and natural environment, while allowing room for the growth and development of the future. He is truly a candidate for all residents, not just Republicans. Tyler has a great ability to work with the Democratic side, build strong connections, and get things done. A different point of view from the mainstream is important, and if you’re looking for that then Tyler Eckstrom is your candidate. 

“There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer” -Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle

Vinny Szynkowicz – Candidate for Planning & Zoning

Vinny Szynkowicz is a candidate for Planning & Zoning. He graduated college in 1976 with an Associates’ degree in Communications. Currently he is employed by the State of Connecticut as an elevator inspector after retiring from the elevator trade with 41 years of service.

He has previously served as a commissioner on Planning & Zoning from 2013- 2017. He is looking forward to representing the citizens of Middletown, again.

Konrad Lenart – Candidate for Planning & Zoning Alternate

Konrad is a dedicated professional, husband, and father who has called Middletown home since 2016, when he and his wife purchased their family home on the Westfield side of town. Together, they are proud parents of two young boys who inspire much of Konrad’s drive and purpose. Originally from Meriden, he graduated from Maloney High School in 2000 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2001 to honor the opportunities this country provided. Following his military service, Konrad earned a Bachelor’s in Finance at CCSU in 2008 and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration at UNH in 2014.

His professional journey includes impactful roles in healthcare and aerospace, including positions at Yale Health, UConn Health, Sikorsky, ECHN and currently as Business Manager at Bridgeport Hospital. With a background in construction and home renovations, plus the successful launch of a mobile tech application, Konrad brings a unique combination of hands-on experience and strategic thinking to the Planning and Zoning Committee. He is honored to serve the City of Middletown and contribute to its continued growth.

2025 Referrendums:

P&C Draft

9/3/2025

Explanatory Text For Water and Sewer Improvements

Ballot Question

The following concise explanatory text has been prepared and approved by the Town Clerk pursuant to Sec. 9-369b(a) of the Connecticut General Statute and is intended to not advocate either the approval or disapproval of the referendum question. This question was approved by the Common Council on September 2, 2025, for submission to the electors of the City of Middletown for approval or disapproval by referendum vote to be held in conjunction with the general election on November 4, 2025 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This explanatory text will be furnished to each applicant for an absentee ballot and will be made available for public distribution and at the polling places. The full text of the appropriation and bonding ordinance, as approved by the Common Council, is on the City website at www.middletownct.gov and on file available for public inspection at the Office of the City and Town Clerk, City Hall, 245 deKoven Drive, Room 110, Middletown, CT 06457 during the City’s regular business hours.

The ballot label for the question will read as follows:

“Shall the $9,500,000 appropriation and bond authorization for the Planning, Design, Acquisition, and Construction of Water and Sewer Improvements be approved? YES ___ NO ____”

The City of Middletown wishes to pursue the planning, design, acquisition and construction of water and sewer improvements, consisting of: (i) water and sewer improvements to be made in connection with Public Works road improvement projects at all or any portion of the locations set forth in Schedule A. attached hereto; (ii) inflow and infiltration rehabilitation for the sanitary sewers in sub-basin #12, #15 and #19; (iii) phase 1B and 2A water infrastructure improvements as specified in Capital Improvement Plan dated November 2011 as provided by Tata and Howard; (iv) lead service line replacements; (v) studies and improvements at the John S. Roth and Charles B. Bacon water treatment plants; and (vi) related easements and rights of way as may be necessary, paving, drainage, grading, monumentation, curbing, inspections, pavement treatment and related improvements, utility relocation and repair, reconstruction or repair of abutting properties, sidewalk repair, replacement and extension, and for all related surveying, testing, landscaping, engineering, inspection and other consultant services, state agency compliance, administrative, advertising, printing, legal, and financing costs related thereto. The Common Council may, by resolution, add to or delete from Schedule A any location or improvement authorized in the ordinance,

provided, however, that the total appropriation and bond authorization shall not be increased. Said appropriation shall be inclusive of all state and federal grants in aid thereof. The total estimated cost of the project is $9,500,000 and the project’s expected useful life is in excess of thirty (30) years.Schedule A

WATER AND/OR SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Acacea Court

Aston Lane

Atkins Street

Barbara Road

Birdsey Avenue

Butternut Street

Candlewood Lane

College Street

Congdon Street E

Country Club Road

Cross Road

Cubeta Road

Daddario Road

Dellwood Avenue

Durant Street

Durant Terrace

Durwin Street

East Main Street

Elm Street

Fieldbrook Road

Fir Lane

Flynn Lane

Fountain Avenue

Frisbee Street

Glendale Avenue

Goodman Drive

Grove Hill Road

Hemlock Place

Heritage Boulevard

Kaplan Drive

Kieft Road

Lake Street

Lee Street

Main Street Extension

Markham Street

McDowell Road

Meadowbrook Road

Mile Lane

Millbrook Road

Miner Street

Morgan Street

Newtown Street

Oak Ridge Drive

Olympus Parkway

Paddock Road

2Pameacha Avenue

Peck Road

Pine Avenue

Pine Street

Pinewood Terrace

Poplar Road

Prout Hill Road

Ranger Avenue

Ridge Road

Ridgewood Road

Sand Hill Road

Saybrook Road

Sbona Drive

Sharon Road

Silver Street

Smith Street

Spruce Brook Road

Summer Hill Road

Sunnyslope Drive

Sylvan Drive

Thimble Rock Road

Tower Road

Vale Street

Walnut Street

Westfield Terrace

ACTIVE/75077.1/JXG/20493690v3

3

P&C Draft

9/3/2025

Explanatory Text For Various Public Infrastructure Improvement Projects

Ballot Question

The following concise explanatory text has been prepared and approved by the Town Clerk pursuant to Sec. 9-369b(a) of the Connecticut General Statute and is intended to not advocate either the approval or disapproval of the referendum question. This question was approved by the Common Council on September 2, 2025, for submission to the electors of the City of Middletown for approval or disapproval by referendum vote to be held in conjunction with the general election on November 4, 2025. This explanatory text will be furnished to each applicant for an absentee ballot and will be made available for public distribution and at the polling places. The full text of the appropriation and bonding ordinance, as approved by the Common Council, is on the City website at www.middletownct.gov and on file available for public inspection at the Office of the City and Town Clerk, City Hall, 245 Dekoven Drive, Room 110, Middletown, CT 06457 during the City’s regular business hours.

The ballot label for the question will read as follows:

“Shall the $33,000,000 appropriation and bond authorization for the Various

Public Infrastructure Improvements Projects be approved? YES ___ NO ____”

The City of Middletown (the “City”) wishes to pursue various public infrastructure improvement projects throughout the City consisting of: (i) roadway resurfacing and repaving; (ii) sidewalk improvements; (iii) pedestrian walkway and crosswalk improvements; (iv) stormwater infrastructure upgrades, including, but not limited to, detention basin repair and replacement; (v) street line painting including centerlines, lane dividers, arrows and crosswalks; (vi) infrastructure improvements to City buildings and operational facilities as detailed in the City of Middletown Public Works Critical Repairs and City Yard and Parks Division Renovations report dated July 24, 2025 as provided by Landmark Architects, P.C., including, but not limited to, upgrades to HVAC systems, windows and roofing; (vii) street lighting conversion upgrades, as well as any related site, planning, architect, design and engineer fees, environmental assessment and remediation costs, construction, redevelopment, demolition, construction administration, installation, repair and renovation costs, including contingency fees, and any administrative, printing, legal and financing costs related thereto. The ordinance requires the Mayor, in consultation with the Common Council, to appoint either a standing committee/committees of the Common Council or a building committtee/committees for the projects. The total estimated cost of the project is $33,000,000 and the project’s expected useful life is in excess of twenty (20) years.