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Miller lauded by state and local fans at Century Club

(Sept. 13, 2009) SELECTMAN TINA MILLER was honored by friends and admirers from around the state during the Redding DTC's annual 2009 Century Club event. Democrats used the occasion to celebrate Miller's 20-plus years of community service in elected office, made bittersweet by her announced intention not to run again this November. Throughout the afternoon, Miller's accomplishments were cited by guests such as Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz (who is a possible gubernatorial candidate), Controller Nancy Wyman, and Mary Anne Guitar, formerly both First Selectman of Redding and chair of the town's Board of Finance--and, according to Miller, a role model and mentor. (Guitar is pictured below with AG Blumenthal.)Richard Blumenthal and Mary Anne Guitar

In recognition of her longtime commitment to the town's green and open spaces, Miller's friends presented her with documents that confirmed the dedication of "The Tina Miller Trail," the latest addition to Redding's hiking network, sited off of Seventy Acre Road.

That green was easy to appreciate on a warm afternoon in the setting of Stuart and Susan Green's home in West Redding. This was the second time in three years that the Greens have hosted the Century Club event.

Also in attendance this year were such Democratic dignitaries as Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy and one-time senatorial candidate Ned Lamont of Greenwich.

CANDIDATES CITE CONCERN FOR 'BALANCE' IN TOWN MANAGEMENT Following the presentation to Tina Miller, Board of Finance candidates Peter Bonfanti and Kim Yonkers spoke to attendees of the Century Club event about their goals of restoring "balance" and "transparency" to Redding's finances. The two are in contested races for the Board of Finance. At present, the BOF includes four Republicans and two Democrats--Joe Dolan and Nick Simeonides--each of whom are in mid-term. Bonfanti aims to fill a four-year vacancy, and Yonkers seeks a full six-year term. The race also includes two Republicans and one Independent candidate for the two seats.

Next up was Peg O'Donnell, who has served as the town Treasurer for eight years and now faces Republican opponent Hank Bielawa, a former first selectman. O'Donnell noted that while her opponent may have name recognition from that earlier role, he has little experience managing the town's purse.

At the top of the November 2009 ticket is Julia Pemberton, currently co-chair of the Region 9 Board of Education, who is running for a seat on the Board of Selectman. That role opened up when Miller decided she would not run for re-election. As she has often in recent weeks, Miller spoke warmly of Pemberton's qualifications for the job.

Also running in contested races are incumbent Board of Education members Jamie Barickman and Ed Miller. They, as well as two Republican incumbents and an Independent candidate, are running for the four seats open on that board this year.

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Pictured at the Century Club Gala: Jamie Barickman (for Board of Education), Julia Pemberton (for Selectman), Kim Yonkers (for Board of Finance), Ed Miller (for BOE), Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Mark Lewis (for Region 9), Peter Bonfanti (for BOF), Paul R. Scholl (for Alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals), Peg O'Donnell (for Town Treasurer), and Leon Karvelis (for Board of Assessment Appeals).