Board of Select
JASON HAYES
Candidate for First Selectperson
Hello, I’m Jason Hayes and I’m running to be East Granby’s First Selectperson because our goals and wellbeing as residents are not being represented or protected through the leadership of First Selectwoman Eden Wimpfheimer.
What brought me here
It has troubled me deeply, so I’ve attended countless town meetings, researched diligently, and presented my data and facts to residents, boards and commissions in order to effect the needed changes. Now I realize my next step in helping to advance and protect our town is to become part of the decision-making process.
Where my focus lies
We have serious issues to work on in East Granby:
An unfair and unsustainable reliance on overburdened homeowners paying an absurd portion toward our tax base.
No substantial Town Plan to protect East Granby from becoming an industrial airport border.
A massive Sewer Fund deficit that is draining our General Fund, a result of the First Selectwoman’s mishandling.
I’m ready for these challenges
However, my concern for our town is balanced with the belief that we can positively accomplish change in all of these areas. East Granby has talented and creative town employees with a history of getting any job done and I’m excited to be part of this team.
Parks and Recreation has created generations of family memories through their special programs and events. They’ve also applied for, and were awarded, a massive $500K Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) Grant in 2023 for recreational upgrades at East Granby Farms.
Our Department of Public Works has provided in-house repair and maintenance solutions, for huge cost-savings, and is responsible for the best winter storm road conditions anywhere.
Our Fire and Police departments provide a professional degree of service that allows residents peace of mind knowing their safety is in good hands.
East Granby Schools offer students the social comforts of a small town while providing big town opportunities.
Our Senior and Social Services support our older residents and neighbors in need through respect and caring.
My experience and skillsets
I’d like to tell you about the experience and skills I bring to my candidacy. I’ve spent the last 30 years working in the Film, TV, and the Theatrical Industry as a Celebrity Wig Artist. Show business is a demanding and aggressive field and I’ve negotiated my own contracts with some of the largest Television Networks, Film Production Companies and Broadway Producers in the industry including, NBC, CBS, Killer Films, Netflix, Madison Square Garden Enterprises and Proctor & Gamble. I’ve worked with all types of people from all over the world. My success is a result of my abilities to meet tight deadlines and budgets, provide organized and detailed communication, and to work as a team leader and encourage the success of those around me.
Earlier in my career, I gained experience in the Insurance Industry. I was employed at The Insurance Information Institute in Boston, MA, and worked on Workers Comp Law Reform in the early 90’s. I’ve also worked in Auto and Homeowners Claims and am familiar with reading and assessing policies.
My life
I live in East Granby with my husband of 27 years, Keith, and about three years ago we moved my parents into our home to share the town we cherish with them. I have a deep love of gardening and spend most of my time outside or with my four dogs and cats. East Granby is our forever home and I want to preserve the charm that drew us here.
What’s Next
I look forward to joining the amazing staff at Town Hall. The level of professionalism and helpful information they consistently provide to all residents is truly second to none. Their knowledge and skill provide the backbone to running our municipality so successfully.
I cannot wait to further cultivate our community spirit, protect our small-town charm, and develop a stronger tax base that will ensure residents can raise a family and retire here in comfort. I ask you for your Vote this November. I’m ready to get to work.
AMANDA THOMPSON (RE-ELECT)
Candidate for Board of Select
Amanda Thompson has spent decades working for East Granby—through service, leadership, and advocacy that reflect her dedication to preserving and improving our community.
Experience That Matters
Board of Directors, East Granby Land Trust / Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy
15 years of service, currently serving her third term as President.East Granby Public Library
Worked at the circulation desk and as Library Historian, digitizing historical archives to expand access to the town’s rich history.East Granby PTO
Served 10 years, including 7 years as Hot Lunch Coordinator, bringing daily lunch to both Middle and High Schools for the first time.Scouting BSA Leader for 12 years
Including roles as Assistant Scout Master, Den Leader, and Committee Chair.Planning and Zoning Commission
Served 6 years, promoting smart business growth while protecting the character of East Granby.Host of “Town Topics” on GCTV
8 years keeping residents informed about local issues and events.Community Collaborator
Worked with Parks and Recreation, Youth Action Council, Department of Public Works, Commission on Aging, Nourish My Soul, Newgate Prison and Copper Mine, East Granby Schools, and the Library to create and coordinate diverse programming.Current Involvement
Member of Doreen’s Nature Trail Committee, Farmers Market Committee, and the Board of Selectmen.
Amanda doesn’t serve to seek credit—she serves because she believes in giving back. “It’s important to do my part to help keep East Granby the great town it is.”
Why Amanda Is Running Again
Amanda listens to the community and acts on its concerns. When residents raised alarm about the sale of the town landfill to a private owner, Amanda took action—transforming the issue into a renewable energy opportunity. Now, she’s helping move the site toward a solar project that could lower energy costs and protect town land. She wants to see this project through and deliver those benefits to the taxpayers.
Amanda is also committed to maintaining the right balance between development and conservation. As president of Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy, she has worked to connect open spaces and safeguard water resources. But she also recognizes the value of responsible development. While on Planning and Zoning, she opposed a mega warehouse but supported a compromise allowing for modest size flexibility that still respected town regulations.
“A good leader listens, learns, and works for the long-term good of the town,” says Amanda. “That’s what I’ve always done—and will continue to do.”
Board of Finance
JEFF CLARK (RE-ELECT)
Candidate for Board of Finance
Jeff has been Chairman of the East Granby Board of Finance since January 2023. He is a leader who is fluent in the workings of town government and finances.
He's served the town over the past 28 years on the Economic Development Commission (1997-2001), the Board of Education (2002-2012), and the Board of Finance since 2019. On the Board of Finance Jeff has been instrumental in assuring needed policies were developed, implemented and maintained by the Board.
His experience and success on the Board of Finance came through listening to the community, developing an understanding of how school and town budgets work, and maintaining collaborative and respectful relationships between the Boards of Education, Finance and Selectmen.
MIKE MALLOY (RE-ELECT)
Candidate for Board of Finance
Mike Malloy is a proud father of one son and has tirelessly served our town in a variety of elected positions. He has 30 years as a business owner in the automotive industry.
Mike has served the town on the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Inland Wetlands Commission and is currently serving his third term on the Board of Finance.
His years of service on those boards and commissions combined with his business experience gives Mike a strong and informed platform to serve from as a Board of Finance member.
JOANNA TACZANOWSKY
Candidate for Board of Finance
A Connecticut native, Joanna Taczanowsky graduated from Saint Anselm College with a degree in Biochemistry and returned to the state with her husband, Pete, to raise their twin boys. She is passionate about giving back to East Granby, having served on the East Granby Greater Together Community Fund (awarding >$150,000 in grants to East Granby projects), as co-President of the Women's Club, Secretary of the Juvenile Review Board and member of the PTO. Joanna is a Director for a small sustainability business, and she's ready to bring her experience and commitment to the Board of Finance.
Board of Education
LYNN LANDOLINA (RE-ELECT)
Candidate for Board of Education
An East Granby resident since 1999, Lynn has served on the Board of Education since 2019. She has served as Vice Chairperson and is currently the Secretary and Head of the Policy Subcommittee for the Board. Lynn also serves on the Budget, Negotiations, and Curriculum Subcommittees and was an integral part of the selection of two superintendents and the negotiation of their contracts.
Lynn believes the education and well being of East Granby students is a paramount consideration that can be achieved while being fiscally responsible to the Town. She and her husband Carl raised two children in town; both of whom have attended East Granby schools.
Lynn is a member and head of the High School Scholarship Committee for the Women's Club of East Granby and a forty year employee of the Hartford Insurance Group where she serves as an Assistant Vice President in the Major Case Unit of the Claims Department.
DAVID GILROY
Candidate for Board of Education
David has been an East Granby resident for over 35 years and lives with his wife, Donna Baker-Gilroy. He's a father of two step-daughters, with four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
David earned his PsyD from Graduate Theological Foundation. For the last forty years he's been in the private practice of psychotherapy and the training of psychotherapists at Hartford Family Institute.
David is running for a position on the Board of Education because he values and supports a strong educational foundation. He was a student of both private and public education and feels firmly that all students receive the same educational opportunites.
Planning and Zoning Commission
JOHN H. WELSH (RE-ELECT)
Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commision
An East Granby resident since 1997, John is a retired real estate attorney. A graduate of Boston College and the University of Connecticut School of Law, he was first elected to the East Granby Planning and Zoning Commission in 2001. John has also served on the Board of Education for the past 10 years.
He's served as P&Z Chair from 2006-2007 and 2009-2021. Under his leadership, the Commission implemented the Village Center Regulations. As P&Z Chair, he also worked with the privately-owned quarry in town, planning both the current and future restoration of the site.
John is conscious of the need for tax base growth while preserving the rural nature of our community. He believes that planning for growth must consider possible impacts on our Town services and its implications to our infrastructure. John's dedication in serving with the Commission provides the experience and vision needed for preservation and progress.
AUSTIN GELINAS
Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commision
Austin, an East Granby native, recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut.
For the past two years, Austin has served as an alternate board member on Planning and Zoning, where he's contributed actively to the Commission's discussions and decisions. He's engaged in our town's Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) 2026 Update, ensuring that community input and conservation priorities are reflected in the vision for East Granby's future. He also serves as the Town Representative of East Granby to the Regional Planning Commission of the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG).
Austin's vision for East Granby is rooted in preserving East Granby's character while responsibly planning for growth. His dedication and involvement as a P&Z Alternate have prepared him to be an effective and active member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
BOB RAVENS-SEGER
Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commision
Bob Ravens-Seger is a long-time resident of East Granby with years of public service in East Granby.
He is a professor of History and Religious Studies at American International College in Springfield, MA, and an interpretive guide at Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine.
Bob is committed to smart growth for the Town of East Granby. As a prior member of the Planning & Zoning Commission from 2014-2019, he participated in crafting the Plan of Conservation and Development (2016). Bob is committed to growing the tax base through sensible growth choices, maintaining high-quality education, and efficient and orderly Town government.
Planning & Zoning Commission Alternates
PATRICK MCKENNEY
Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commision Alternate
Patrick McKenney is an East Granby graduate that returned to East Granby to raise his family and now has two girls enrolled in the East Granby school system.
He's previously worked for the East Granby Department of Public Works and currently is a small business owner in town, starting his own landscaping business in 2023.
Patrick understands that East Granby is a unique and wonderful town that needs growth, but at the same time needs to preserve the characteristics that make this town so special. Patrick will be an asset to Planning and Zoning Commission as an Alternate Member.
FRAN NUSSBAUM
Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commision Alternate
Fran has been a resident of East Granby for 35 years, and raised her two sons that graduated in 2007 and 2011.
Over the years, Fran has been an active volunteer in the school community, participating in the Art Appreciation program at Allgrove and Seymour schools, serving as a band parent, and supporting middle and high school sports events.
With a professional background in compliance and asset management, Fran brings practical experience, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to planning and zoning decisions. She is passionate about preserving the unique character of East Granby while supporting thoughtful, balanced growth. Fran is committed to transparency and ensuring that future land use and development align with the community's long-term vision.
Fran looks forward to continuing her commitment to the town as an alternate member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
BILL HEARN
Candidate for Planning and Zoning Commision Alternate
Bill Hearn was raised in Garrett Park, MD and lived in Falls Village, CT, while training for the US Whitewater Slalom Team where he built boats and paddles for other Olympic hopefuls, blending his love for the outdoors with hard work, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Over the past few years, Bill has become increasingly active in local issues important to him and his neighbors. He began attending town meetings regularly and speaking with others about their visions for the future of East Granby. His focus is on ensuring that development is fair, well considered and transparent, benefits our entire community (not just a select few), while maintaining the character of East Granby.
Bill's vision for East Granby is straightforward: smart, balanced growth that honors the town's rural history while protecting open spaces that residents treasure. He is committed to transparency, listening to all voices, and keeping the best interests of the community as a whole at the center of every decision.
Zoning Board of Appeals
JENNIFER COOK (RE-ELECT)
Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals
Jen Cook grew up in East Granby. Even before she attended school officially she knew her way around every school in East Granby as an “assistant" to her mother, a music teacher in the East Granby Public Schools.
After graduating from EGHS she attended Hartford College for Women and the University of Hartford where she studied women's studies and history. From there she moved to Washington D.C. where she edited a local newsletter, and taught in the DC Public School system.
Jen has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals. As a homeowner and native of East Granby she understands the need for fair tax assessment to all of our property owners
DAVID TOBIN
Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals
David Tobin has lived in East Granby for 33 years with his wife, Caryn Christensen, and where they have raised their two children, Henry and Casey.
David has spent many hours participating in town activities, including coaching town sports, and serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Inland Wetlands Commission.
Dave is passionate about helping to make East Granby a better place to live for all residents.
Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates
JOSETTE LUMBRUNO (RE-ELECT)
Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
Josette has lived in EG since 1978, raising a daughter who attended East Granby schools. She is retired from a 20-year Website Marketing career and currently serving as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
For the past two years she's also served as Co-chairman on the Commission on Youth Services and as an appointed member on the East Granby Juvenile Review Board. Josette is an active volunteer, including offering her meditation services to the Girl Scouts, Youth Action Council and teachers in East Granby.
Josette wants to continue serving out town as an Alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals to help maintain fair and balanced representation for East Granby residents.
PETER RITTER
Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
Peter Ritter has been a proud resident of East Granby since 2002. Together with his wife, he has raised three daughters who have all attended the East Granby Public School system, giving him a deeр and personal connection to the town's community and educational values.
In April 2023, Peter was appointed to the Economic Development Committee, where he now serves as Vice Chairman. In this role, he works to strengthen the town's economic future by supporting thoughtful growth, attracting new opportunities, and ensuring East Granby remains a vibrant place for families and businesses.
With more than two decades of local roots, Peter is committed to fostering a strong, forward-looking community while honoring the character that makes East Granby unique.
JENNIFER FRANK
Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
Jennifer G. Frank, P.E. Is a long-time East Granby resident and a licensed professional engineer (civil).
She's had a 40 plus year career in commercial construction management and development. She has served the town of East Granby in several roles, including the Seymour School Building Committee and for many years on the Inland Wetlands Conservation Commission.
Jennifer is eager to serve the town as an alternate Zoning Board of Appeals member, helping to assure that our zoning regulations are applied properly.
Board of Assessment Appeals
PATRICK ROSENBERGER
Candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals
Patrick Rosenberger has lived in East Granby since 1990. Along with his wife Michaela, he raised three children, all of whom attended and graduated from the East Granby school system.
Pat is a former Parish Council President at St. Bernard's in Tariffville and currently attends Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield. He is an attorney with an office in Hartford and has been admitted to practice since 1988.
Pat's work frequently involves issues regarding valuation of real estate values and motor vehicles, making him uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Assessment Appeals.