SEYMOUR – First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis said her work ethic and ability to follow through on issues make her a worthy candidate for the town’s top elected position.
“I have a pulse of what’s going on in town. My commitment to our community runs deep, and I am dedicated to building on the progress we have achieved together while ensuring that Seymour continues to thrive.”
Drugonis, 56, is the Republican incumbent seeking a third term in office. She is facing a challenge by Democratic Selectwoman Theresa Conroy on Nov. 4.
Drugonis said in the last year alone, a dozen new businesses have either moved to town, made renovations or are opening soon. That helps the tax base.
“Town taxes, I can control, and this past budget year, the increase was less than one percent,” Drugonis said. “We in Seymour are going to keep our taxes as low as possible by driving economic development and bringing in new businesses.”
The new businesses include the daycare center Willow Academy, Dock 34 Ice Cream, Gorgeous by Glam Beauty, Magic Nails, and Newport Healthcare, a company that redeveloped the former Villa Bianca on Roosevelt Drive into a mental health treatment facility.
Drugonis said businesses expected to open soon include Valley Pharmacy in the former Seybridge Pharmacy space, a Dunkin Donuts in the Henny Penny gas station/convenience store and a gas station/convenience store coming to the former Balko’s gas station/service center on South Main Street.
“I Do What I Say I’m Going To Do”
Drugonis, during her 2023 inauguration speech, promised to improve roads, improve schools, make the town more inclusive, reduce trash costs, and to make economic development a priority. She said she has accomplished all that.
“I run the town 24-7, 365 days a year, and I do what I say I’m going to do,” Drugonis said.
Drugonis said under her watch Bungay Road, Botsford Road and West Church Street are being reconstructed. Voters just approved a new Bungay School. An all-inclusive, sensory playground was built in town. A Menorah lighting at Hanukkah is now annual. Click here for a separate story on economic development in Seymour.
Durgonis said other accomplishments during her time in office include widening Haddad Road, the reconstruction of Holbrook Road, and renovating the town’s community center’s third floor into town office space.
She also made outdoor movie nights and roller-skating nights a thing and is poised to bring more recreational opportunities for residents, including building a splash pad and expanding recreational trails.
What’s Next
Looking ahead to another term, Drugonis said she’s working with the town’s trash hauler to extend a contract to keep costs status quo.
Drugonis said she is working with Valley school and municipal leaders to create a regional special education facility at the former St. Lawrence School in Shelton. Special education is a major cost for school districts, especially if the local district can’t meet a student’s need.
Tri-Town Plaza is an opportunity for development, Drugonis said. A lawsuit over building safety issues between the town and property manager Ron Spector has been resolved.
“It’s going to take a major investment in those buildings and the property for someone to go there,” Drugonis said of Tri-Town. “We are working now with Mr. (Ron) Spector who is working to get businesses in there.”
Bringing in more housing, whether it’s affordable, “workforce” housing, is something Drugonis supports.
Drugonis, who is mom to college senior Alana, while not a Seymour native, has made Seymour her home for the last 21 years. She first got involved by volunteering as a scout leader, religion teacher and cheer coordinator for Seymour Pop Warner. She got involved in politics in 2007 when former longtime selectwoman Roberta King encouraged her to give it a try.
Drugonis first got elected to the Board of Selectpersons in 2007 where she served for nearly two decades. In 2020, she was named to take over as First Selectwoman by her fellow board members to replace Kurt Miller, who is now Drugonis’ chief administrative officer, town treasurer, and Ansonia city budget consultant.
Drugonis, a 1987 graduate of Shelton High School, who holds a degree in environmental science from the University of Alabama, has since been twice elected by voters in 2021 and again in 2023 to remain in the top seat.
“I have dedicated myself to serving our town and its residents through leadership, volunteer service and youth mentorship,” Drugonis said. “I enjoy working directly with the residents and resolving any issues they may have. Community always comes first. This job is not just about sitting behind a desk. I’m a boots-on-the-ground person. I lead by doing. And I have a track record of delivering results and effectively addressing community needs.”