SEYMOUR – The latest campaign finance disclosures show that First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis, the Republican incumbent seeking a third term in office, raised about $8,000 more than her Democratic challenger, Theresa Conroy.

Drugonis’ campaign, “Annmarie Working For You ‘25,” raised $31,745 as of Oct. 28. 

Conroy’s campaign, “Theresa For Seymour,” raised $23,585 as of Oct. 28.

Drugonis’ campaign spent $19,131.38 and had a balance of $12,613.62 on hand heading into the Nov. 4 election.

Conroy’s campaign spent $20,430.86 and had a balance of $3,154.14 on hand.

Drugonis, 56, is the Republican incumbent seeking her third term in office as First Selectwoman. Conroy, 68, is the Democratic Selectwoman seeking to unseat Drugonis.

This is the first time in Seymour’s history that two women are seeking the town’s highest office. Voters will head to the polls Tuesday (Nov. 4) to select their next leader.  

The last round of campaign finance disclosures had to be filed by Oct. 28 with the Seymour Town Clerk’s Office.

Campaign Reactions

“We are proud of the generous support Annmarie has received, a true reflection of her dedication to our community,” said state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, who is serving as Drugonis’ campaign manager, along with her sister, former state House minority leader Themis Klarides. “The majority of (Annmarie’s) donors are Seymour residents, underscoring the deeply positive impact she has had on countless families throughout town over the past five years.”

Klarides-Ditria noted that Drugonis didn’t rely on monetary support from political action committees, or PACs.

“Unlike her opponent, Annmarie raised her funds entirely on her own — without the backing of PACs, unions or outside organizations — further proving her genuine connection to the people of Seymour,” Klarides-Ditria said.

Klarides-Ditria pointed to a $250 donation Conroy received from Third Street PAC, a political action committee formed by state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25), a Norwalk resident. Conroy also received a $1,500 donation from Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz’s Power of Women PAC.

“Why would the Senate Majority Leader who lives in Norwalk donate to a race in Seymour?” Klarides-Ditria said. “These are local races because local people vote for you.”

Conroy said her message is appealing.

“It’s still a free country, so as long as laws are followed, anyone is free to donate to my campaign,” Conroy said. “(Bob) Duff knows my accomplishments and believes in my vision for Seymour.” 

Conroy took offense to being accused of taking donations from unions and outside organizations.

“It’s disappointing that my opponent continues to make misleading statements about my campaign,” Conroy said. “I have not received donations from unions or outside organizations. I did receive a few PAC contributions — from individuals and groups who know my integrity, work ethic and vision to move Seymour forward.”

Conroy said a chunk of Drugonis’ donations came from outside of Seymour, including from town contractors, attorneys, engineers and developers. She also said Drugonis went outside of Seymour in selecting her campaign treasurer, Bryan LeClerc, who is one of the town attorneys.

Conroy also pointed to a donation from Pat Knott, a local businessman and resident who received approval from the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission to build apartments at the bottom of the industrial park at Cogwheel Lane and Route 67. Knott needed to acquire a small parcel of town-owned land for parking.  Knott is also a registered Democrat who contributed to Drugonis’ campaign. 

Drugonis said LeClerc is a capable campaign treasurer.

“I have known Bryan (LeClerc) for over 15 years,” Drugonis said. “He has been my treasurer since 2021 when I first ran so why would I not use somebody that I trust to monitor my campaign money? In regards to Pat Knott, he is a longtime Seymour resident who has several businesses in the Town of Seymour. Pat Knott donated to my campaign because he likes the way I am moving Seymour forward and feels I am doing a good job. Pat Knott is a registered Democrat supporting me.”

Conroy’s campaign manager, and head of the Seymour Democratic Town Committee, Brianna Girard said she was pleased with the donations that rolled in for team Conroy.

“We raised our campaign funds in small amounts, mostly from hardworking local residents and families,” Girard said. “We ran a tight, efficient campaign – and that’s exactly how we plan to run the town.”

Donors And Expenses

Some of Drugonis’ largest donations include $1,000 from town engineer Bryan Nesteriak, $1,000 from Nesteriak’s wife Beth and $1,000 from Nesteriak’s brother Joe, who owns the Seybridge Plaza on Route 67. 

Resident Lon Syla, who owns the former Rogol’s burnt-out property downtown at 141 Main St. donated $500, while Ansonia’s corporation counsel (and Seymour’s land-use attorney) John Marini donated $250.

Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti donated $100. 

Former First Selectman Robert Koskelowski, Sr., a Seymour police commissioner, donated $250 and Seymour Planning and Zoning Commission chairman Rob VanEggen donated $100. 

Residents Pat and Lisa Knott also donated $250 each.

Some of Conroy’s largest donations include $1,000 from Ron Spector of Nevada, the lease holder and managing partner of the Tri-Town Plaza and another $1,000 from Jill Aschenbach of Nevada, listed at the same address as Spector.

Residents Phyllis Jachimowski donated $1,000; Christina Lakomski, $300; Tracy Rappa, Conroy’s campaign treasurer, $250; Joann Sardo, $250 and Joe Niezelski, Conroy’s son, donated $250. 

Some bigger donations from out-of-towners came from Laura Moccaie, of Orange, who gave $500; Elaine Apicella, of Branford, who gave $300, and MaryAnn Breton, of Middletown, who gave $250.  

Some of Drugonis’ biggest campaign expenditures included $3,863.77 for direct mailers, $1,442 for lawn signs, $957.15 for photography, $651.73 for door hangers and $400 in rental fees for a fundraiser at the Land Trust building.

Some of Conroy’s biggest campaign expenditures included $3,180 for direct mailers, $1,825 for a billboard, $1,354 for lawn signs, $1,100 for headquarters rental fee and $870 for walk cards handed to residents while campaigning door to door.

The Seymour Republican Town Committee raised $7,106 and spent $2,520 as of Oct. 10.

The Seymour Democratic Town Committee raised $9,885 and $8,635 as of Oct. 10.

CORRECTION: The original version of the story misstated two donations by $100 each.