Photo By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
(Left to right) Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis and her daughter, Alana.
SEYMOUR — Republican First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis announced on Wednesday she is seeking re-election.
Standing before a crowd of about 85 supporters gathered at the newly opened Housatonic House Restaurant on Route 34, Drugonis said while she’s proud of the accomplishments made on her administration’s watch, there’s more to be done.
“As a resident of Seymour and having dedicated many years serving on boards and commissions, my number one priority has always been the quality of life of our residents and making Seymour the best town it can be,” Drugonis said. “I am proud of the work my team and I have done, but I know there is still much work ahead of us.”
Drugonis, 53, touted some of the highlights during her time in office, including hiring an economic development consultant, welcoming several new businesses such as the Giggling Pig children’s art studio and the newly rebranded Olives and Oil, building Seymour’s first dog park, and securing several million dollars in grant funding.
“In the past year and a half alone my team and I have secured millions in funding, including $5.5 million to help our low-moderate income families on Seymour Avenue,” Drugonis said. “We received $3 million in funding to help build a connector road (behind Stop & Shop) that will open up and pave the way for Quarry Walk 2 – a residential and retail project that will create hundreds of jobs and bring in additional tax revenue. Along with our partners at Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, we have secured $10 million to deconstruct Kinneytown Dam to help preserve a portion of the Naugatuck River that will be more accessible and safe for our residents as well as the wild and aquatic life that require that river to survive.”
Drugonis said the last two years haven’t been without their share of challenges, namely the COVID-19 pandemic, a cyber crime that bilked the town out of $375,000, a major spike in trash hauling services and mismanagement of funds by a former school business manager that resulted in a shortfall of more than $800,000 in the Board of Education budget.
“I am sure more unexpected challenges will arise, but I know we will be ready,” Drugonis said. “I stand before you tonight to ask for your support as I seek re-election as First Selectwoman of Seymour.”
Drugonis ran unopposed in November 2021 during her first official run for the top seat. However, she was initially appointed to the seat by her fellow selectpersons in October 2020 when former Republican First Selectman Kurt Miller left the position mid-term to take a full-time job in neighboring Ansonia as that city’s chief financial officer.
Democratic Town Committee Chairman and newly appointed Selectperson Phil Wilhelmy, III, said earlier in the day that the Democrats will run a candidate to challenge Drugonis. No announcements have been made.
Drugonis first became a member of the Board of Selectpersons in 2007.
State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria spoke about Drugonis’ leadership skills.
“Annmarie is one of the strongest, independent, strong-willed women I know, all amazing qualities you need to be a leader, and Annmarie has proven that in the last two years,” she said. “You often hear my sister Themis and I say that we’re strong, loud-mouth Greek women: well she’s a strong non-Greek woman and that’s what’s going to help her win this election.”
Candidates for local office are usually formally nominated by their respective political parties over the summer.
Election Day is Nov. 7. 2023.
