By Elizabeth Barhydt
New Canaan Republicans endorsed four candidates for Town Council at their caucus Tuesday evening at Saxe Middle School.
The caucus drew 311 registered Republicans. Doors opened at 6 p.m., and the meeting convened in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m.
The slate moving forward to the November municipal election includes Scott Gress, Pavla Levin, Arvind Bajaj, and Penny Young.
Gress, a longtime presence in town government, has served on the Park & Recreation Commission and the Board of Education. He is active in several local organizations and has been involved in community planning initiatives. Levin, a financial professional with more than two decades of investment banking experience, holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. She has focused on fiscal issues and long-term budget planning during her work with town committees. Bajaj, a commercial real estate finance professional, is also an Eagle Scout and youth coach who has contributed to local civic programs. Young is a veteran member of the Town Council with extensive institutional knowledge and experience overseeing budget and policy matters.
The caucus also formally endorsed Republican candidates for other municipal offices. First Selectman Dionna Carlson and Selectman Steve Karl will seek re‑election. Claudia Weber and Andrew Brooks were endorsed for Town Clerk and Treasurer, respectively. Hugo Alves, Phil Hogan, Julie Toal received endorsements for the Board of Education. Tony Calanca, and Kevin McIntosh were endorsed for Board of Assessment Appeals, and Gregory L. Pepe, Francisco Alberto Gonzalez, Jill Guzzetti, and Bob Naughton were endorsed for Constable.
Republican Town Committee Chair Melany Hearne thanked both candidates and voters for participating, calling their involvement a reflection of the community’s commitment to civic engagement. She urged party unity heading into the general election and encouraged voters to support the candidates in November.
The election will take place Tuesday, November 4. The Democratic Town Committee did not respond to a request for comment before press time; we will publish their slate next week.
