In New Canaan, the municipal election is not simply a civic necessity. It is an expression of stewardship, of neighbors deciding who will guide schools, balance budgets, and keep the character of the town intact. As Meredith Tobitsch, campaign manager for the Democratic slate, put it: “Voters deserve strong choices… local elections are the firewall to keeping New Canaan wonderful.”
That firewall, Democrats argue, is built on service, experience, and a willingness to ask hard questions with kindness. Their candidates this year for the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Education, and the Town Council reflect those qualities.
Board of Selectmen
At the top of the ticket is Amy Murphy Carroll, running for re-election to the Board of Selectmen. With nearly ten years of service on the Board of Finance, Amy brings unmatched expertise in municipal finance and a reputation for careful stewardship. She has long been one of the town’s most trusted voices on budgets and long-term financial planning.
Amy is not merely a numbers person; she is also a community builder. Residents describe her as calm, respectful, and committed to civility in public discourse. “We are one New Canaan,” she has said. “Let’s eliminate the divisive political noise. Let’s return our government to one that is open, civil and transparent.”
Tobitsch, who has watched Amy’s leadership up close, calls her “a great voice for the Democratic Party on the board.” In many ways, Amy represents the Democratic vision of this election: steady, competent leadership grounded in service.
Board of Education
The Democratic slate for the Board of Education is composed of thoughtful leaders who have each invested deeply in the life of the town and its schools.
Erica Schwedel has been an active community volunteer for more than 15 years. Her record is long: board service with the New Canaan Newcomers Club, the Young Women’s League, and New Canaan CARES, as well as co-president of the West School PTC. She currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Education, where she is on the Executive, Communications, and Facilities Committees. She was instrumental in the parent-led fundraising effort to renovate the high school planetarium. A Princeton graduate with an MBA from Wharton, Erica pairs professional rigor with community commitment. Tobitsch describes her as “prepared, thoughtful, and transparent,” someone who brings both skill and heart to the board.
Josh Kaye is another candidate known for his clear thinking and commitment to fairness. He chairs the New Canaan Board of Ethics and also leads the Board of New Canaan Chamber Music. He is a familiar figure on local playing fields, coaching youth sports — most recently, his daughter’s kindergarten softball team. Josh once brought a case before the US Supreme Court and won, a reminder of his tenacity and ability to see issues through. “He does a great job of asking really critical questions,” Tobitsch said. “You need the right people leading those conversations.”
Kate Brambilla is head of member services at Staying Put, a nonprofit that helps older residents remain active in the community. Her gift is connection. She moves easily between new parents with young children in the schools and older residents who have lived in town for decades. She is, in Tobitsch’s words, “a great voice for all residents,” someone who can ensure every population feels represented on the Board of Education.
These three Democrats will run on Row A of the ballot, alongside Republican candidates, for five available seats. There are six candidates in total, which means one will not win. “Great schools need great leaders, and that is a vote for Row A,” Tobitsch explained.
Town Council
The Democratic Town Council slate offers a blend of new and seasoned voices, each with a strong connection to the community.
Lina Lee, Executive Director of the Connecticut Bar Association, is a distinguished attorney with years of service in both nonprofit and professional leadership. Earlier in her career, she represented tenants and communities against developers misusing affordable housing laws in New York City. That experience, Tobitsch believes, comes at precisely the right moment, as New Canaan faces pressure from Hartford over affordable housing mandates. “She could be a really good thought partner,” Tobitsch said. Lee represents a sharp legal mind and a steady presence in policy debates about growth and development.
Heather Russell is a working mother of two young girls in the New Canaan schools and a professional at JP Morgan. She speaks for the large demographic of dual-career families trying to balance work and home. “She brings a great voice for a huge demographic in our town,” Tobitsch said. Heather is described as accessible and committed to making sure residents’ concerns are heard at Town Council meetings.
Mike Rodgers has lived in New Canaan for more than 20 years with his wife, raising a son who graduated from the public schools and now studies at the University of Connecticut. Rodgers has volunteered his time on multiple boards throughout town and in nonprofits such as STAR. He represents, Tobitsch said, “an important voice of experience.” A longtime resident with deep roots, he provides historical perspective and balance as the town makes decisions about its future.
Together with incumbent Hillary Ormond, who is running for re-election to her second term, Democrats argue that this team rounds out a slate offering “someone for everyone.” Ormond, they emphasize, has built a record on the Town Council of rolling up her sleeves and doing the work others often avoid. From her early advocacy for security cameras in Waveny Park, to her leadership on the All-Abilities Playground at Waveny, to her committee work on ordinances ranging from leaf blowers to town planning, Democrats frame her as the definition of civic persistence. They say she is equally at home drafting an ordinance, volunteering at a school fundraiser, or leading discussions on long-term infrastructure needs.
“No matter who you are,” Tobitsch said, “you can find yourself in our slate and feel represented.”Community Engagement
The Democratic campaign is built on face-to-face connection. Last Sunday afternoon at candidates gathered at Mead Park, handing out popsicles and meeting families. Children enjoyed the treat; parents had the chance to speak directly with those asking for their vote.
Later in September, the annual Democratic barbecue returns — a tradition and the party’s largest fundraiser — this year at the Carriage Barn Arts Center. These events are less about speeches and more about conversations, designed to meet people where they are.
“We’ll also be around town helping out at local schools, at library events, at neighborhood gatherings,” Tobitsch added. “We’re excited to meet with residents where they are.”
At the close of our conversation, Tobitsch’s words circled back to a theme of unity. “At the end of the day, we’re all neighbors. Voters deserve choices, and we’re excited to give them that this election cycle.”
The Democratic slate’s message is consistent: experience, energy, and empathy. Its candidates are embedded in the community — coaching children, leading nonprofits, guiding finances, fighting for fairness. They are rooted in the conviction that local elections are where the character of the town is preserved.
New Canaan, Tobitsch suggests, thrives not only because of its institutions but because of the people willing to serve them. This election, Democrats argue, is about keeping that promise.
