2023 Farmington Democratic Candidates

Rafeena Bacchus Lee wholeheartedly believes in service to others and leaving things better than when you found them. That is why she has served on Town Council since 2022 and why she is running for Town Council Chair now.  
As a wife and working mother, Rafeena is especially attuned to how decisions made on Town Council affect the daily lives of residents. From her previous time as East Farms School PTO president, she is familiar with balancing a budget and ensuring that all programs and parent volunteers were supported.
As the past co-chair of both Comprehensive FHS and the Farmington Greater Together Community Fund Advisory Committee, Rafeena learned firsthand of the unmet needs of our high school students, teachers, and non-profit organizations, and how to find solutions to meet those needs. Through these experiences, Rafeena has devoted herself to the academic and cultural improvement of our Town.
There are things we can do better in Farmington, from engaging with all community members to understanding residents’ needs-and, importantly, ensuring those needs are met. Rafeena seeks to foster and support a community that inspires and propels us forward.
Your vote for Rafeena and Row A makes that happen. As your new Town Council Chair, she will do the important work necessary to get the answers we deserve and the solutions we need.
Let’s do this together!

Brian FX Connolly is serving in his third term on the Farmington Town Council, elected from the town’s First District.  On the Council, Brian has held the line on taxes, prioritizing affordability for middle class families and seniors, while leading on smart investments for Farmington’s top-rated public schools.  Brian serves as Liaison and Chair for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Liaison for the Farmington Historic District Commission, Land Acquisition Committee, and serves on the Ad Hoc Sidewalk Committee.  Prior to the Town Council, Brian served for twelve years on the town’s Economic Development Committee, including as chair.  

Some accomplishments of note that impact your Farmington experience:

• Supported and passed the building of the new Farmington High School
• Successfully advocated for additional tax abatements for qualifying seniors
• Worked to maintain the lowest mill rate in the Farmington Valley and Hartford County
• Established the first EDC newsletter to enhance communication with local businesses
• Played a key role in launching Farmington’s first EDC brand campaign, driving business development to maintain and increase tax base
• Helped implement the Explore Farmington web platform to keep residents informed and engaged
• Designated BOE member for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to facilitate bike safety curriculum in our public schools

Brian is running for Town Council Chair, Farmington’s top elected office.  As Town Council Chair, Brian wants to further prioritize affordability, identifying spending cuts that won’t impair safety, schools, or services relied on by seniors – while partnering with the town’s state and federal legislative delegations to bring more aid to Farmington that will cushion the burden on local taxpayers.  Additionally, Brian will: 

• Bring in more outside support by working closely with state and federal lawmakers to ease the tax burden on local families
• Protect what matters by identifying cost efficiencies that won’t compromise our safety, schools, or senior services
• Promote smart growth through reasonable development and attainable housing that supports economic vitality while preserving open space and minimizing strain on town services 
• Tackle traffic head-on, with a focus on Routes 4 and 177, by collaborating with the State for real solutions
• Build a more walkable, bike-friendly community, with expanded sidewalks, safer streets, and share-the-road initiatives
• Improve transparency and communication by better connecting you with the information and content you need

A nearly 30-year resident of Farmington, Brian and his wife, Denise, raised their family in town.  Their daughters attended Farmington public schools.  Brian previously served on the Farmington Library Board of Trustees and as Deputy Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus’ Rev. M. Ernest Wilson Council 20 and on the Parish Council of St. Patrick Church.  Professionally, Brian works at LiveWell, a non-profit leader in dementia care, where he designs and delivers education, outreach, and community building programs. Brian’s career includes roles in broadcast and corporate communications serving organizations like ESPN, Aetna, Otis Elevator, Kaman Aerospace, Mott Corporation and Agilent.

Dave Wlodkowski is currently serving on the Farmington Town Council.  His responsibilities include being the Town Council liaison to the Town Plan and Zoning Commission and the chair of the Retirement Board.  Dave also serves on the Ad Hoc Fire Station Committee.  In each role, Dave brings a commitment to understanding the details of the issues and providing leadership to shape the issues that require action in the best interests of the town and our residents.  Dave’s work in public service draws from his professional career as a licensed Architect with success in completing projects across Connecticut.

Dave and his wife moved to Farmington 30 years ago.  Their children attended and graduated from Farmington’s public school system.  Dave understands the importance of having a strong school community.  As a member of the Town Council, Dave knows the challenges in preparing balanced budgets that include the necessary investments in our education system.  He has kept his commitment to listen carefully in budget deliberations and to focus on maintaining critical pieces of the Board of Education budget, striking a balance between the town’s operations and the education system.

Dave serves as the chair of the Town Retirement Board, overseeing investments for funding Farmington’s town employee retirement accounts.  Here again, Dave leads the Board as it makes important fiduciary decisions to make sure our investments are sound and the funds meet our investment benchmarks.  

“The core of public service is transparency and accountability to the residents who have elected us to these roles,” Dave says, adding, “ I will be a responsive and effective leader and work toward meeting our current challenges as well as those ahead of us while listening to the ideas and concerns of all town residents.”

Dave has been an active volunteer and participant in town life, serving on the Porter Memorial and the Amistad Hall renovation committees.  He has served on the Exchange Club, including as past president.  Dave currently serves as moderator of First Church.

Patti Boye-Williams moved to Farmington in 2011 and fell in love with the community, people, and schools. As an attorney with the Michaud Law Group and an environmental lawyer who has represented municipalities, Patti’s legal experience allows her to critically evaluate issues that affect the Town while taking into account differing viewpoints and conflicting desires; her experience as a mother of two girls gives her insights into what makes Farmington great for families and future generations. She strives to give back to her community and help others achieve their full potential, including serving as a Girl Scout leader for her younger daughter’s troop from 2012-2019 and as a current board member for the Farmington Land Trust.

Elected in 2017 to Farmington’s Town Council, Patti fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment during her first term.  By compromising and listening to residents, Patti and the Democrat-led Town Council passed two unanimous, fiscally responsible budgets that were overwhelmingly approved by Unionville and Farmington residents.  By critically evaluating the budget, she did more with less.  These budgets improved Town services, addressed aging infrastructure, and supported our first responders by providing them with necessary equipment.  

Patti prioritized resident concerns regarding traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and increasing “green” efforts in Town.  She partnered with Farmington and Unionville residents to hear fresh perspectives and enhance transparency and communications.  As a result of her actions on Town Council, the number of Town newsletters has been increased and Town staff have more resources to communicate upcoming events and other matters of concern to residents.  

As chair of the Green Efforts committee, Patti spearheaded a waste reduction newsletter.  She understands the importance of open space while encouraging responsible development that minimizes impacts to existing traffic.  As chair of the Land Acquisition Committee, she has coordinated the review of potential open space available for town acquisition, ensuring the preservation of these valuable spaces.

Patti Boye-Williams has demonstrated her commitment to fiscally responsible budgets that address ongoing infrastructure needs; to ensure residents of Farmington and Unionville are heard and included in town initiatives and to focus on best practices to support the town’s needs in a cost-effective way.  Patti will ensure that Farmington continues to be a warm and welcoming place for all to live and raise a family.

Matt Hutvagner is proud to be running for a seat on the Farmington Board of Education. He and his wife, Liz, live in Farmington with their twin boys, who attend Irvin A Robbins and West Woods Upper Elementary School. As a parent of two children in our public schools, Matt cares deeply about ensuring every student continues to receive an excellent education.

Matt brings nearly 20 years of finance and accounting experience in the sports media industry, where he leads a team through fast-paced long-term and day-to-day finance operations. He is responsible for budget planning, cost control efficiencies, and strategic collaboration with executive leadership. Throughout his career, he has developed creative workflow improvements, implemented major cost savings, and provided trusted financial oversight. Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.

In Farmington, Matt has been a consistent advocate for our schools. He volunteered with Comprehensive FHS to support the new Farmington High School building project, served as Co-President of the Union School PTO, helped restart the Farmington Special Education PTO as a Parent Ambassador, and has been PTO Liaison to the Town Council. He has also served as a Commissioner on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission and the Board of Assessment Appeals.

He has been the Treasurer of Unionville Cub Scout Pack #170 and is a member of St. Mary’s Church in Unionville.

Matt’s priorities for the Board of Education include:

• Supporting academic and personal excellence through high-quality curriculum, mental health supports, and teacher development
• Enhancing timely, transparent communication between schools and families
• Championing collaborative, inclusive, and innovative learning environments for all learners
• Ensuring strong support and high expectations for students in special education, with inclusive practices that help every child thrive

Drawing from both his professional skills and personal commitment as a parent, Matt will work to make sure Farmington’s resources are managed effectively and that our schools remain among the best in Connecticut. He believes in listening to the community, fostering collaboration, and keeping Farmington’s schools a source of pride for every resident.

Beth has served on the Board of Education since 2020, following a term on the Farmington Town Council. 

A resident of Farmington for more than 25 years, Beth has a long history of community involvement and volunteer work, including a decade with the PTOs of Noah Wallace and West Woods Schools. She served on the Irving Robbins Middle School Parent Advisory Council, and the Superintendent’s Parent Leadership Forum. While leading Farmington Future, a nonpartisan group that advocated for Farmington’s schools and town services, she informed the public of key issues and the priorities and actions of local elected officials, and encouraged residents to be active and engaged in the budget process and other important town issues.  On the Board of Education, Beth chairs the Communications Committee, serves on the Policy Committee, and is liaison to the Farmington Public School Foundation and the Noah Wallace Fund. She has been involved with the new high school initiative and building project since 2016, and serves as the liaison to the FHS Building Committee. She is past liaison to the Community Council for Equity and Inclusion.

Beth has volunteered with the Farmington High School Boys’ Baseball, Boys’ Soccer, Track and Field, and the Friends of Farmington Crew booster clubs, as well as Farmington Little League, Friends of Farmington Music, and Project Graduation. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work, and has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector as a case manager, program director, and grants administrator.  She currently serves as a Registrar of Voters in Farmington. Along with her husband Thomas, she lives in Farmington with their three sons, the oldest a FHS graduate in his senior year of college, and their two youngest students at FHS. In her free time, Beth enjoys photography, reading, and cheering her sons on in sports and in life. 

Erika Nowakowski has a Master’s degree from the University of CT School of Social Work with a focus on Policy and Planning. She is the Executive Director of the Tow Youth Justice Institute at the University of New Haven and oversees the operations of the institute. She has extensive experience in managing the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee (JJPOC), the legislatively created body that oversees reform in the Juvenile Justice system in Connecticut.  She works with Senators, Representatives, State Agencies, non-profit organizations and many other partners on goals to reduce recidivism, reduce incarceration and increase diversion.  Prior to arriving at TYJI she worked for 8 ½ years for the State of CT Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division as a project manager for several statewide initiatives, Quality Assurance, implementation and ongoing adherence to Gender Responsive Services, contract compliance, and training coordination. She also worked for 4 years with the Council on Accreditation in New York City and provided Technical Assistance to private nonprofit and state agencies seeking accreditation. She also has six years’ experience in non-profit direct services  from  case manager with the Emergency Mobile Psychiatric services, managing and coordinating system of care community efforts, and developing and implementing foster care best practices for recruitment of foster parents. Erika began her career working in family homeless shelters, and continues to volunteer in homeless programs and advocates for housing needs.

James Rackliffe is seeking a place on the Farmington Board of Education to advocate for the town’s children and ensure Farmington students are supported in becoming self-aware, confident, collaborative, and resilient individuals.  James is fully committed to promoting an inclusive, safe learning environment and attracting and retaining top talent within our school system.

Working with Comprehensive FHS to help pass the 2021 Farmington High School referendum motivated James to run for the Town Plan and Zoning Commission in 2021, on which he currently serves as an alternate. Reflecting on his motivation to engage in helping shape the town’s future, he says, “I felt an incredible amount of satisfaction advocating for my children, the education they receive, and the town that I love to live in…I felt like I could do more for our town and that is why I wanted to get involved.” 

A 17-year veteran of the insurance industry, James has held various leadership roles throughout his career.  He has lived in Farmington since 2009 with Carolyn, his wife of 14 years and current Union School PTO President, is a proud father to Finlay and Weston, who both attend Farmington Public Schools, and is a loving dog owner to Leo, the family schnauzer/terrier rescue pup.  In addition to his work with Town Planning and Zoning, he is a board member for the Farmington Public School Foundation. 

In his free time, James can be found on the golf course, ski slopes, at Fenway Park watching his beloved Red Sox, or grilling in his backyard. You may also run into him on the sidelines of the local soccer, football and little league fields coaching his children’s sports teams.

As the director of a site acquisition company focused on telecom and solar development Matthew Bandle has been involved with zoning and development for over a decade of his career, and brings a keen understanding of both what it means to be an applicant and regulation knowledge. As a member of Town Plan and Zoning, he will use that expertise to help deliver results that improve the town’s future.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he holds a bachelor’s degree in management and accounting as well as a master’s in technology management, all from CCSU. Alongside his wife, son, 2 dogs and an old gray cat, Matthew is a 15-year Farmington resident who looks forward to continuing to give back to the town he calls home. 

Liz Sanford has called Farmington home for nearly 20 years, and lives in town with her husband Ted and their children, Will and Libby. She currently serves on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission. Liz grew up in Granby and attended Drew University, earning a degree in Political Science. 

For the past several years, Liz has worked for Farmington Public Schools as the building substitute at Noah Wallace School. A longtime volunteer in the Farmington community, she serves as board chair of the Stanley Whitman House Museum and on the stewardship committee at First Church of Christ Congregational, where she has held many positions over the years. In addition, Liz is a trustee for the Farmington Village Green and Library Association (FVGLA) and a member of its Finance Committee. She also volunteers as a Land Steward for the Farmington Land Trust. Liz served the town as a member of the Farmington Village Center Committee. She has also volunteered with the Farmington Community Chest, Boy Scout Troop 68, and Farmington Youth Lacrosse.

Liz sees Farmington as a diverse, creative, and vibrant community; uniquely positioned to grow while maintaining the charm and attributes that distinguish its history. Her desire to serve her community as an elected official stems from her love of the town and a desire to see it continue to thrive, prioritizing a balance of growth and tradition as we move together into the future. Liz’s involvement in many aspects of the Farmington community, from the schools to community groups to religious life, has given her an appreciation of many of its assets and strong values. Her husband is co-owner of a business that has been in town for over 135 years, giving her an understanding of the history of Farmington as a business environment. Liz seeks to empower Farmington to continue its dynamic growth, while respecting and honoring the past.

Liz and Ted’s children are the 14th generation of the Sanford/Wadsworth family to live in the Farmington community. As a Plan and Zoning commissioner, she is following in her father’s footsteps, as he served on the Granby Planning and Zoning board for over 25 years; more than 10 of those as chair. Liz is proud to carry on his great example of service to his community.

Dave St.Germain has proudly called Farmington home for nine years, where he lives with his wife, Kat, and their beagle, Daisy. Dave and his wife have two grown daughters, and they inspire his deep commitment to creating a thriving and sustainable community for all residents. A dedicated community member and owner of a local small business (cottage bakery), Dave is seeking re-election to the Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission, having been elected in 2023 to fill a vacancy term.

Beyond his current role as Library Media Specialist at King Philip Middle School in West Hartford, Dave brings extensive experience in educational leadership and administration, curriculum development, and instructional technology across various school districts.

An avid outdoors enthusiast, Dave finds inspiration in Farmington’s natural beauty, enjoying the local biking and walking trails and river. His community involvement extends to active participation in his church, where he previously chaired the policy board. With a background in psychology, library science, and educational administration, Dave is committed to fostering sustainable growth, preserving Farmington’s natural charm, and ensuring a vibrant, inclusive future for all residents.

A Farmington resident for over 25 years, Bruce Polsky is a retired executive who ran the financial services and insurance division of a global IT services company, managing over $140 million in revenue and over 2,000 people. With a proven ability to grow business, control costs, negotiate high value contracts and manage executive relationships around the world, Bruce will bring his budget management and deep business experience to bear for the benefit of Farmington taxpayers.

As an incumbent, Bruce was elected in 2023 to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He is also a member of the Retirement Board which manages Farmington’s pension plan.

Additionally, Bruce is an Officer and Treasurer for the Central Connecticut Radio Control Club whose members fly their planes and helicopters on the Meadow Road field.

An avid woodworker, his hobby is making reproductions of antique American Federal furniture.

He is married to Suzanne Polsky, a Farmington realtor and is a proud father to daughters, Rachelle and Caroline, who are products of the Farmington public school system and are now leading successful careers of their own

Michael Tucci currently serves the town as an Alternate Commissioner for Town Plan and Zoning, first elected in 2023.  His tenure reinforced his appreciation for Farmington’s natural beauty as well as land-use policy, believing it is essential to maintain the character and spirit of Farmington and Unionville as a unique river town that spans wooded lands, mountain ridge, hills, ponds, meadows, and lakes.  Mike and his wife, Dr. Melissa Cranford, are lovers of nature, so you may run into them walking their beagle pup, Brio, along the Farmington River, biking or hiking our many trails.  

Mike’s public service began in high school where he taught youths about the environment.  It continued throughout his studies at Bryant University where he graduated top of his class, Magna Cum Laude, studying Politics and Law alongside Business Administration. Mike then joined the AmeriCorps as a S.T.E.M educator in Providence, RI before returning to Connecticut to teach middle schoolers in Bridgeport. Subsequently, Mike was accepted as a Doctoral candidate at UConn where he taught undergrads and provided research assistance. He continued his studies until his mother was diagnosed with very rare cancer.  To care for his mother, Mike chose to take an extended hiatus until her passing.  He was able to find some semblance of peace through his yoga practice, becoming a certified yoga instructor.  

Mike volunteers his time at multiple organizations in the town. At the Farmington Land Trust (FLT), Mike serves as the Co-Chair of Stewardship.  He and his committee oversee over 70 parcels. Mike handles all activity related to the preservation and maintenance of all real property rights owned by FLT and FLT’s corresponding deeds, easements and encroachments, responding to reports from its Stewards, developing financial expenses, and maintaining the FLT’s natural resource plans. He is a founding developer of the FLT’s Pollinator Curriculum—a program which teaches all second graders in the town about the relationship between the land and its’ insect population, where he teaches entomology as well as yoga. Additionally, Mike is a volunteer firefighter with the Farmington Fire Department, becoming state certified in 2023.

Through Mike’s academic background, his experience in managing a Farmington organization and its volunteers, and having served in multiple roles in the community, Mike will be a Town Clerk who can be reliably depended on. 

Elizabeth Gemski is running for a seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals with the plan to apply her extensive experience and strong work ethic to the issues that face Farmington. Land use issues will impact future generations of residents, and Elizabeth will advocate for a balanced and sensible approach as a member of the ZBA while ensuring all viewpoints are considered.   

A 13-year resident of Farmington alongside her husband, Philip, Elizabeth has a daughter currently in the 7th grade at Irving Robbins Middle school. This is Elizabeth’s first run for public office, but she has held many volunteer positions in the community. She has served on the Farmington Historic District Commission since 2019, ensuring Farmington’s rich history is preserved for future generations. 

Elizabeth is no stranger to politics. She has more than 25 years of experience in Federal and State Government Affairs working in Washington, DC, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and for the past 15-years, in Connecticut. She serves as Vice President at Kozak and Salina, a government relations and lobbying firm. Her experience includes knowledge of direct lobbying, policy and legislative analysis, media analysis, as well as coalition and partner development for health, human service, energy, business and environmental clients. 

Previously, Elizabeth was Government Affairs Consultant with The Government Affairs Group at Murtha Cullina LLP where she was responsible for state-level planning for clients.  In her over 15-year Connecticut career, she has achieved many successes for her clients in legislative and regulatory arenas.  

Elizabeth is deeply embedded in Farmington and appreciates the diverse, tenacious and dedicated people who live here. She has a strong belief in public service and would like to serve Farmington residents while ensuring the town remains a vibrant community in which to work and live.

As a candidate for the Zoning Board of Appeals, Cate Grady-Benson offers a strong record of making positive impacts on the town’s environment, economy, and the quality of life of all Farmington residents. A longtime resident who raised two daughters here alongside her husband, she has long demonstrated her commitment to the town’s welfare. 

As a volunteer, Cate led Farmington’s annual town cleanup for two decades, helping make it a tradition for town residents. She has served on the boards of directors for multiple important town organizations, including the Farmington Land Trust (where she currently serves as Executive Director), Farmington Food Pantry and Stanley Whitman House. She also is a member of the Town of Farmington Green Efforts Committee and the Farmington Rotary, a Corporator for the Bushnell, and an Ambassador for the Hartford Public Library.  

A consultant for Quality Care Apple Rehab, Cate’s career since graduating the University of Illinois with a BS in the Science of Nursing has ranged from work as a LIFE STAR flight nurse to work as an ICU nurse for neonatal, pediatric and adult patients.

Cate believes in a future that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability, and is committed to supporting initiatives that promote renewable energy, efficient infrastructure, and thoughtful planning. As the town considers its future, Cate considers Farmington a town that can be a beacon of inclusion, environmental stewardship, responsible economic development, and thoughtful, informed conversation. 

Marianne Dess-Santoro is an Alternate Commissioner on the Farmington Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).  She makes

certain the voices of her fellow residents are heard as she advocates for fair, equitable decisions.  Because alternate commissioners replace any commissioner who is absent at a meeting so as to achieve a quorum, which is required for meetings to be held and for rulings to be issued, Marianne has attended all ZBA meetings. 

With a background in healthcare management, Marianne brings an array of skills to her position. Marianne’s 35-year professional career began at UConn Health and continued at Yale University where she served as the Chief Operating Officer for Yale Medicine.  At each institution, Marianne worked on employee matters:  as Vice President of AFT local 3837 at UConn and as a member of the Union/Management Steering Committee at Yale.

Marianne and her husband, Glenn Santoro, are 25-year Farmington residents with two adult sons:  Erik, who now lives and works in Philadelphia, and Greg, who lives and works in San Francisco.  Both children went through the Farmington public school system, which Marianne credits with providing an outstanding foundation. Marianne wants to contribute back to the community that has given so much to her and her family. 

A lifelong Farmington resident, Peter has strong roots in town. Long active in local government, he served on the Water Pollution Control Authority (the first Democrat in 25 years to chair that commission), and is a past member of both the Town Plan and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. He currently serves the town as Constable. 

A US Navy veteran, Peter served six years in the US Navy Reserves (20 months on active duty), and is now retired from the UConn Health Center.  He is a former race car driver (1961-1971), and while racing, he built the cars he drove. His three daughters are graduates of Farmington High School, and today he has two grandchildren who live in town. He has been active in his church for decades, and served as Chairman of the Parish Council. He has participated in the Dream Ride Experience for Special Olympics staged at Farmington Polo Club for the past seven years. He remains a vital member of the Farmington community and is committed to the place in which he raised his family. 

Swapna Das has seen firsthand the importance of individual contributions to the community. Her civic and political engagement in Farmington began with a matter of personal importance, when she and her neighbors organized and petitioned the Board of Education to advocate for relocating their children’s bus stop to a safer location away from the main road. She has since contributed to Farmington’s business in other ways, serving for the last several years as an elections moderator, managing polling places during elections throughout the year to ensure they run smoothly.  She also was appointed by the town to serve as a Justice of the Peace in 2019 and, this year, Swapna joined the town HOPE board (formerly known as the Services for the Elderly).

A 40-year resident of Farmington, Swapna and her husband have been part of the community while raising two sons, who attended West District, IAR, and FHS.  During their elementary and middle school years, Swapna was a classroom parent and school volunteer. Swapna is a retired UConn Health Center employee. At UConn, Swapna was a union member while also giving back to the university community, leading charitable and volunteer efforts for the campus auxiliary.