Tanja Buzzi Moriarty has lived in Higganum section of Haddam for most all of her life. She is an alum of the H-K school system, Class of 1983. She and her husband Sean raised two children who also attended H-K schools.

A work-at-home desktop publisher when her kids were small, Tanja then became a successful grant writer. As a freelancer, she garnered over $100,000 in federal grants for H-K Youth and Family Services and currently averages over $120,000 annually for St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, a four-pronged mission including a soup kitchen, food pantry, community assistance and supportive housing program.

Tanja served the town on the Planning and Zoning Commission in 2001. She then ran and served as a second Selectwoman for two terms on the Board of Selectmen from 2003-2007. She continued in town politics though out the past decade and is currently on Haddam Democratic Town Committee.

Tanja seeks your vote for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Having had an array of second hand cars, especially when her kids were teen-drivers, she understands that the book value of a vehicle isn’t always the true value of someone’s actual vehicle. She will give fair consideration to townspeople who wish to appeal their tax assessment.

Planning and zoning go together. In making decisions, it is vitally important that the Planning and Zoning Commission keep in mind the planning portion of its mandate. Each proposal should be addressed on its own merits, but also with a view to how it fits into the long-term interests of our town. Residential, commercial, and industrial development are all needed, but we must avoid the short-sighted, haphazard…

Read more from Ralph and our other candidates

I think the town should be constantly sharpening its pencils to make sure town government is working as efficiently as possible. I do not think there is one big line item or one big savings that will lower taxes or keep taxes where they are now.   Haddam has the highest equalized mill rate in the lower Connecticut River valley. This high equalized mill rate makes it tough for businesses to open in town or be successful in town and it also discourages people from moving into Haddam. It will take a thorough analysis of the budget, leaving no stone unturned, to make sure the budget that goes to a town meeting is the best budget for the taxpayers. I will also look into including the town budget vote with the school budget vote, so more than 50 people on a weeknight at 7:00 p.m. have… Read more from Steve and the other candidates.

“After being involved in the Haddam Democratic Committee, I have decided to take a more active role in our community.  Our town has many moving parts.  My experience and background isn’t grounded in politics, but rather a pragmatic drive to help others.  I want to make a positive impact in my community.  Serving Haddam will not be about just winning an election but the goal is to have Haddam run more efficiently and effectively.   I’m not a politician.  I am a Haddam resident that wants to serve.  We must do better, and together we will.”

Melissa Salafia Talevi was born in Middletown and moved to Higganum in 1982. After graduating from Mercy High School in 1977, she followed a path to accounting. She has worked as such in many different industries-general contractors, restaurant, photographer, CPA and an advertising agency. She then opened her very own accounting business Checks + Balances LLC where she retains 8 clients. She handles the accounting of her husbands business Plumb & Level Construction Corporation. While raising her son who is now 28, she worked her creative side with eMpTy Glass Studio, designing and fabricating custom stained glass windows.

Melissa volunteers her time for Warm The Children and The Alzheimers Association and her services for House of Heroes. In her free time she is an avid backpacker/hiker/trailrunner and practices yoga. Read more about our candidates.

We encouraged folks to guess how many jelly beans were in the jar at the Haddam Neck Fair. Kara Sanderson of Higganum was the closest with her guess of 622. She wins a gift card to Dunkin Donuts. Congrats, Kara!

Don’t forget:

Tonight: Stop by our booth at Haddam Meadows tonight at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. before the fireworks. We’re slinging our delicious Dem Dogs, soft drinks and a very cool array of glow lights!

Tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 10th: Come by tomorrow for our Election Reception Fundraiser from 1-3 p.m. at the Sweet residence.  Click here for details.