DTC Endorses Slate of Candidates for 2025 Municipal Election

NORTH HAVEN, CT — At its regular meeting on July 15, 2025, the North Haven Democratic Town Committee (DTC) proudly endorsed a diverse, talented, and community-driven slate of candidates for the upcoming municipal election.

David Cohen - Candidate for Selectman, Peter Criscuolo - Candidate for Fire Commission, Steve Gifford - Candidate for Treasurer

This year, the DTC Nominating Committee undertook an especially rigorous and inclusive process. Guided by a written charter and clearly defined expectations for candidates, the committee interviewed a number of individuals and assessed each using a detailed rubric centered on public service, collaboration, transparency, and values alignment with the North Haven DTC.

“What we discovered was powerful,” said Amanda Gabriele, Chair of the Nominating Committee. “North Haven is full of passionate, qualified individuals — from seasoned professionals to newly engaged residents — all ready to roll up their sleeves and serve.”

Through thoughtful deliberation and deep discussion, the committee selected the following candidates for endorsement:

Democratic Endorsed Candidates – 2025 Municipal Election

Board of Selectmen - David Cohen

Treasurer - Steve Gifford

Board of Education - Genevieve Cabrera (6-year term), Holly Gifford (6-year term), Michele Guglielmo (2-year term)

Board of Finance - Michael Hallahan, Jenny Graves

Board of Assessment Appeals - Steve Fontana

Zoning Board of Appeals - Kieran Ahern (4-year term), Keisha Gatison (4-year term), Joel Rudikoff (2-year term)

Planning & Zoning Commission – Alternate - Ronald Penton

Planning & Zoning Commission - Benjamin Loebick

Fire Commission - Peter Criscuolo

Police Commission - Alden Mead

Constables - Scott Leamon, Brandi Mandato, Kathryn Pratt

“This is more than a list of names,” said DTC Vice Chair Steve Gifford. “It’s a coalition of hope and accountability. These candidates aren’t just running against something — they’re running for something. For a more transparent, inclusive, better-managed North Haven.”

The DTC also expressed gratitude to long-serving representatives who are not being re-nominated this cycle. “These decisions were not made lightly,” said Gabriele. “We thank our former representatives for their dedication and service, and we hope they continue to be engaged in North Haven’s political future.”

Michele Guglielmo - Candidate for Board of Education, Susan Bysiewicz - Lieutenant Governor, Genevieve Cabrera - Candidate for Board of Education

The meeting on July 15 was a strong display of unity, vision, and optimism. “We’re building something special here,” Gifford added. “And we look forward to working alongside our endorsed candidates to bring positive change to North Haven.”

Kieran Ahern - Candidate for ZBA, Jenny Graves - Candidate for Board of Finance, Lisa Dabkowski - DTC Member, Liz Logan - DTC Member, and Steve Gifford - Candidate for Treasurer

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of the North Haven Democratic Town Committee, a group of committed individuals and local leaders who are deeply invested in our town and who care deeply about its future,” said David Cohen, the DTC’s endorsed candidate for Board of Selectman. “Our party and our town are ready to move in a new direction – and we’re building a growing coalition of people who are ready to roll up their sleeves to strengthen our schools, to protect our quality of life, and to ensure that North Haven is an inclusive and thriving community to live, work and raise a family. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to campaigning with my fellow DTC endorsed candidates and engaging with residents from all political parties, to listen to their concerns and ideas, and to bring North Haveners together around a shared vision that will move our town forward.”

North Haven DTC Members at Earth Day Celebration