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MILFORD DEMOCRATS

Democrats currently serving Milford in the Mayor’s office, City Clerk’s office, Board of Aldermen, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Board, and Constables.

City Wide  |  1st District  |  2nd District  |  3rd District  |  4th District  |  5th District

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CITY WIDE

MAYOR

Richard Smith

Rich served as Milford’s 11th Mayor and was officially elected as Milford’s 13th Mayor in 2025. He has a long history of civic service including acting Milford Conservation Commission, Chairman of Milford’s Police Commission, representative of Milford on the Regional Water Authority Board, and serving on the Board of Directors at Bridges Healthcare. Rich also served on the state’s Judicial Review Council.

Rich Smith serves with dedication, vision, and heart, and will work every day to ensure a brighter and more fiscally responsible future for Milford families as Mayor, once again.

Learn more about Rich Smith

CITY CLERK

Peter C. Smith

Pete is Milford’s 43rd Town Clerk and the 8th City Clerk.  He has a long history of service to our community.  Appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners at 23, then Assistant to the Mayor, Pete represented Milford as State Representative and has served on various boards and commissions throughout the years.

Pete is committed to maintaining open and transparent government for all our citizens.

Learn more about the City Clerk’s Office

CONSTABLE

Linda Hardiman 

Theodore Boynton 

A lifelong Milford resident, Theodore O. Boynton III is proud to serve the 1st District as Constable. Running for re-election as a Democrat, Ted is dedicated to keeping our community safe and ensuring every resident is treated with fairness and respect. Family is at the heart of his life—he is a proud father to his two sons, Teddy and Steven. Ted values community, service, and building strong connections with the people he serves, and he looks forward to continuing to make a positive difference in Milford.

Dominic Cotton  

Michelle Cotton

Michelle Cotton was born in Milford, and has been a lifetime resident. She went to Mathewson and Jonathan Law, where she was in Arista, SADD, Drama club and National Honor Society.
Transferring to St Vincent’s in Bridgeport, she began a lifetime in the medical field for over 30 years now, and currently is a Mobile Phlebotomist.
As of high school, she started volunteering in countless ways, from Students Against Drunk Driving, and the Children’s Miracle Network, and moving to lifelong volunteering with the American Cancer Society for both Making Strides for Breast Cancer and Relay For Life for almost 25 years.
Married to her husband Dominic for almost 20 years, they have a son Michael who himself is a Sophomore at Foran. As her son was diagnosed with 2 rare diseases, she has been a tireless advocate and fundraiser for rare diseases in CT, helping to create and then sit on the Rare Disease Board for CT, only the 2nd in the country to be created. She also was highly involved in activities at Orange Avenue while her son was there, becoming PTA President for 3 years, and being Chairperson for over 10 committees. She was on the Milford CT PTA Council and the Milford CT Parent Advisory Board for 3 years.
Since losing her grandmother to Alzheimer’s in 2020, she has been on the Alzheimer’s Association/New Haven Chapter ENDALZ Walk Planning Committee ever since. Every year her son Michael and herself run a bakesale on their lawn and always raise over $2000!
With her son, they have a mobile boutique called Mik’s Mix, creating beaded items such as suncatchers and tiaras, as well as jewelry. They are always featured at Milford Oyster Festival, Walnut Beach Market, Milford Artisan Market, and many others!
As you can see, she is always tirelessly volunteering for the community, and looks forward to also serving Milford as your town Constable!

1ST DISTRICT

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Chris Hite

Christopher Hite is a Connecticut native, public school graduate and trial attorney.  He graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2003, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the age of twenty.  He continued his studies at Syracuse University College of Law, where he won numerous awards in various national and interschool trial and appellate competitions.  Additionally, he was the recipient of an Equal Justice Works Summer Fellowship for his work at the Monroe County Legal Assistance Center.

Upon graduation, he entered the practice of law at the age of twenty-four and practiced for several years at a general practice firm in Tolland County.  During this time, he gained extensive litigation experience and knowledge in many areas, specifically collections, personal injury, workers’ compensation and bankruptcy matters.  He is a co-founder, partner and trial attorney in the Stratford law firm of Rosenberg & Hite, LLC, where he has worked since 2011.  He has been recognized for his achievements by selection in Super Lawyers’ New England Rising Stars and Connecticut Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Connecticut every year since 2011, as well as been featured in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers in America for the past several years.  In 2017, his entire firm was presented an award by Senator Richard Blumental for providing pro bono legal services to families in need.

Christopher is actively involved in the Connecticut Bar Association, having previously served as an Executive Committee Co-Chair and Chair for the Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section and Consumer Law Sections of the Young Lawyers Section.  He has regularly served as a continuing legal education seminar speaker and has actively planned and organized other seminars and events.  

Christopher currently resides in Milford with his wife, three-year-old son, five-month-old daughter and dog Pecan.  He currently in a member of the Democratic Town Committee for the First District and serves the First District as a member of the Board of Aldermen.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mary Claire Edmonds

A Milford native and the daughter of two former teachers, Mary Claire Edmonds understands the power of education to transform lives and is determined to give back to her hometown community. She and her husband, Clint, have chosen to raise their young daughter here, drawn by the strength of its schools and the community that surrounds them.

Mary Claire currently serves as Senior Manager of Program Innovation at Playworks, where she designs, pilots, and scales play-based programs in school districts across the country.  Previously, as Director of Program Operations at Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, she provided organizational leadership across five facilities, serving more than 3,000 students each year.

Her professional experience has given Mary Claire a deep understanding of K-12 student needs, strong operational and leadership expertise, and a proven ability to leverage resources to directly support students, educators, and their families.  Mary Claire is ready to bring fresh energy, accountability, and innovative solutions to the Board of Education.

Nicole Wilhelm

Nicole Wilhelm is a lifelong Milford resident, proud to be raising her three children alongside her husband, James, and their family dogs. Deeply invested in the community, Nicole is an active PTO volunteer, where she works to support school events and strengthen collaboration between parents and teachers.

Professionally, Nicole brings extensive experience in healthcare financial operations and also runs her own small business, giving her valuable insight into budgeting, accountability, and problem-solving. She also serves as a co-administrator of the Milford Mamas Facebook page, a hub that connects and supports local families.

Beyond her work and community involvement, Nicole is passionate about animal rescue. Her family has adopted dogs and actively supports local rescue organizations, reflecting her commitment to compassion and care.

With her strong roots in Milford, dedication to education, and hands-on experience as both a parent and community leader, Nicole is committed to ensuring that every child in Milford has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

2ND DISTRICT

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Robert Pacelli, Jr

  • Majority Leader, Milford Board of Aldermen
  • Third generation family business owner and supporter
  • Proud parent of two children with wife, Mickel Montano-Pacelli
  • Volunteer coach for St. Mary School, Milford Little League, Milford

Toni Lombardi

  • Proud mom of two Milford Public School students and active PTA member
  • Board Chair for the Valley YMCA, serving families across the Milford community
  • B.A in Political Science with a concentration in Civic Engagement
  • Brings real experience working in public education and government service
  • Focused on strong schools, affordable living, and a local government that listens

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Meghan Doyle

Meghan Doyle was born and raised in Milford after her parents moved here from Brooklyn to provide a better life for their children. Meghan attended Mathewson and Harborside. After graduating from Jonathan Law High School, Meghan earned a biology degree from Northeastern University. She attended nursing school briefly before starting a career as a personal trainer, where she worked at several different sized gyms before starting her own small business in 2020.

In 2020, Meghan decided to switch careers and started law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude with a concentration in health law. Simultaneously with her law degree, Meghan earned a Master with distinction in Food and Agriculture Law and Policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School. She now works as an attorney for the state of Connecticut.

Meghan was appointed to the Milford Board of Education in July of 2021 and has served since then. She is also a member of the Permanent School Facilities Committee, which oversees any building projects that are funded through money bonded by the City. Meghan’s strength is policy development which addresses immediate needs while planning for the long term. She also advocates for providing opportunities for all of Milford’s students.

Susan Glennon

Susan has lived in Milford for almost 40 years, where she raised her three children, two of whom still live in town while raising their own families. She has had a lengthy career focused on young children, and fondly says, “Children are my life’s work.” Running her own small business brings her expertise in policy, budgeting, and problem-solving.

Susan’s involvement with Milford Public Schools spans over two decades, beginning when her oldest child entered kindergarten at Meadowside School. She immediately joined PTA, where she spearheaded a strong Parent Involvement Committee and subsequently served in various PTA leadership positions at both the local and state levels. In 2010, she was honored with the Connecticut PTA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award. As a member of the CT PTA Board of Directors, she earned the Elaine Boulay Outstanding Service Award and was also named a Parent of the Year for the Milford School District.

Believing in the importance of community involvement, Susan first ran for the Board of Education in 2011 and has served as its chair since 2013. She is proud of student and staff accomplishments and the Board’s work ensuring the school system continues to grow and thrive while advancing relevant 21st-century teaching and learning for all students.

Susan wants children to be happy, to love school, and to be their best selves so they are ready to learn. She believes a strong school system benefits everyone and is seeking another term with a commitment to continuing the collective efforts to further strengthen our schools.

PLANNING & ZONING

John Mortimer

John Mortimer has served on Milford’s Planning and Zoning Board for the past six years, offering steady leadership and a deep respect for the city’s character. As Milford faces mounting pressure from overdevelopment and rising housing costs, John is committed to protecting what makes our community livable and unique: our established single-family neighborhoods, our affordability, and our historic charm.

A long-time Milford resident, John brings both practical experience and academic insight to the table. He earned a Master’s Degree in American Studies from Fairfield University, where he studied the intersection of civic values, history, and community development.

Before entering public service, John spent 43 years at Sikorsky Aircraft as a skilled sheet metal worker and proud member of Teamsters Local 1150. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to hard work, union solidarity, and hands-on problem solving, all qualities Milford needs now more than ever.

John is running for re-election to continue fighting for responsible growth, transparent decision-making, and a planning process that puts residents first. He believes Milford’s future depends on smart policies that curb overdevelopment, protect affordability, and reflect the values of the people who call it home.

3RD DISTRICT

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Holly E. Mulrenan

  • Member, Board of Aldermen
  • Nurse, Health and Science College Educator
  • BSN, SCSU, and MS, University of Connecticut
  • Lifelong Milford Resident
  • Sons: Rocco, Thomas, and Cheech, MPS graduates

Paul J. Healy

  • Member, Board of Aldermen
  • Education: ASCI, BSBM, MSBM, FBINA
  • Career – Milford Police, CT State Police
  • SHU Ex. Director – Public Safety, EM & Facilities
  • Laurel Beach (LBA) – Board of Managers

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Adam Scobie

Adam Scobie is a lifelong Milford native and proud graduate of Live Oaks, East Shore, and Foran High School.

Appointed to the Milford Board of Education in February 2025, Adam quickly became engaged in maintaining efficiency while upholding opportunities and equity for all students in our district. His experience as a college professor and director of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Department at CT State Community College allows him to bring a unique perspective to the Board. From budget season to facilities planning to esports competitions and high school theater productions, Adam’s active participation across our schools has only deepened his commitment to ensuring a rigorous and supportive educational experience is available for every student, staff, and administrator in our small town with a big heart.

Jennifer Brown

Jennifer Brown was born in Milford where she first attended Meadowside Elementary School before her family moved to the Walnut Beach area. She attended Simon Lake Elementary and Jonathan Law High School.  She lives in her childhood home with her mother, Shirley, son, Andrew, and their beloved dog, Abby.

Inspired by the educators responsible for her education, she has dedicated the last ten years of her life to growing her students both academically and socially and emotionally. Passionate about literature, social justice, and growing the whole person, Jennifer has written culturally responsive curriculum for Bridgeport Public School District,  led her school’s Student Governance Council, served on the School Improvement Committee, led training on the trauma informed classroom, mentored new teachers, built community partnerships that provided opportunities to students in underserved communities, and has been an advocate for students, teachers, and parents. Jennifer believes schools are at the center of our communities and schools should be a safe space for all students.

When Jennifer is not in the classroom, she loves to spend time with her family, friends, reading, creative writing, and spending time at the beach. As a parent of a Milford Public School student, she enjoys watching her son learn, grow, and create new memories through the same education system that inspired her to be the educator she is today.

PLANNING & ZONING

Jim Quish

  • P&Z member for 12 years – Current Chair
  • Former BOE and Permanent School Facilities Committee Member
  • Former Member of the South Central Regional Council of Governments
  • Local Small Business Owner

4TH DISTRICT

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Philip Vetro

Phil Vetro was elected for his 12th term on the Board of Aldermen in 2025 and has served as its Chairman since 2011. He and his wife Peggi have lived in Milford for the last 55 years. They have  2 sons: Philip Jr. and Thomas.,2 Grand sons , Michael, and Giovanni, and 2 Grand daughters: Marissa, and Marcella.  A Marine Corps Veteran, Phil has owned and operated his own business as a Home Improvement Contractor for over 50 years.

He served on the Planning & Zoning Board, for 2 terms and was elected to serve as the Vice Chair and Chairman. Phil is a member of the Public Works Committee and also served as the Chairman of that committee. Phil was a member of the Milford Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years. The Point Beach Volunteer Engine Company #6 elected Phil their Captain in 1980 and still serves in that position. Phil has served as the Mayor’s appointment on the library renovation committee, East Shore Fire House committee, and the potential police department building committee.

Lastly, Phil was honored as The Italian-American of the year in 2014.

Jennifer Federico

Jen Federico brings over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, with extensive expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and analysis. She earned her undergraduate degree in Accounting from UConn and her MBA from the University of New Haven. Jen served the City of Milford as a Board of Education Member from 2014 to 2019, and as it’s Majority Leader from 2017 to 2019. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Aldermen.

A longtime Milford resident and mother of two—one a Jonathan Law graduate and one currently attending Foran—Jen has a thorough understanding of the community and its priorities. She combines her personal commitment to Milford with her professional expertise to navigate complex issues and deliver fair, effective solutions. Jen is dedicated to asking clarifying questions and ensuring transparency so that residents and city leaders can fully understand the issues before them, particularly those related to the city budget. Her focus remains on advancing the city through transparent leadership and sound decision-making.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Cindy Wolfe Boynton

  • Current Milford BOE Majority Leader; BOE member since 2019
  • Communications professional, author and college professor
  • Lifelong Milford resident and Milford Public Schools graduate; mother of two Milford Public Schools graduates
  • Passionate community leader and volunteer

Tom Koba

Tom Koba was born and raised in Middletown, CT and has been a lifelong Connecticut resident calling Middletown, Windsor, New Haven and Milford as his homes. Tom graduated the University of Hartford with a BS in Electrical Engineering and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with MS in Electrical Engineering. Tom has resided in the borough of Woodmont in Milford since 2020 with his wife Nadine Padowicz; they share their home with their Labrador Retriever Annie, and cats Bonnie, Coral, George, and Edward. Tom is also the proud stepfather of two sons that live out of state.

Tom has many hobbies, the most prominent being several fish-related ones: fishing, collecting fishing lures, and fishkeeping. Tom is a long-time aquarium hobbyist who currently maintains a “fish room” and 40 aquariums and breeds several species of fish.

Tom and his wife love Milford and its people, places, shopping, restaurants, and picturesque shoreline. They particularly enjoy long walks along the beach and swimming with their dog Annie. Tom and Nadine are both members of the Milford DTC.

Tom’s career is engineering, and he has worked in aerospace field for 40+ years supporting development of complex electronic and mechanical systems for commercial and military engines/aircraft. He currently works at Triumph Engine Control Systems in West Hartford managing electronics development programs in the thermal systems product area. Tom has been a project management engineer leading technical teams designing new products for the last 35 years with extensive experience proposing, developing, planning, and executing program schedules and budgets. Tom is responsible for $5-10M in annual expenditure and has managed programs ranging from 3 months to 5 years and $500K to $25M in scope. Tom’s job requires strong communication on technical and commercial/financial items with stakeholders in all directions and levels including customers, suppliers, including design, manufacturing, test, and maintenance. Tom’s job responsibilities have also included capital improvement activities, and he recently planned and successfully executed a $3M refurbishment and reconstruction program for a somewhat run-down storage area, transforming it into a state-of-the-art thermal lab facility well within the planned budget.

Tom was one of the founding members of the University of Hartford Alumni Advisory board in the late 1980’s that was instrumental in supporting development and introduction of Engineering Masters programs in engineering at the University. Tom has been a member of the CT State Community College / Middlesex STEM Advisory board since 2014. Tom has supported curriculum development, industry recommendations for curriculum updates, and course audits and reviews as part of advisory board responsibilities. Tom recently enjoyed the rewarding experience of sponsoring and mentoring a University of Connecticut College of Engineering Senior Project team.

Tom was elected to the Milford Board of Education in November 2023 and is proud to serve the students, parents, teachers, and administration of the school district, and all residents of Milford, and hopes to continue doing so in the next term. The experience gained in Tom’s first term will be particularly valuable in addressing the challenging tasks of of budgeting and long-term facilities planning.

PLANNING & ZONING

Brian Kaligian

  • Committed to local Milford Community
  • Analytical; problem solver
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Active in Milford Community
  • Bipartisan and works across the aisle

5TH DISTRICT

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

Meghan Brennan

I’m Meghan Brennan. I was born and raised right here in the 5th District, and after 15 years living in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Denver, I returned home four years ago—back to the same neighborhood and community that shaped me. I grew up in Milford as the youngest of three siblings, raised by my parents, Marsha and Danny—both proud Milford natives who graduated from Milford High and Jonathan Law. From an early age, Milford wasn’t just where I lived, it was where I learned the values of hard work, teamwork, and community.

As a kid, I played just about every sport I could—soccer, swimming, tennis, softball, and basketball—spending countless afternoons on our local fields and courts. I went through Harborside and Foran High School, where I built lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for the opportunities Milford schools provide. Those experiences grounded me in the importance of education, teamwork, and giving back to the place that raised me.

Professionally, I began as an investment accountant, and after earning my law degree, I became a corporate attorney. Today, I lead corporate governance for a public company, advise on complex transactions, and work closely with regulators and community organizations. My civic engagement has included serving on the Denver Public Schools Bond and Mill Levy Committee, contributing to state-level working groups, and participating in one of Denver’s premier civic leadership programs—an initiative that brings together leaders across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to address critical community challenges. I’ve also had the opportunity to help draft first-in-the-nation legislation, which was ultimately signed into law.

But Milford isn’t just where I work to make a difference—it’s home. You may see me walking downtown or along Gulf Street with my senior rescue dog, Birdie, or out on the field coaching my niece’s tee ball team. I love being part of everything that makes Milford special, from our neighborhoods and beaches to our vibrant community events.

Through both my professional experience and my lifelong Milford roots, I’ve built a strong foundation in law, finance, and governance—skills and values that I believe will help Milford navigate both its challenges and opportunities.

Mike Smith

Mike Smith grew up in Milford, attending Meadowside, Orange Avenue, and Harborside schools before graduating from Foran High School. He went on to earn both his undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Public Administration from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

After graduation, Mike returned to Connecticut and began his career working in and around state government. He now serves as a government relations professional, helping nonprofits and businesses navigate the complexities of state policy and advocacy in Hartford.

For the past two years, Mike has served on the Milford Board of Education, where he has focused on strengthening community engagement and advancing the city’s long-range facilities plan. He has also represented Milford on the ACES Board and previously served on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

In addition to his public service, Mike is deeply involved in nonprofit and community organizations. A 17-year cancer survivor, he participates annually in charity bike rides and has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support cancer research and patient care. His daughter attends Calf Pen Meadow and this past year she also participated in the Closer to Free bike ride.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Nicole Flowers

Nicole Flowers was born and raised in San Diego, California but has lived in the northeast for more than 15 years. 

In summer 2019, while on vacation in Milford with her family, she and her husband fell in love with the town and immediately began house-hunting. They found the perfect home for their growing family and, in a leap of faith, purchased it months later. The decision has brought them new friends, better lives and a true sense of community.

She is a wife as well as the mother of two daughters: a 7-year old who attends OAS and a 4-year old in preschool. She has worked in real estate since 2013. 

Nicole and her husband are proud to raise their family in Milford. Nicole believes serving on the Board of Education is an opportunity to help pay forward the fellowship and civic pride her family has experienced since becoming residents. She is determined to be a strong voice for District 5.

Education and community are a central focus for her—both support a foundation that will serve individuals throughout their entire lives. As a Girl Scout leader she hopes to instill the importance of kindness, community service and self-confidence in young ladies. In January 2025, she spearheaded Milford’s Chapter of Silent Book Club. They are an all-are-welcome book club, creating space to come together and read independently. They also rotate their monthly meetings at different Milford locations to support local businesses.

She is also a co-organizer of Milford’s Chapter of Ok To Delay. Their mission is to help promote acceptance of the idea that it’s okay to delay smartphones and social media usage for young kids– with no pressure implied, or judgment made, on what someone does or doesn’t do. By sharing experiences and information, families can feel more empowered to make a decision that is right for their family.

In September 2025, Nicole was appointed and sworn into the Board of Education to complete the term for a former BOE member.

Hanna Tedros

  • Foster and adoptive parent
  • Learning & development professional focused on preparing students for the future
  • Small business owner with a passion for local growth
  • Proud mom of a 5th grader, 3rd grader, and preschooler

PLANNING & ZONING

Bryan Anderson

  • Milford resident of 27 years and lives in Settlers Woods
  • 5th district Alderman for four terms
  • Planning and Zoning member since 2023
  • Worked at East Shore Middle School after retiring from teaching
  • Retired NYC public school teacher, Realtor, and JP
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