Town Republicans held their caucus on July 23, unanimously nominating for re-election Carl Fortuna, Jr., as first selectman, Scott M. Giegerich for the Board of Selectmen, and Robert W. Fish for treasurer, according to a press release. Fish will run unopposed.

Fortuna and Giegerich were first elected in November 2011.

“While the State of Connecticut struggles with a weak economic recovery and precarious finances, Old Saybrook has maintained fiscal prudence while consistently investing in strategic long- and short-term capital projects,” the release states. “The town’s financial condition is stronger than it’s been in a generation, despite sustaining a nearly $1 million decrease in state funding.”

The state’s contribution to the town decreased from $1.2 million to $850,000 midway through the 2015–’16 fiscal year; it then decreased again to $550,000 midway through the following fiscal year, according to Fortuna. It has remained consistent at $550,000 since then, but Fortuna said he expects further reductions and budgets for an expected $375,000, putting aside funds received in excess of that amount to offset future cuts.

“These are difficult times in Connecticut. I am proud of how our team has managed the town’s finances in this environment”, Fortuna said.

Old Saybrook Republican Candidates for Municipal Offices:

First Selectman: Carl P. Fortuna, Jr.

Selectman: Scott M. Giegerich

Town Treasurer: Robert W. Fish

Board of Finance: Carol Rzasa, Rick Swan, Thomas Stevenson

Board of Education (full term): Alan R. Hyla, James Henderson,

Karina Julius

Board of Education (to fill vacancy for 2 years): Cynthia Sultini

Board of Assessment Appeals: Matt Diamond, Peter Gallagher

Planning Commission: Mark Patterson, Robert Missel, Thomas Cox

Zoning Commission: Madeleine Fish, Mark Caldarella

Zoning Board of Appeals: Jacqueline Prast

Police Commission (full term): Carl Von Dassel, Jeff Jordan,

Joseph Maselli

Police Commission (to fill vacancy for two years): Susan Quish

Park and Recreation Commission: Bror Asche, Kevin Lane,

Star Rueckert

Harbor Management Commission: Lou Vinciguerra,

Robert L. Murphy