Police Commission
Mark Ciliano (Check Out My Video)
Mark moved to Old Saybrook from Groton 23 years ago, when he met his wife, Kathie. He is now retired, but worked at General Dynamics Electric Boat for 45 years (and still serves on a Benefits Committee that represents Electric Boat’s retirees). There, Mark served on the Union Benefits Committee for 38 years, was vice president of Boilermakers Local 614, and 2nd Vice President of Marine Draftsman Association/United Auto Workers Local 571 (where he is currently an elected Trustee).
Mark’s union experience—and many leadership roles—gives him unique insights into recruiting and retaining officers, which will help to develop and retain a stable workforce. He believes that a town’s police force and its citizens can communicate and work together effectively. If elected, he will use his many skills to support OSPD officers and staff, listen to citizens, provide oversight, and work with fellow Police Commissioners to find solutions to future challenges
Mark’s candidacy for a seat on Old Saybrook’s Police Commission is endorsed by Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney, who described him as an “avid supporter of employee benefits and rights” and “a thoughtful, positive member of our community.”
Board of Assessment Appeals
Joan Strickland
Joan’s 20-year residency in Old Saybrook has been one informed by her dedication to public service: She became Registrar of Voters in 2015 and has also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals. In 2021, she was elected to the Assessment Board of Appeals.
In her professional career, Joan has served on the US Army Reserves, has worked as a title searcher, and then became a certified residential appraiser. She spent 30 years running her own appraisal company then transitioned to primarily being a buyer’s broker with her company Joan Strickland Real Estate of CT. A woman of many talents, Joan also holds a BFA in painting.
Joan’s re-election candidacy for a seat on the Assessment Board of Appeals is informed by her extensive background as an appraiser and real estate broker; this expertise means she has a valuable command of how different factors determine market value and how that impacts adjustment. With 2023 being a revaluation year—and the likelihood of multiple appeals in 2024—Joan is already an eminently qualified member of the Assessment Board of Appeals who is also well-acquainted with its operation.
For example, during Joan’s first term on the Assessment Board of Appeals, she served as Secretary, responsible for making appointments and sending out notices of the Board’s decisions. If elected, she hopes to further refine and modernize the Board’s processes and operations to make them more expeditious and user-friendly.
Harbor Commission
Paul Connolly
Paul has lived in Old Saybrook with his wife, Kathy, for over 20 years. Their two sons attended Old Saybrook schools. He has operated a human resources leadership testing and assessment business in town since 1996. An active boater, a USCG licensed captain, and very familiar with the waters surrounding Old Saybrook, Paul was appointed to the Harbor Commission in the summer of 2016 to fill an unexpired term and was later elected to the Commission in 2017. Paul currently serves as the Harbor Commission’s Secretary and is running for re-election to continue his service with a focus on increasing public access and encouraging use of the
town’s facilities.