Republican Endorsed Candidates​

The November 2025 election is a critical one for Stonington. As residents, you have the opportunity to shape the future of our town.
Read about our candidates and how they will represent you in office.

First Selectman: Rob Emery
Selectman: Bryan Bentz
Board of Finance: Paul Sartor
Board of Education: Kevin Agnello, Audra Wheeler Hull, Katie Quinlan
Board of Assessment Appeals: Stephen Palmer
Town Constables: Carolyn Ferrara, Erin Lee, Haley Smith, Jennifer Thornell

First Selectmen:
​Rob Emery

Rob Emery, a retired Groton Police Officer and 30-year Stonington resident, is a lifelong public servant committed to giving back to his community. Rob brings a practical, solution-oriented approach shaped by decades of diverse work and volunteer experience. Deeply influenced by the support he received after a devastating house fire in 1996, he believes in service, accountability, and listening first. His priorities include sustainable town planning, zero-based budgeting, preserving Stonington’s rural character, supporting fishing and agriculture, and fostering collaboration across political lines. With a proven record in public safety, grant writing, and community engagement, Rob is ready to be a voice for all of Stonington’s districts, ensuring residents are heard and represented with integrity and action.

Selectmen:
​Bryan Bentz

Bryan Bentz, a lifelong Stonington resident and MIT graduate, is a business owner, former volunteer firefighter, and longtime public servant. He served over 20 years on the Board of Finance, including as Chairman, and has also contributed to the Stonington Historical Society, MIT admissions, and currently serves on the Lord’s Point Association board, as a Justice of the Peace, and on the advisory board of Climate Change Solutions. With deep roots in the community and extensive experience in both government and business, Bryan is running for a Selectman seat to ensure thoughtful development, responsible budgeting, and the preservation of the town’s unique character.​

Board of Finance:
​Paul Sartor

Paul G. Sartor has a lifelong commitment to public service and fiscal responsibility, with decades of leadership in Stonington, including as Chair of the Mystic Fire District Executive Board, Mystic River Park Commission, Facilities Committee, Fields Committee, and the K–12 School Building Committee that delivered the current Stonington High School on time and under budget. He also led the Stonington Education Fund for nearly 20 years, raising and distributing over $500,000 in support of local schools. A husband, father of four Stonington graduates, and Senior Metals Trader at Cronimet Specialty Metals, Paul is running for the Board of Finance to bring his proven record of leadership and financial stewardship to the town’s budgeting process.​

Board of Education:
Kevin Agnello
Kevin Agnello, a Stonington High School graduate, parent, and current Board of
Education Secretary, is seeking re-election to continue advancing student achievement. With a Ph.D. in education, experience as a teacher, and a career in educational technology, he brings expertise in curriculum, policy, and data-driven decision-making. As Chair of the Teaching & Learning Committee, he has led efforts to strengthen curriculum evaluation, modernize policies, and prioritize early literacy. Known for his transparent fiscal approach, Kevin has developed tools to track district spending and supports strategic, cost-effective investments. He is committed to preparing students for future-ready learning while fostering strong parent-school collaboration.

​Board of Education:
Audra Wheeler Hull
A lifelong Stonington resident with deep family roots, Audra Hull is running for the Board of Education with a commitment to putting students first. A graduate of Stonington Public Schools
and mother of four, she combines her experience as a nurse of 15 years, current Nurse Educator with a Master’s in Nursing, and local business owner of Wheeler Brook Farm with a passion for service. She has volunteered as a youth sports coach and is dedicated to fostering collaboration among students, families, and faculty, maintaining a safe learning environment, and approaching the district’s budget with fiscal responsibility. Audra is eager to contribute to strategic planning, ensure resources align with student needs, and advocate for every child's success. 

Board of Education:
Katie Quinlan
Katie Quinlan is a lifelong Stonington resident and 2003 graduate of Stonington High School. She and her husband, Jason, are raising their three daughters in the same community where they
both grew up. Katie has served as Deans Mill PTO President for eight years and Stonington Middle School PTO Vice-President for two, leading numerous school events and advocating for safe, engaging learning environments. She played a key role in the elementary school playground projects, helped create the Outdoor Classroom at Deans Mill, and has worked to keep parents informed on school issues. In 2023, she revived the Stonington Soccer Tournament to support youth soccer, while also contributing through
the Stars Over Stonington Committee, Ocean Commotion, and as a longtime Stonington Soccer Club team manager. In addition to her community service, Katie manages two commercial real estate buildings in town. Her deep roots, experience in fundraising and advocacy, and commitment to local schools have inspired her to run for the Stonington Board of Education.

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Board of Assessment Appeals:
Stephen Palmer
Stonington has been Stephen Palmer’s home for his entire life, a fact he feels incredibly fortunate to share. Serving the community is extremely important to him — his way of giving back for all the opportunities and pleasures Stonington has provided to him and his family. More than 25 years have passed since Stephen first took a position on the Board of BOAA, and he notes that time has flown by. He and his family reside on a small farm and enjoy all the town has to offer, with boating being their favorite pastime. Stephen considers it not only an honor, but also a privilege to serve on the board, and he looks forward to the opportunity to do so for another term. He expresses his heartfelt thanks for the community’s continued support.​

Town Constable:
Carolyn Ferrara
​A 25-year Stonington resident, Carolyn has raised her family here, owns a local business, and has supported countless community causes. A graduate of Boston College with over 20 years in healthcare technology and worldwide travel experience, she also serves as a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Corporator of Dime Bank, and active SRTC member.  Carolyn is running for Town Constable to continue serving with dedication, integrity, and commitment to the community she loves.
 
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Town Constable:
Erin Lee
Erin has been a resident of Stonington for 30 years and is a graduate of Stonington High School, Class of 2009. She currently serves as the treasurer for Stonington Community Rowing Inc., where she is actively involved in developing the future Rowing Center and expanding programs along the Mystic River. Professionally, Erin works as a Regional Accounting Manager for HHM Hotels, overseeing the financial accuracy and reporting of 25 properties. As a very involved member of the SRTC, becoming a Town Constable just enhances her vested interest in the Town of Stonington.    
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Town Constable:
Haley Smith
Haley is a Stonington native, art educator, and animal lover. She graduated with honors from Southern Connecticut State University, earning a dual baccalaureate: a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art: Sculpture, with an equivalent major in Studio Art: Ceramics, as well as a minor in Italian and Theater. She also holds a Master’s degree in Art Education. Haley and her fiancé share their home with two dogs and two cats and own two houses built by her ancestors. She is running for Town Constable out of a deep interest in local politics, the preservation and safety of Stonington, and a commitment to serving and protecting the town’s residents and animals.
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Town Constable:
Jennifer Thornell
Jennifer comes from a family that has lived in this area for generations. She graduated from St. Bernard’s High School, Mount Holyoke College, and the Gemological Institute of America. She spent many years overseas in Thailand, Japan, and Australia before settling in Stonington in 2010 with her husband and three sons. A Graduate Gemologist, Jennifer has worked as a Japanese interpreter, taught women’s self-defense, and serves as Deputy Commander of the Civil Air Patrol in Groton. She shares her home with a dog, a cat, and a guinea pig. Jennifer’s connection to Stonington has well poised her for the position of Town Constable.