Board of Selectmen
Sal Amadeo – Bethany First Selectman
Sal Amadeo – Bethany First Selectman
Sal Amadeo – Bethany First Selectman
- Bethany First Selectman, July 2025 - Present
- Retired Purchasing Agent for Town of Wallingford, CT (approx. 20 years) worked for town for ~30 years
- Responsible for purchasing and contracting for all goods and services required by the town including the Public Utilities Department and the Board of Education)
- Bethany Board of Education (approx. 12 years) including past Chair of School Building Committee
- Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO)
- Past Chair of the Public Purchasing Association of Connecticut & past member, Board of Directors (approx. 20 years of service on board and as an executive)
- Past member, Board of Directors, Community Resources, Inc.
- Assoc. Degree in Management Post College,
- B.S. Business Economics, Southern Connecticut State University
Sal and his family moved to Bethany in 1968. He attended elementary school in what is now our Town Hall and was one of the first Bethany children to attend the new Community School. He has many fond memories growing up in town, such as riding in the back of his dad’s truck, Mrs. Fenwick- his 5thgrade teacher, participating in the Boy Scouts, swimming in Peck Pond, and of course- the highlighting of every local kid’s summer- the annual Bethany Athletic Association carnival! According to Sal, “It was a great childhood, and when Lisa and I married, we wanted to give our kids a childhood full of memories growing up in Bethany, surrounded by family and friends.”
Sal believes very strongly in community service and has served on multiple committees over the years including the Bethany Board of Education and the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission. With over 30 years of municipal experience, he has made a career of effectively managing costs and believes he has the diverse skills and empathetic capacity to help keep Bethany safe, livable, affordable, and special. Sal also knows what it is like to be a local, small business owner, with his family owning and operating Woodbridge Lumber until 1985.
In Sal’s own words, “I am a strong believer in responsive, effective, and efficient government, and now, more than ever, we need a person who has the experience and skillset to control the size, scope, and spending of the town government while balancing the needs of everyone in our community, and looking to honor and preserve what we all love about Bethany.”
Joe Colaci – Bethany Selectman
Sal Amadeo – Bethany First Selectman
Sal Amadeo – Bethany First Selectman
Joe Colaci – Bethany Selectman
- Over 40 years in Corporate Director Level Management
- Retired Chief Operating Officer $110+ million Skilled Nursing Facility Company, 2015-2025
- Senior Director of Corporate Affairs $400+ million Skilled Nursing Facility Company, 1984 - 2015
- Extensive experience in risk management, finance, accounting, budget development & compliance, labor management, purchasing & contracting, human resources, capital expense planning, health & liability insurance, operational quality assurance, safety & security, social services, patient & customer care, and facility & property management
- Youth Sports Coach for over 25 years, including leading two AAU baseball teams to qualifying for the National Championship, EMAA Mickey Mantle Coach
- Currently teaching and coaching at St. Bridget’s School in Cheshire
- Board of Directors: (Past) Salvation Army, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, Beth-Wood Father’s Baseball League, Amity Baseball Association, University of New Haven Small Business Association
- Graduate of Eastern CT State University
- Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
Joe lives in Bethany with his wife, Debra Edwards Colaci, and two children who attended the Bethany Community School. He has a love of sports, especially coaching youth sports with notable successful results. Joe considers Bethany to be a very special place to live and wants to preserve what makes it so special, while listening and providing resident-centered leadership to make the changes Bethany needs to effectively support a strong, healthy community. Joe believes he can draw on his years of providing solid, effective, and compassionate corporate leadership in the healthcare industry to help strengthen the entire Bethany community… a town that has been home to his extended family (the Edwards family) for almost 100 years.
Town Hall
Linda Bates – Tax Collector
Linda Bates – Tax Collector
Linda Bates – Tax Collector
- Tax Collector, Dec 2023 – Present
- 101% collection rate for the past fiscal year
- Surpassing 100% due to focused efforts on collection of back taxes
- This high collection rate helps fund essential services and lowers the Mill Rate.
- Successful completion of Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector Courses 1, 2, and 3, with the final Course 4 currently in progress.
- Streamlined collection processes and reduced town expenses
- Updated policies and procedures to comply with State Statutes
- Actively benchmarking with other municipalities to adopt best practices
- Maintained high-quality customer service for our town
- Owner, Liberty Pet Services, LLC (entrepreneur with full managerial and operational responsibilities)
- Aetna Casualty and Surety Company, Administrative Assistant to the General Manager of the Claims Department
- Specialization: Claims Processing, Payments, Compliant Correspondence and Arbitration Compliance
- Compass, LTD CFP, Administrative Assistant to Certified Financial Planner
- Specialization in setup of irrevocable living trusts, property transfers, transference of personal assets to trusts, and creation of financial planning seminars
For the past 18 years, Linda has proudly called Bethany home. Alongside her husband John and their son Nicholas, who attended Bethany Community School and Amity Regional High School.
Every day at town hall, Linda brings service with a smile, making sure residents feel heard and assisting them in a timely manner. Her dedication to continuing education is evident in the application of policies that have improved her department. Outside of work, her favorite place to be is on her family’s farm, where she finds joy in the simple, meaningful moments.
Linda and her family chose Bethany for its peaceful rural charm, top-tier school, and the close-knit community that makes this town truly special. Now, she’s ready to keep the momentum going- by continuing to serve the town she loves.
Lisa Gaw – Town Treasurer
Linda Bates – Tax Collector
Linda Bates – Tax Collector
- Town Treasurer, 2023 - present
- Served on Inland Wetlands Commission, 2011-2016
- Zoning Board of Appeals (elected), 2011-2017
- Bethany Board of Education (appointed), 2019-2021; Finance, Facilities and Policies committees
- Laticrete 1984-1989 Technical Services
- Extensive background in construction, engineering and finance
- CASCIO Bachir Engineers 1989-1999 – executive assistant, marketing coordinator, office manager
- Responsible for contract document development, accounts payable invoicing and human resources
- Regional Water Authority, Engineering Division 1999-2020
- RWA Accounting and Finance Division, 2020-Present Capital Budget Specialist
- Management of $50 million capital improvement program and grant research and management
- Liaison with FEMA
Lisa moved to Bethany in 1988, and resides on Downs Road with her husband (a lifelong Bethany resident) and son. Lisa is a graduate of Seymour High School and attended South Central/Gateway Community College and Manchester Community College. She is a former licensed realtor and holds a certificate in project management. Lisa is running for Town Treasurer to continue using her financial skills for the benefit of the town.
Board of Finance
Patricia Ryan – Bethany Board of Finance
Patricia Ryan – Bethany Board of Finance
Patricia Ryan – Bethany Board of Finance
Patricia Ryan – Bethany Board of Finance
- Retired, Sikorsky Aircraft 1997 – 2025
- Electrical Technical Writing
- Management of Flight Crew Training Device Fabrication
- Subcontract Administrator for Commercial & Military: Crew & Technical Training
- Applicable skillset: creation & management of budgets, negotiating, evaluating cost proposals, preparing cost and pricing analyses, effective communication, personnel management
- Bethany Park & Recreation Commission 2024 – Present
- Volunteer Manager, Christ Church Bethany and Woodbridge Food Pantry
- B.A. English Central Connecticut State University
- M.S. Management Boston University
- 2004 Recipient of United States Army Letter of Appreciation for swift, effective resolution of a mechanical issue preventing an aircraft from flying in Iraq.
Patricia and her husband Jack have lived in Bethany for 23 years, selecting our town because it reminded them of the small-town feel that they were so fortunate to have experienced in their youth. She believes her years in management and administration at a large commercial & military aircraft manufacturer have provided her with the skills to effectively assess and support the needs of our Bethany community while establishing and managing a practical budget. Her years of service to the company involved managing various subcontracts by ensuring clear communication between project teams and subcontractors, managing budgets, evaluating cost proposals, preparing cost and price analyses, and leading negotiations to deliver aircraft training that was in compliance with the contact requirements- all while achieving best value and cost efficiency for the company.
Kevin Dingle – Bethany Board of Finance
Patricia Ryan – Bethany Board of Finance
Patricia Ryan – Bethany Board of Finance
- Career Fire Department Officer
- Public employee for over 20 years dedicated to serving the needs of the community
- Serving as Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals alternate member since 2019
- Advocate for keeping taxpayer dollars in the hands of taxpayers where they can do the most good
- Dedicated to limited government spending. Our community thrives by attracting resilient people and businesses with a town that supports their success
- Prepared to effectively navigate the changing landscape of state and federal funding- has familiarity with reading and interpreting state regulations via many years spent as a Fire Department Lieutenant
- Concerned about best return on investment for the people of Bethany vs. creating ongoing expenses that provide little tangible benefit to the community. I want to ensure that each dollar we spend brings true benefit back to all our residents with accountability for our decisions.
- Studied Fire Science with a concentration in fire investigation at the University of New Haven
Kevin moved to Bethany in 2013 for its rural character and thriving community. Kevin is raising a small family and hopes that his children will be able to choose Bethany to raise their children when they come of age. Both children currently attend the Bethany Community School (BCS). In Kevin’s own words, “Fiscal responsibility is the cornerstone of honoring those that built our great town while preparing our children to inherit the beauty and splendor that is Bethany.” Kevin will advocate for responsible budgeting and hold the town accountable to the taxpayers. When not working, Kevin and his family enjoy maple sugaring, tending to their orchard, and managing their flock of chickens.
Board of Education
John Paul Garcia – Bethany Board of Education
Dave Pecoraro – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
Dave Pecoraro – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
John Paul Garcia – Bethany Board of Education
- Current Chairman of the Bethany Board of Education (2023 – present); accomplishments include an increase in teacher retention and physical plant upgrades under his leadership
- 12-year member of the Bethany Board of Education (2011 – present)
- Former member of the Inland Wetlands Commission, 5 years
- Performs zoning work for private and public clients, statewide
- Has provided free engineering and surveying services to several town agencies, including the Boy Scouts, Elderly Housing Commission, Bethany Library Association, the First Church, and the Town of Bethany itself.
- Graduate of Notre Dame High School, 1970
- Graduate of Wentworth Institute, 1972 & 1976
- Licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor in the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island
- Has extensive knowledge of building and construction processes and has provided guidance for the BCS facility management as a member of the BOE.
John Paul and his wife Pat have called Bethany home since building their house here in 1979. Both of their children are graduates of the Bethany Community School (BCS) and the Amity System and reside in town with their families. The Garcia family owns and operates the only “choose and cut” Christmas Tree farm in town. John Paul, P.E., L.S. is President of John Paul Garcia and Associates, P.C. He founded his engineering and surveying business in 1989 at 190 Fairwood Road and has been at the same location in Bethany ever since.
Dave Pecoraro – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
Dave Pecoraro – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
Dave Pecoraro – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
- Bethany Park and Recreation Commission 2024-Present
- Detective Milford Police Department Computer Crimes Unit 2016-2025 (Retired)
- Officer Milford Police Department 2012-2016, Officer Orange Police 2006-2012
- Adjunct Professor Albertus Magnus College – Cybersecurity Incident Response 2019-2021
- Board of Education Town of Hamden 2014-2015
- M.S Champlain College –Digital Forensics 2018
- B.S Quinnipiac University – Marketing 2003
- 4-H club leader 2023-pesent
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor 2002-Present
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot 2006-Present
- CT Licensed Paramedic 2011-Present
- CT certified EMS Instructor 2015-Present
David moved to Bethany in 2017, for the character of the town and outstanding education system. He lives with his son who attends Bethany Community School. David has unique experience from an 18-year law enforcement career in a variety of specialties ranging from investigations involving Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Tactical operations, and education. He previously served the Town of Hamden as a Board of Education member and understands the complexities of budgeting and overseeing curriculum development. Dave believes his background, training, and experiences will bring a special perspective to our Bethany Board of Education, helping to protect our children and provide them with a stable environment to learn, grown, and thrive in a 21st century community with 21stcentury tools.
Shawn Uscilla – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
Dave Pecoraro – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
Shawn Uscilla – Candidate for Bethany Board of Education
- Current member of the Board of Education (Bethany), 6 years. Chair of the Facilities Committee since 2023.
- Has been a firefighter in West Haven, CT for the past 27 years.
- Current member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department. Served as an officer for 15 years and as Chief Officer for 10 years.
- Owner of Fireside Remodeling LLC, a Bethany small business.
- Works with upscale construction company as project manager and facility management services.
- Experience in all construction from residential to commercial with a focus on commercial office buildings.
- Has provided valuable first-hand professional guidance for the maintenance, repair and replacement of BCS facilities as a member of the Board of Education and Facilities Committee Chair.
Shawn has lived in the town of Bethany for 24 years with his wife and three boys. His wife is a life-long resident of the town. All three boys are graduates of the Bethany Community School (BCS).
Planning & Zoning Commission
Adam Carrington – Candidate for Bethany Planning & Zoning Commission
John Magnoli – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission, Alternate Member
John Magnoli – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission, Alternate Member
- Marketing & Sales Consultant for a company that promotes U.S.-based manufacturing (reshoring) for the last (2010 – present)
- Bethany Board of Education 2011 – 2017
- Finance Committee Chair 2012 – 2017
- Board Vice Chair 2015 – 2017
- Bethwood Baseball, Volunteer Coach 2010 – 2014
- Bethwood Softball, Volunteer Coach 2013 – 2017
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMI) with a background in strategic planning, goal setting, team collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Adam moved to Bethany in 2009 with his wife Kim, son Ethan, and daughter Evelyn. Both children graduated from the Bethany Community School and from Amity. Adam has a deep love for our town and strong connection to it: his grandfather, Gordon Carrington, was first selectman from 1963 – 1985, and Adam fondly recalls summers working on his family farm on Bethmour Road (Cherry Tree Farm/Agway). He credits working on the farm with instilling an outstanding work ethic and developing a greater appreciation for our Bethany community- the working of the soil and care and management of what grew there, the importance of prudent land use management & planning, and the skills required to run a small, local business. He understands how our local businesses fit within the Bethany community and how balance can be maintained with housing and other potential land uses.
According to Adam, “I’m running to help property owners and businesses thrive in this great community while maintaining the rural characteristics that make Bethany so special and desirable. I understand that planning and zoning regulations are written in black and white, but the needs of property owners and businesses vary. I’ll work to build consensus on what’s best for the town, its residents and businesses based upon requests, facts, and regulations. I look forward to earning your vote in November.”
John Magnoli – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission, Alternate Member
John Magnoli – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission, Alternate Member
John Magnoli – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission, Alternate Member
- Currently President, owner, & operator of several small businesses within Connecticut:
- D’Angelo Building Company – general contracting & remodeling company of ~22 employees with capability for fabrication of custom cabinetry and millwork.
- K-play, LLC – designs, manufacturers, and installs natural or green-solution playground equipment throughout the country, primarily for commercial clients.
- Prior experience in Wall Street asset management firm
- Skills/Experience in oversight and management of multi-million-dollar construction projects; understanding of budgeting, forecasting and job costing; strategic planning for business growth; leadership capabilities include experience in hiring, training, and mentoring; negotiation of contracts with sub-contractors, clients, and suppliers
- B.S. Finance, University of Connecticut
A Connecticut native, Bethany’s tight-knit, rural character and strong family values were attractive to John, and he settled here with his wife Lulefer and son Luke in 2020. John believes that his extensive experience in general contracting and small-business ownership, coupled with his appreciation for the town’s rural quality of life, will provide the proper balance for effective land use governance on Bethany’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
“I am seeking the opportunity to serve on the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission and would be honored to earn your trust. Together, we can ensure that Bethany remains a charming, welcoming community for many years to come.”
Vincent Torrens – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission
John Magnoli – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission, Alternate Member
Vincent Torrens – Candidate for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission
- Bethany Planning & Zoning Commission, Alternate (appointed) July 2025 – Present
- State of Connecticut Highway Maintenance 2024 – Present
- Experience with/past positions in real estate, property management, inspections, construction management, and complaint resolution
- B.A. Business Administration Marketing, Tunxis Community College
- Pertinent skillset: property/land acquisition, property appraisal, negotiation, commercial property management including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and groundskeeping, blueprint reading, and site-work estimating
Vincent has lived in Bethany since 2006 with his wife of over 30 years. Their son attended the Bethany Community School and the Amity School system and is now attending college. Vincent has spent many years in our community coaching the Bethwood baseball team and creating sets for Amity theater and musicals. He currently works for the state of Connecticut where he helps to maintain our highways and state roads. Vincent has a strong background in construction and real estate, which gives him a practical perspective on local development and land use. In particular, he draws on his years of collaboration with various town & city officials, architects, engineers, and subcontractors concerning a variety of building, construction, and land use issues. As a current member of the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission, Vincent focuses on keeping Bethany a great place to live while supporting smart, balanced growth within the community.
Zoning Board of Appeals
J.R. Rivellini – Candidate for Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals
J.R. Rivellini – Candidate for Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals
J.R. Rivellini – Candidate for Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals
- Member, Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals for over 20 years
- Member (over 20 years) & Former President of the Bethany Athletic Assoc
- Coached youth baseball and football in Bethany
- Graduate of the CT school of Electronics
JR first moved to Bethany in 1974 with his family and graduated from the Amity school system. He returned to Bethany in 1994 when he purchased the home he grew up in to raise his family in the town he loved. He and his wife Dawn have two boys and now two granddaughters. JR particularly enjoyed his years coaching the Bethany youth baseball and football teams and is happy to continue serving the Bethany community as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Nick Poulmas – Candidate for Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals
J.R. Rivellini – Candidate for Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals
J.R. Rivellini – Candidate for Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals
- Member, Bethany Zoning Board of Appeals since 2017
- Past member, Parks and Recreation Commission (2009 – 2024)
- New Haven Fire Department, Retired
- Bethany Horsemen member (1985 – 2024)
- United States Army Reserve (past member)
- Tombstone, AZ Marshal’s Assist Unit (past member)
- Member, Shriner’s International
- Board Chairman Wolcott Landowner Protective Assoc. (2001-2016)
Nick has been proud to call Bethany his home since 1972, and has been active in the community for decades. Volunteering has always been important for Nick, whether working for improvements to the airport riding rings, raising money for Bethany Parks and Recreation, or supporting various efforts for Shriner’s International. Nick is also a talented blacksmith artist and a local small business owner (Nick Poulmas Blacksmith and Metal Works). As a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Nick strives to support local residents and businesses, balancing their needs with our state and town zoning regulations.
Board of Assessment Appeals
Gary Ross – Candidate for Bethany Board of Assessment Appeals
- Member Bethany Board of Assessment Appeals, 32 years. Presently serving as Chairman.
- Completed state run courses on the assessment process, property tax system, and relevant state statutes.
- Practicing Dentist, 44 years.
- Past volunteer treasurer for the Bethany Lions
- Volunteer Treasurer for the Bethany Lions Club, Bethany Lions Club Charities Inc., and the BMW CCA Connecticut Valley Chapter along with several other not for profit organizations.
- Previous background experience in mechanical engineering, designing submarines, and accounting.
- Volunteer at CT Mission of Mercy for 17 years providing free dental care at various locations in Connecticut
Gary has lived in Bethany for 40 years. He enjoys living in Bethany, working with residents, and serving the town.
Regional Board of Education
Lulefer Vinca – Candidate for Regional Board of Education
- Investor Relations at Octagon Credit Investors, LLC 2021 – 2025
- Investor Relations at DLC Management Corporation 2018 – 2021
- Fund Accounting at Shenkman Capital Management, Inc. 2009 – 2018
- Pertinent skillset: Strategy formulation & execution, process improvement & optimization, cross-functional collaboration, analytical & problem-solving skills, team leadership & development, financial analyses, and conflict resolution.
- B.S. Biochemistry, Southern Connecticut State University
- MBA University of Connecticut
Lulefer has called Bethany her home since 2020 where she resides with her husband and son. Raised next-door in Prospect, she and her family chose Bethany because of its small-town feel and beautiful scenery. Lulefer cares deeply about the quality of education in our community. In her own words, “I believe every student deserves access to a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment that prepares them for success in life.” Serving on the Amity Regional Board of Education will allow Lulefer to help develop policies and decisions that directly and positively impact students, teachers, and families. “A strong public school system is the foundation of a thriving community,” she adds, “and I want to do my part to help strengthen that foundation by promoting accountability, advocating for resources, and supporting innovative practices that help all students succeed.”
