John McKenna
Jul 22, 2025
William Zampaglione of Bantam addresses the Litchfield Republican Party caucus on Tuesday after being endorsed to run for first selectman.
Republicans in Litchfield did the expected on Tuesday by selecting businessman William Zampaglione of Bantam to head their slate for the November election.
The GOP caucus at the Litchfield firehouse unanimously chose Zampaglione to challenge three-term First Selectman Denise Raap. Zampaglione is joined at the top of the ticket by selectmen John Bongiorno and Daniel Morosani, each of whom scored the party nod to seek second terms.
More than 60 Republicans participated in what was one of the GOP’s most spirited caucuses in years. One would have to go back to the long tenure of former First Selectman Leo Paul Jr. (2003-2019) to find a caucus with such energy. Paul helped inspire Tuesday’s optimism by nominating Zampaglione.
“He’s an outstanding businessman, he’s a kind individual, he cares about the residents of the community, and he has a wonderful family,” Paul said. “He cares deeply about the town, so I’m here to nominate Bill Zampaglione as our next first selectman.”
Zampaglione, in remarks accepting the nomination, has lived in Litchfield with his wife, Tina, for nine years. An executive with the PAC Group, a construction management firm in Torrington, Zampaglione said he decided to seek the first selectman’s seat because he believes Litchfield’s identity as a small town has taken a turn for the worse under current town leadership.
“That’s not acceptable to me and I plan to do something to change it,” he said. “I will fight for Litchfield and I want to hear everyone’s opinion on what they want to see for Litchfield.”
Zampaglione, calling himself a fiscal conservative. added that he’s ready to scrap if necessary.
“Once I determine where the fight needs to go, I will take the fight to whomever I need to take it to on behalf of this town,” he said.
Zampaglione is looking forward to being partners with Bongiorno and Morosani.
“I think what has been missing is someone in charge who will lead the fight with Dan and John,” he said.
Zampaglione thanked Paul, Paul’s wife, Jennifer, Republican Town Committee Chairman Stephan Krucker, Tax Collector Helen Bunnell, and former state Rep. David T. Wilson for their support leading up to the caucus.
“I really appreciate the opportunity, I look forward to getting to know everyone better, and I look forward to winning in November,” he said.
Morosani, in accepting the nomination, set the stage for what is sure to be a campaign debate on police coverage in town by saying the Board of Selectmen erred in 2022 by doing away with police constables in favor of two resident troopers.
“The decision to get rid of the constables was a major mistake,” Morosani said. “We need to seriously consider bringing them back. That’s one thing I’d like to put before the voters.”
Speeding and reckless driving are rampant in town due to a lack of police coverage, according to Morosani.
Bongiorno in his remarks thanked Republicans for turning out in force for the caucus.
“To have this much excitement is indicative of the team we have,” he said. “It’s an amazing slate you have elected.”
Zampaglione, Bongiorno said, is a natural leader people will follow, and is kind and generous.
“He’s going to do a great job for Litchfield, I have no qualms about that,” Bongiorno said. “We’re going to fix as much as we can and keep taxes down as much as we can.”
Rounding out the top of the slate are Town Treasurer Alan Landau, Bunnell and Town Clerk Lisa Losee. Bunnell and Losee will run unopposed. Landau, meanwhile, is being challenged by Democrat Erich Marriott in a rematch of their race in 2022 that Landau won by one vote.
Republicans also selected candidates for the Board of Finance, Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Running for regular seats on the finance board are incumbent Matthew Tobin, Barbara Tingley and Stephan Krucker. Seeking seats on the board as alternates are Kris Wright and Michael Bruni.
Planning and zoning incumbents Peter Dauten and Coleby Bunnell will seek new terms. Georgia Fuessenich is a candidate for a regular seat and Denise Correia and Roland Greenwood are pursuing seats as alternates.