Meet our 2025 Candidates

The North Branford Democrats are committed to advancing the values of the Democratic Party. We aim to create opportunities for active participation in government, carefully select and vet strong candidates for elected office, and provide chances for our members to serve their community.

Town Council

  • Town Council

    Marie Diamond is a dedicated and engaged member of the North Branford community who speaks up and steps in whenever her community needs her. Marie lives at Montgomery Village in Northford where she serves as President of the Montgomery Village Condominium Association.

    Marie has served on the North Branford Town Council since 2015 and currently chairs the Town Council’s Public Safety Communications Committee. She also has served on the North Branford Board of Education and the Parks and Recreation Commission. She was the first President of the North Branford Education Foundation. Marie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, a master’s in education, and a sixth-year diploma in educational leadership.

    Marie worked in the North Haven School District for over 40 years and retired as the director of curriculum and instruction. She received a Shining Star Award from the North Branford Education Foundation in 2017 and recently received a Women of Excellence Award from the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.

    If reelected to the Town Council, Marie Diamond will continue to work actively and diligently for the citizens of North Branford.

  • Town Council

    As a 12-year resident of North Branford, I have always been passionate about our community’s growth and well-being. I am running for Town Council not just a representative of the democratic party, but as an independent thinker who believes in the power of community-driven solutions.

    With over 20 years of experience in management, I understand the unique challenges we face as a town. I have been actively involved in various local initiatives, including the town Blueprint Committee and most recently, Planning and Zoning Committee. It was through these experiences that I witnessed firsthand the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and coming together to create effective solutions.

    My campaign is built on a foundation of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. I believe that each resident’s voice deserves to be heard, regardless of political affiliation. My vision for our town is simple: to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and feel connected.

    I invite you to look beyond party lines and focus on the candidate you can trust to listen to your needs and advocate for our community’s best interests. Together, we can embark on a path that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and shared values.

    Join me in making North Branford a place where everyone’s ideas matter, and let’s build a brighter future together!

  • Town Council

    I’m running for Town Council because I believe our community is stronger when we focus on what unites us—supporting our schools, families, and local businesses, and creating a town where people of all ages can thrive. My goal is to make our town a place people are proud to call home, where thoughtful planning and collaboration guide every decision. For me, community always outweighs politics.

    For the past 12 years, my wife, Jennifer and I have called North Branford home. We planted our roots in the community as the proud parents of two children, Kennedy and August who are active in our local schools, sports, and organizations. I own and operate a small law firm serving clients for their legal needs across Connecticut. I am deeply committed to our community as a coach for little league (softball and baseball), soccer, and basketball. I’m committed to bringing that same energy, teamwork, and dedication to serving on the Town Council. I look forward to meeting you!

  • Town Council

    I have lived in town for 41 years. I have three children all of whom attended and graduated from the North Branford School System. All three of my children participated in North Branford little league sports and high school sports.

    I worked for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for 30 years as a Letter Carrier retiring in 2005. Currently, I have a law practice in North Branford located on Route 80. Also, I served as a Union President for 16 years for a local union branch.

    My experiences as a USPS employee, as a Union President, and as an Attorney assisted me during my times when I was a Board Member of the North Branford Board of Education for several years and as a Former Member of the North Branford Town Council, most recently during the 2021-2023 session.

    During my years on the Board of Education and Town Council, I always practiced my values of (1) being accountable; (2) being responsible; and (3) being a good listener to citizens.

    My 41 years of being a resident in town as well as a Former Member of the Board of Education and Town Council will enable me to assist the current and future issues facing our many Senior Citizens, our Educational System, and Working Parents in today's economy in addition to equally ensuring that our Police and Fire Departments are fully staffed.

  • Town Council

    Craig C. Miller is a dedicated public servant, longtime North Branford resident, and experienced law enforcement professional, proudly running for another term on the North Branford Town Council. With over 26 years of experience in law enforcement and more than a decade of leadership as a Union President for two labor unions, Craig brings a deep understanding of public safety, labor relations, and community-focused governance.

    Craig has been an active member of the North Branford community for years, serving on both the Police Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. He also served as the Town Council liaison to the Economic Development Commission, where he worked to support responsible growth and attract new opportunities to the town.

    A strong advocate for youth and families, Craig has volunteered extensively with local sports programs—including football, basketball, and Little League baseball—helping to guide and mentor the next generation. As a proud North Branford resident, he and his family have long called the town home, with his children attending and graduating from the North Branford public school system. Ensuring the strength of that school system, and supporting the needs of today’s students, remains a top priority.

    Craig is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and putting community voices first. He believes every resident deserves to understand how decisions are made and to have a say in shaping the future of their town. Throughout his time in public service, he has actively engaged in community events and worked hard to be an accessible and responsive leader.

    With a proven track record and a passion for service, Craig C. Miller is ready to continue working for you—bringing experience, integrity, and dedication to the North Branford Town Council.

  • Town Council

    Bruce Abelson is a dedicated community member and candidate for North Branford’s Town Council. A town taxpayer for 40 years, a small business owner for 25 years and a union member for 7 years, Bruce is here to serve the residents of North Branford. 

    Having raised two daughters in the North Branford Public School system, education is a top priority for Bruce. He’s coached youth soccer teams, launched the North Branford High School Girls’ Soccer balloon fundraiser and has donated art supplies to the high school for the past decade. You can always find Bruce advocating for the needs of students and their families, as well as supporting North Branford Athletics and the arts programs. 

    During his four years on the council, Bruce has served as the liaison to the North Branford Fire Department. Most recently, he secured a new engine for Company No. 1 in 2025. Bruce also helped spearhead the council’s Blueprint Committee, which identified four properties owned by the town to sell, bringing in tax revenue to help lower your taxes. 

    Bruce is always lending a helping hand. Every year, he volunteers with North Branford Parks and Rec to feed the town’s older residents on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bruce also donates his time during the Potato and Corn Festival to sell tickets, park cars, or work at the potato and corn booth. 

    A firm believer in the power of the vote, Bruce is running to engage town residents more actively at the ballot box and during council meetings. He also wants to continue serving as a voice of reason on the North Branford Town Council.

Board of Education

  • Board of Education

    I am a lifelong resident of North Branford and a graduate of North Branford Public Schools.  As I embark on my 23rd year in education, I bring a wealth of experience in both classroom teaching and administrative leadership. Over the course of my career, I dedicated 11 years of service to North Branford High School and currently hold the position of House Principal in Branford. I firmly believe in the importance of providing teachers and staff with strong, high‑quality support and in cultivating equitable opportunities that empower every student to succeed. I’m also a parent in the North Branford Public Schools - so my roots in town run deep, and my investment in our community is both professional and personal.

  • Board of Education

    My name is Marcey Onofrio and I am seeking a sixth term on the Board of Education.

    Five terms on the board have provided a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the schools. This experience has instilled an appreciation for transparency and for decisions that benefit all students. Transparency is essential for building and maintaining community trust. During my time on the board, open communication and accessible information have been consistently advocated to ensure that parents, teachers, and community members are informed and empowered to help shape the future of schools.  The commitment to serving all students is unwavering. The goal is to ensure that every child in the district receives a world-class education, regardless of their background or circumstances. This includes providing opportunities for every child to excel academically and develop critical thinking skills; Investing in resources and support systems necessary to address the diverse needs of students, including their mental and emotional well-being; and promoting a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and respected.

    Experience has shown that the most effective decisions are made by listening to all voices and working collaboratively towards a shared vision for schools. The goal is to foster an environment where parents, teachers, administrators, and students are actively engaged in the decision-making process.  I am dedicated to ensuring schools are the very best they can be, preparing children for success in the 21st century and beyond.