Meet the Candidates
Nicole Porter
Nicole is currently serving her second term as Selectman. She is passionate about North Stonington and has lived here for 30 years.
Nicole is a mother of two girls and has two grandkids. She is completing her 36 year career as a Registered Nurse. Nicole is currently the Director of Operations for Hartford Healthcare's Heart & Vascular Institute for the eastern part of CT.
Before becoming Selectman, Nicole was involved in Wheeler Sports Boosters, the Communications Committee and Economic Development Commission. Nicole has spent the last 15 years serving her community.
Nicole is a mother of two girls and has two grandkids. She is completing her 36 year career as a Registered Nurse. Nicole is currently the Director of Operations for Hartford Healthcare's Heart & Vascular Institute for the eastern part of CT.
Before becoming Selectman, Nicole was involved in Wheeler Sports Boosters, the Communications Committee and Economic Development Commission. Nicole has spent the last 15 years serving her community.
Winona Mae Berdine
Winona has served as an alternate on the BOF for the past 4 years.
She moved to North Stonington, from Voluntown, in early 2019. She has spent more than 25 years in the health reinsurance/insurance industry and is a nationally known expert in Long Term Care Insurance. She is passionate about representing the best interests of both the residents of North Stonington and the local Democratic party. Her financial background gives her the tools to review and analyze information and data while balancing the needs of our small town.
Winona has a small hobby farm on Cossaduck Hill Road where she cares for Irish Dexter steers, chickens, Chihuahuas and cats.
She moved to North Stonington, from Voluntown, in early 2019. She has spent more than 25 years in the health reinsurance/insurance industry and is a nationally known expert in Long Term Care Insurance. She is passionate about representing the best interests of both the residents of North Stonington and the local Democratic party. Her financial background gives her the tools to review and analyze information and data while balancing the needs of our small town.
Winona has a small hobby farm on Cossaduck Hill Road where she cares for Irish Dexter steers, chickens, Chihuahuas and cats.
Jamie Towle-Weicksel
I’m Jamie Towle-Weicksel, and I’ve lived in North Stonington since 2015 with my husband Steve and our daughter Violet. I’m a Professor of Chemistry at Rhode Island College, where I teach, run an NIH-funded melanoma research lab, and mentor underrepresented students including partnering with Wheeler High School to provide summer lab experiences. I first got involved locally by leading the PTO effort to replace our condemned elementary playground, raising $120,000 in three months during COVID and building it ourselves. Since 2021, I’ve served on the Board of Education, including three years as Secretary, where I’ve been a strong advocate for high-quality, equitable education, helped launch the Cub Club before/after school program, and worked on teacher negotiations and superintendent hiring. I’m running for re-election because I believe our schools are North Stonington’s greatest asset, and I’m committed to ensuring they serve and inspire every student.Jamie has been endorsed by Vote Mama PAC, the first PAC (political action committee) in the country dedicated to supporting Democratic moms running for office up and down the ballot and across the country. Please visit https://www.votemamapac.org/ to learn more.
Stanley “Chet” Stefanowicz
Education has been the focus of my life for over 22 years—as a teacher, a parent, and a board member. I’m the husband, son, and grandson of educators, and I hold a Master’s in Education. For the past four years, I’ve served on the North Stonington Board of Education, attending over 100 meetings and taking on leadership roles, including policy work and representing the board to LEARN, our regional education center.
My wife and I moved to North Stonington for the strong schools, and our two children—now in first and sixth grade—are proud students here. I care deeply about our community and would be honored to continue working to ensure all children have access to a great education.
My wife and I moved to North Stonington for the strong schools, and our two children—now in first and sixth grade—are proud students here. I care deeply about our community and would be honored to continue working to ensure all children have access to a great education.
Paul R. Simeone
• Senior IT Project Manager with 25+ years overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, infrastructure programs, and financial systems.
• MBA from the University of Connecticut; proven expertise in finance, accountability, and operations.
• Longtime volunteer and community leader in North Stonington and the region.
• Running for Town Treasurer to bring professional financial management and transparency to town government.
• MBA from the University of Connecticut; proven expertise in finance, accountability, and operations.
• Longtime volunteer and community leader in North Stonington and the region.
• Running for Town Treasurer to bring professional financial management and transparency to town government.
Ben Buehler
Meet Ben Buehler! Ben grew up in North Stonington and is a 2006 Wheeler graduate. He has a degree in civil engineering from UCONN and has been employed at Electric Boat for 13 years.
Ben is a proud husband and father of two children. They have goats, chickens, bees and a family dog. Ben currently serves on The Wheeler Library Board of Trustees and President of the New London County Rugby Football Club.
Ben is seeking a seat on Planning & Zoning. The commission currently has one democrat serving and their term is up in November. Please consider voting for Ben on November 4th.
Ben is a proud husband and father of two children. They have goats, chickens, bees and a family dog. Ben currently serves on The Wheeler Library Board of Trustees and President of the New London County Rugby Football Club.
Ben is seeking a seat on Planning & Zoning. The commission currently has one democrat serving and their term is up in November. Please consider voting for Ben on November 4th.
Beth Kirmmse
A native of southeastern Connecticut, Beth is a registered Landscape Architect and currently works as a Senior Project Manager in Fuss & O’Neill’s Community Development Business Line. She has professional expertise in Planning and Zoning issues and has worked as a consultant with many municipalities throughout New England. When not working she enjoys spending time with her three boys, husband, and dog Moxie out in nature hiking, biking, and sailing.
Beth is seeking an alternate position on Planning & Zoning. Please consider voting for her on November 4th.
Beth is seeking an alternate position on Planning & Zoning. Please consider voting for her on November 4th.