Our West Hartford 2023 Slate of Candidates
Endorsed Town Council Candidates
Mary Fay: Town Council Minority Leader
Mary M. Fay is a life long resident of Connecticut, and West Hartford resident for 23 years. Mary is a Financial Services Senior Executive. She has held several senior business leadership roles, including Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sun Life Financial, where she also chaired diversity and inclusion employee resource groups and served on Sun Life boards. Mary was also a senior executive at GE, AIG, ING, and Travelers, leading retirement and healthcare businesses. She was named by Hartford Business Journal as a “Top Woman in Business”; to the board of overseers at Newton Wellesley Hospital; and as CEO of CT Retirement Security Authority.
Mary was raised in East Hartford and attended public schools. She went on to graduate from Skidmore College, with a B.S. In business/accounting and a minor in government, and earned her MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and completed executive studies at Harvard.
She is active in her community as a school volunteer and coach, and is a member of the Irish American Home Society. Mary and her family are parishioner’s at St. Timothy’s. Mary is married and has a 13 year-old daughter, Katie, who attends West Hartford public school.
She is currently a 3 term councilor, and current minority leader. Mary is committed to public service and looks forward to continuing to serve her community.
Alberto Cortes: Town Council
Alberto Cortes is West Hartford’s first Latino Town Council member. We’re proud of the diversity our party brings to our local government.
Al was born and raised in the City of Hartford and moved to West Hartford in 1998 with his wife Jessica Serrano where they have two boys: Gabriel, who attends King Philip Middle School, and Adrian, who graduated from the Post Secondary School in West Hartford.
Al retired from the Connecticut Department of Corrections with 20 years of service. He is a veteran of the Connecticut Army National Guard and an active member of his church.
Mark Zydanowicz: Town Council
Mark is a retired Engineer Officer (Honorably Discharged in 2016 --25 years of service). He retired as a Major and the Headquarters Commander of the Connecticut Training Center in the Connecticut Army National Guard. He’s an Iraq war veteran where he earned the Combat Action Badge and a Bronze Star.
Mark and his wife Nella have lived in West Hartford since 1998, and they have three children. He has served as a commissioner on the West Hartford’s Zoning Board of Appeals, 2nd Vice Chairman, 1st District for the state party, West Hartford Town Committee and three term member of the West Hartford Board of Education (BOE).
Professionally, Mark was an owner and third generation family member of Guida’s Dairy, employing 260; it was one of the largest independent dairies in New England which was founded by his grandfather in 1947. He currently works as an Independent Consultant where he advises and assists in the development and execution in areas of strategy, marketing and business development to drive improved revenue and profitability growth of businesses.
Aaron Sawar: Town Council Candidate
Aaron Sarwar is a distinguished figure in the West Hartford community, recognized for his contributions in both the political and business sectors. His entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in the Shish Kebab House, a local eatery that has become a beloved institution in West Hartford. The restaurant's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Sarwar family, who immigrated to America in the early 1980s from Afghanistan during the rise of the communist regime.
In addition to his role at the Shish Kebab House, Sarwar holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hartford. He also serves as a captain and navigator in the Connecticut Air National Guard, flying aboard the C-130.
His ownership of numerous businesses and properties further demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit. This includes being the owner of the "Hartford City Football Club," a semi-professional soccer team in Hartford, CT.
Despite the challenges faced by the Shish Kebab House, such as the aftermath of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant has persevered, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of the West Hartford community.
Sarwar's story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of community. His dedication to his business, his service in the military, and his involvement in local politics make him a valuable and respected member of the West Hartford Republican Committee. His life and work embody the spirit of the American dream, making him a true asset to the community he serves.
Endorsed Board of Education Candidates
Ethan Goldman: Board of Education Member
In the professional sphere, Ethan has excelled as the CFO of a midsize global manufacturing company. His role allows him to leverage his expertise and contribute to the global economic landscape. Prior to his current position, Ethan worked at ADVO as their Vice President of Network Planning and at Ames Stores as the Director of Pull Replenishment. These roles further showcase his strategic planning skills and his ability to manage complex operations.
At the heart of Ethan's life is his family. He and his wife, Julie, have made West Hartford their home since 1989. They have raised their four children in this community, instilling in them the same values of service and commitment that Ethan embodies.
Ethan's commitment to service is deeply ingrained. His twenty-year involvement in the US Army Reserve is evidence of this. Serving in the Field Artillery, Ethan retired with the rank of Major, a testament to his dedication and leadership.
His dedication extends to his local community. Ethan has served as the Treasurer of the West Hartford Youth Soccer Association and spent fifteen years as a coach. These roles have allowed him to directly contribute to the development of local youth.
Ethan's community involvement doesn't stop there. He is a Trustee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford. He has also served as Treasurer on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, further showcasing his commitment to service.
In his own words, Ethan emphasizes, "We have worked hard to come up with solutions that are constructive and will be beneficial or fair to all members of the school community and West Hartford residents." These words reflect his dedication to creating a fair and beneficial environment for all.
As an incumbent Board of Education Member and a key figure in the 2023 elections, Ethan Goldman continues to serve his community with dedication, expertise, and passion. His contributions to West Hartford are immeasurable, and his ongoing service is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his community.
Ethan Goldman is a long-standing pillar of the West Hartford community, having resided here for over 30 years. His diverse portfolio of experiences and accomplishments make him a dynamic leader and an invaluable asset to the community.
His academic prowess is evident in his impressive educational background. Ethan holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Business School, and the University of Hartford. These institutions have equipped him with a deep understanding of economics, business administration, accounting, and taxation.
Kyle Zelazny: Board of Education Candidate
Kyle Zelazny grew up in Long Island and moved to Avon, CT halfway through high school. Kyle attended Boston College for his undergrad and received his law degree from UConn law.
He advises and represents clients in matters involving real estate, corporate matters, travel law, and worker’s compensation.
Outside his professional life Attorney Zelazny enjoys volunteering at the Simon Foundation along with rooting for the New York Jets and Yankees. He currently lives in West Hartford, Connecticut.
The League of Women Voters Greater West Hartford Debate
Our West Hartford Republican candidates truly shone in the October 16, 2023 League of Women Voters debate, showcasing their exceptional knowledge, charisma, and dedication to serving our community. From the beginning, it was evident that they had prepared tirelessly, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to present themselves as the most qualified candidates.
With their articulate speeches and well-thought-out policies, they not only captivated the audience but also left a lasting impression on voters.
By confidently expressing their conservative values and outlining innovative approaches to key problems, our candidates elevated the Republican Party's platform in West Hartford, setting a new standard for excellence in political discourse.