MEET THE CANDIDATE: Who is Kevin McNabola?

On Thursday evening, the Orange Democrats introduced their new candidate for the first selectman’s race. Kevin McNabola, 43, the Orange School system’s Business Manager, was a Republican until two years ago serving as the Board of Finance Chairman under First Selectman Jim Zeoli.  

When the initial first selectman’s candidate, David Oestreicher dropped out of the race on Monday after accepting a job as a chemistry teacher in West Haven, the Democrats scrambled to find a viable opponent to run against the three-term Zeoli.

On Wednesday evening, the nominating committee met with McNabola, who agreed to give it his best shot.

He told Patch that he wants to bring energy and new ideas to the office of first selectman.  He said he is concerned about the town’s infrastructures, including school roofs, boilers and other improvements with which he would focus his attention.

If he wins the election, McNabola, the father of two children, Caroline, 9 and John, 7, will take a $6,000 per year pay cut ($89,000 as business manager vs the $83,000 first selectman’s salary).

His wife, Angela serves on the Amity Board of Education.

Background:

McNabola served on the Board of Finance from 2001-2009, holding the position of chairman for four years from 2005-2009. He is a volunteer firefighter in Orange, is active in Orange Little League, and the Shelton Mite Hockey League.

McNabola holds a B.S. in Economics from Southern Connecticut State University, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of New Haven and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of New Haven.

On Tuesday, Aug. 23, The Democratic Town Committee will hold a special meeting during which McNabola’s nomination will officially be put on the record.