First Selectman Ed Mone’s announcement that he will not seek re-election this November opens the field for new leadership in town. Several individuals active in town government and community organizations may emerge as potential contenders.

On the Republican side, Selectman Mike Burr currently serves on the Board of Selectmen. Burr has been a long-time active participant in Thomaston happenings, including through his previous service as Vice Chairman of the Thomaston Opera House Commission. He served as President of the Thomaston Rotary Club and was instrumental in the construction of the Nystrom’s Park track and field construction.

Rich Sileo, Chairman of the Board of Finance, is another Republican figure who may become part of the conversation. Sileo most recently served as Vice President of E-Commerce for Rémy Cointreau Americas, where he was responsible for developing and implementing digital commerce strategies across North America, Latin America, and Canada. His work included initiatives to align brand portfolios with e-commerce platforms and to streamline promotional costs. His Linkedin profile features the “open to work” badge, a timely notification of interest in other opportunities.

George Seabourne, a member of the Board of Finance and former chairman, as well as Chairman of the Republican Town Committee. He is an attorney and co-founder of Seabourne & Malley, a law firm based in Thomaston since 1996. Seabourne has also served as Chairman of Thomaston Savings Bank and has been involved with the Litchfield Montessori School as a board member. In addition to his professional and civic activities, he was recognized by the Rotary Club as a Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the community.

On the Democratic side, Jeff Dunn currently serves on the Board of Selectmen and is the Executive Director of Landmark Community Theatre. Through his work at Landmark, Dunn oversees the programming and management of the Thomaston Opera House, one of the town’s greatest cultural and historic landmarks. His dual role in town government and the arts places him at the intersection of Thomaston’s municipal and cultural activities.

Amanda Burch, Chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee, is also active in various town initiatives. She is a member of the Thomaston Economic Development Commission, which advises on strategies to encourage local economic growth, and serves as Chairwoman of the Greenway Committee, focused on expanding pedestrian and recreational spaces in town. Burch’s work has spanned political leadership, infrastructure planning, and community engagement efforts.

Beth Campbell, who ran as the Democratic candidate for First Selectwoman in 2021, remains a familiar name in town politics. She has served on the Thomaston Board of Education since 2013, including time as Chairwoman. In addition to her public service, Campbell recently founded Future Forward Coaching, a business providing life and career coaching services aimed at teens and adults.

Political parties are required to endorse their candidates by July 2025, so the field is expected to take shape over the summer. If necessary, a primary would be held on September 9th, with voting options available for eligible voters. The general election is scheduled for November 4th. The departure of Mone, who has held office since 2009, marks a significant transition for the town, and the upcoming election is expected to shape the next phase of Thomaston’s leadership.