Board of Finance - 2025 Candidate Comparison

Election Date: November 4, 2025

Total Seats: 7 members serve 4-year staggered terms

This Election: 4 full-term seats (4 years) + 1 vacancy seat (2 years)

Vote for: Up to 4 candidates for full term, up to 1 for vacancy

Position Overview

The Board of Finance is one of Weston's most important elected bodies, responsible for fiscal oversight, budget preparation and approval, financial policy, and long-term capital planning. The board reviews all town and Board of Education budgets, makes recommendations to Town Meeting, manages the town's finances, and ensures responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and approve annual town and school budgets
• Monitor fiscal performance and financial compliance
• Oversee capital improvement planning
• Set financial policies and procedures
• Provide financial advice to other town boards
• Ensure fiscal transparency and accountability

How to Vote

IMPORTANT: There are TWO separate races for Board of Finance:

Race 1: Full Term (4 years, elect up to 4)

• Democratic: Christopher Bryant (incumbent)
• Republican: Jim Aselta, Alex Staehely, Annalise Ferrara

Race 2: Vacancy (2 years, elect up to 1)

• Democratic: Daniel Gershburg (NOT running - already appointed through 2027)

Note: Daniel Gershburg was appointed in February 2025 to fill a vacancy through November 2027. His seat is NOT up for election in 2025.

Candidate Summary Table - Full Term (4 Years)

Detailed Candidate Comparisons - Full Term

Professional Background

Christopher Bryant (Democratic - Incumbent):

• Current: Partner at Clarion Collective (AI Strategist)
• Focus: Helping leaders turn complexity into clarity through AI strategy
• Co-authors: "AI Decoded" newsletter for SMB leaders and business executives
• Leadership: President, Entrepreneurs Organization - New York City Chapter (3 terms, largest chapter globally)
• Expertise: Artificial intelligence, data-driven decision making, strategic planning, entrepreneurship
• Approach: Ethical, high-impact AI deployment with forward-thinking vision

Jim Aselta (Republican - Appointed October 2025):

• Current: Associate Professor of Accounting, Southern Connecticut State University
• Previous Career: Partner at Ernst & Young (EY) - entire career
  • Started in Auditing practice
  • Advanced to partnership level
  • Concluded in Advisory Consulting practice
• Expertise: Public accounting, auditing, financial reporting, compliance, advisory consulting, corporate governance
• Recognition: Faculty adviser to Delta Mu Delta business honor society (2019-present)
• Age: Approximately 70 years old

Alex Staehely (Republican - Candidate):

• Current: Managing Director, Private Equity at LS Power Equity Advisors (2014-present)
• Responsibilities: Energy sector transactions, acquisitions, divestitures, financings, portfolio oversight
• Transaction Focus: Distributed energy, demand response, energy efficiency, energy storage, large-scale power generation
• Previous: Analyst at Tenaska Capital Management (power generation transactions)
• Company Context: LS Power is major energy infrastructure PE firm focused on renewables and conventional power
• Residence: 42 Lords Highway (purchased 2020 for $1.4M)

Annalise Ferrara (Republican - Appointed September 2025):

• Status: Retired Attorney (25+ years experience)
• Background: Former Prosecutor, trying criminal and civil cases
• Education: BS in Accounting + Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Practice: Brooklyn, NY before moving to Weston (~10 years ago)
• Expertise: Legal analysis, policy evaluation, accounting, regulatory understanding
• Family: Husband Frank (retired), daughter in Weston with 3 children (grandchildren), son in Cambridge

Relevant Experience for Board of Finance

Christopher Bryant (Incumbent):

• Current BOF Service: Elected November 2023 to fill 2-year vacancy, now seeking full 4-year term
• Vote: 1,876 (57.94%) vs. 1,362 (42.06%) - defeated Republican Theresa Brasco
• Email: cbryant@westonct.gov
• Strengths:
  • Data-driven decision making from AI/tech background
  • Business acumen from entrepreneurial leadership
  • Strategic thinking and complexity management
  • Experience managing Entrepreneurs Organization (850+ entrepreneurs globally)
  • Understanding of innovation and technology trends

Jim Aselta (Appointed October 2025):

• BOF Service: Appointed October 7, 2025 to fill vacancy through November 11, 2025
• Email: jaselta@westonct.gov
• Strengths:
  • Decades of Big Four accounting firm experience
  • Deep understanding of financial controls and oversight
  • Audit expertise for evaluating town financial operations
  • Advisory background for strategic financial planning
  • Academic perspective with current best practices knowledge
  • Professional CPA certification (standard for EY partnership)

Alex Staehely (Candidate):

• No prior BOF service
• Weston Tenure: 5+ years (since 2020 property purchase)
• Strengths:
  • Private equity financial sophistication
  • Experience evaluating major capital projects and investments
  • Understanding of long-term asset management
  • Risk assessment and management expertise
  • Energy sector knowledge relevant to sustainability initiatives
  • Deal structuring and financial modeling skills

Annalise Ferrara (Appointed September 2025):

• BOF Service: Appointed September 24, 2025 to fill vacancy through November 11, 2025
• Email: aferrara@westonct.gov
• Campaign Focus: Making tax policy and budget transparency her central issue
• Strengths:
  • Legal and accounting dual expertise (BS Accounting + J.D.)
  • 25+ years analyzing complex matters
  • Attention to detail from legal background
  • Weston Mock Trial coach (2019-2020, team won co-State Champions)
  • Environmental advocacy (tree preservation, historic district protection)

Community Involvement

Christopher Bryant:

• Weston Democratic Town Committee Vice Chair (as of June 2025)
• BOF Service: 2023-present (nearly 2 years)
• Residency: Active Weston resident
• Civic Engagement: Leadership in local Democratic party organization

Jim Aselta:

• Residency: 33 Laurel Lake East, Weston
• Academic Service: Faculty adviser to business honor society
• Professional Service: Inducted honorary members into Delta Mu Delta (2019)
• Student Mentorship: Active in business education and professional development

Alex Staehely:

• Residency: 5+ years at 42 Lords Highway
• Property Investment: Significant $1.4M investment in Weston (2020)
• Professional Service: Based in NYC, works in energy infrastructure
• Family: Married to Monica Staehely

Annalise Ferrara:

• Residency: 10+ years in Weston (moved from Brooklyn ~2015)
• Education Service: Weston High School Mock Trial coach (team won co-State Champions 2020)
• Environmental Advocacy: Raised concerns about Eversource tree removal, advocated for Bradley Edge Tool Factory District protection
• COVID Response: Mock Trial team donated to coronavirus relief efforts
• Family: Daughter lives in Weston with 3 children (Ferrara's grandchildren)

Policy Positions & Campaign Platform

Christopher Bryant:

• Fiscal responsibility: Careful stewardship of town resources
• Strategic investments: Balancing fiscal prudence with forward-looking community investments
• Data-driven approach: Bringing analytical, evidence-based methodology to municipal financial management
• Superior education system: Commitment to preserving Weston schools
• Community growth: Supporting initiatives that enhance Weston while maintaining fiscal discipline
• Values: Inclusion, participation, fair and open communication

Jim Aselta:

• No detailed platform published (appointed October 2025, limited campaign time)
• Expected Approach (based on background):
  • Financial rigor and professional accounting standards
  • Audit perspective on controls and compliance
  • Advisory expertise for strategic consulting
  • Commitment to best practices in financial management
  • Understanding of complex financial systems and reporting

Alex Staehely:

• No detailed platform published (first-time candidate)
• Expected Approach (based on background):
  • Investment discipline for capital projects
  • Financial efficiency with private sector perspective
  • Infrastructure planning from energy sector experience
  • Risk-adjusted decision making
  • Careful evaluation of long-term town investments

Annalise Ferrara:

• PRIMARY FOCUS: Taxes and Budget Transparency
• Key Objectives:
  1. Apply 25+ years of legal experience to analyzing town budget
  2. Use accounting background (BS Accounting) for financial oversight
  3. Increase transparency in budget preparation process
  4. Make budget more accessible and understandable to residents
  5. Ensure clear communication of fiscal decisions
  6. Promote accountability in town spending
• Campaign Philosophy: "I know there is a need for a dedicated member, so I am volunteering my time"
• Self-Description: "Honest" and "reliable"
• Environmental Interest: Balance of development with environmental stewardship

Key Differences

Professional Expertise

• Bryant: Technology/AI strategy and entrepreneurship
• Aselta: Accounting (Big Four auditing and advisory)
• Staehely: Private equity and energy sector finance
• Ferrara: Legal analysis and prosecutorial accounting

Experience Level

• Bryant: Incumbent with 2 years BOF service
• Aselta: Recently appointed (October 2025), extensive career experience
• Staehely: New candidate, current Wall Street professional
• Ferrara: Recently appointed (September 2025), retired professional

Career Stage

• Bryant: Mid-career, active in AI/tech sector
• Aselta: Later career, academic teaching role (~70 years old)
• Staehely: Prime career years, active Managing Director role
• Ferrara: Retired, focusing on community service

Weston Tenure

• Bryant: Current active resident
• Aselta: Established resident at Laurel Lake East
• Staehely: 5+ years (since 2020)
• Ferrara: 10+ years (since ~2015)

Community Engagement

• Bryant: Democratic party leadership, BOF service
• Aselta: Academic service, faculty adviser
• Staehely: Property owner, first candidacy
• Ferrara: Mock Trial coaching, environmental advocacy, now BOF service

Key Similarities

High-Level Professional Credentials

• All four candidates bring significant professional expertise
• All have advanced education and specialized training
• All have experience in complex financial or analytical fields

Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility

• All emphasize careful stewardship of town resources
• All bring analytical rigor to financial oversight
• All understand importance of long-term planning

Weston Investment

• All are Weston residents with stake in community
• All seeking to contribute expertise to town governance

Race Dynamics & Strategic Considerations

Party Balance

• Current BOF Composition: 7 members (breakdown not specified in sources)
• Connecticut Law: No more than bare majority from one party
• This Election: 1 Democrat vs. 3 Republicans running for 4 full-term seats

Incumbent Advantage

• Bryant: Only incumbent running for full term
• Aselta & Ferrara: Recently appointed (Oct & Sept 2025), slight incumbency advantage

Voter Strategy

If you want balanced representation:

• Vote for Bryant (D) plus 2-3 Republicans depending on other races

If you prioritize experience:

• Bryant (2 years BOF service)
• Aselta (EY Partner career, recent appointment)
• Ferrara (recent appointment, Mock Trial/environmental work)

If you prioritize specific expertise:

• Tech/Innovation: Bryant
• Accounting/Audit: Aselta
• Private Equity/Finance: Staehely
• Legal/Transparency: Ferrara

Key Questions by Expertise Area

For Christopher Bryant (Tech/AI Strategy):

1. How will AI and data analytics improve town financial management?
2. How do you balance innovation with fiscal conservatism?
3. What specific improvements have you implemented in your 2 years on BOF?

For Jim Aselta (Accounting/Audit):

1. What audit improvements would you recommend for town operations?
2. How would your EY experience apply to municipal finance?
3. What are the most important financial controls for town government?

For Alex Staehely (Private Equity/Energy):

1. How would PE investment principles apply to town capital planning?
2. What role should energy infrastructure play in town budget planning?
3. How would you evaluate long-term town investments?

For Annalise Ferrara (Legal/Transparency):

1. How specifically would you increase budget transparency?
2. What legal issues do you see in current budget processes?
3. How would your accounting education complement your legal background?

Questions for All Voters to Consider

About Experience & Qualifications

1. How important is prior BOF service? (Bryant has 2 years; Aselta & Ferrara appointed 2025)
2. Which professional background is most relevant to BOF work?
3. Do you value specialized expertise or generalist approach?

About Party Balance

4. Should you vote for partisan balance or expertise?
5. With 3 Republicans and 1 Democrat, how do you create desired composition?

About Fiscal Philosophy

6. Do you prefer conservative fiscal approach or strategic investment?
7. How should town balance services with tax burden?
8. What is appropriate level of capital spending?

About Communication & Transparency

9. Is budget process sufficiently transparent?
10. Should financial information be more accessible to residents?

About Specific Expertise

11. Is AI/tech expertise valuable for modern town finance? (Bryant)
12. Is professional auditing essential for oversight? (Aselta)
13. Should BOF include private equity perspective? (Staehely)
14. Is legal expertise important for financial decisions? (Ferrara)

Additional Context: Daniel Gershburg (Not Running)

Important Clarification: Daniel Gershburg (D) currently serves on the Board of Finance but is NOT running in the 2025 election.

• Appointed: February 28, 2025
• Term: Through November 9, 2027
• Status: Will continue serving regardless of 2025 election outcome
• Background: Real estate and bankruptcy attorney, partner at KGMD law firm
• Role: Secretary of Weston Democratic Town Committee

Gershburg's presence ensures Democratic representation on the board through 2027, which affects party balance calculations.

Historical Context

2023 Election (Bryant's Initial Election)

• Christopher Bryant (D): 1,876 votes (57.94%)
• Theresa Brasco (R): 1,362 votes (42.06%)
• Bryant won the 2-year vacancy seat decisively

Current Board Composition

• 7 total members with staggered 4-year terms
• Multiple seats up in different election cycles
• Daniel Gershburg (D) serving through 2027
• Other members' terms vary

Resources

Full Candidate Profiles

• Christopher Bryant: View Profile
• Jim Aselta: View Profile
• Alex Staehely: View Profile
• Annalise Ferrara: View Profile
• Daniel Gershburg (not running): View Profile

Contact Information

Christopher Bryant:

• Email: cbryant@westonct.gov
• Professional: Clarion Collective

Jim Aselta:

• Email: jaselta@westonct.gov
• Professional: Southern Connecticut State University, School of Business

Alex Staehely:

• Professional: LS Power Equity Advisors, New York
• Residence: 42 Lords Highway, Weston

Annalise Ferrara:

• Email: aferrara@westonct.gov
• Residence: Weston, CT

Additional Resources

• Town Website: westonct.gov - Board of Finance
• Board of Finance Meetings: First Monday of each month (check website)
• Budget Documents: Available on town website
• League of Women Voters: Non-partisan candidate information
• Weston Today: Local election coverage

Voting Information

• Election Day: November 4, 2025
• Early Voting: October 20 - November 2, 2025
• Sample Ballot: Available at Town Clerk's office and westonct.gov
• Absentee Ballots: Contact Town Clerk

Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Note: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of October 2025. Three of the four candidates have limited detailed campaign platform information publicly available (Aselta, Staehely, Ferrara). Voters are strongly encouraged to:

• Attend candidate forums (especially important for this race)
• Request detailed policy positions from all candidates
• Review Board of Finance meeting minutes
• Understand each candidate's vision for town financial management
• Consider how different expertise areas complement each other on the board

Important Voting Consideration: With 4 seats available and 4 candidates (1D, 3R), voters who want balanced representation should carefully consider their votes to achieve desired party composition on the board.