New Council Takes Office, with Education as Top Priority

Council members congratulate Enfield’s new mayor, Gina Cekala, at the Town Council’s Nov. 10, 2025 meeting. From left are Republicans Lori Unghire and Marie Pyznar, and joining by video, State Rep. Carol Hall. Democrats, from left, are Cynthia Mangini, Bob Cressotti, Mayor Gina Cekala, Deputy Mayor and State Rep. John Santanella, Linda Allegro, Maya Nicole Matthews, Aaron Thomas, and Zach Zannoni.

The new Enfield Town Council took office Monday night, six days after a landslide Democratic victory that unseated the Republican majority, opening its term with a commitment to education funding and a promise of unity.

Gina Cekala, an attorney and seven-term councilmember, was unanimously elected mayor after being nominated by Councilmember newcomer Maya Nicole Matthews, who called the moment “a turning point” for Enfield and praised women’s leadership in local government.

“People are tired of drama and division,” Matthews said. “Women in Enfield turned out to vote in record numbers, and because of that, we now have a women’s majority on both the Town Council and the Board of Education. That’s not just a statistic — that’s a statement.”

Cekala Outlines Priorities

After being sworn in, Cekala outlined priorities centered on education, infrastructure, and shared governance.

“I renew my dedication to funding and supporting our education in this town,” Cekala said. “I will continue my commitment to our kids, our seniors, and our infrastructure.… This is not my council. This is our council. This is not my town. This is our town.”

Santanella Drives Home the Point

State Rep. John Santanella, who will serve as deputy mayor, reinforced the education theme.

“The war on public education in this town is over and help is on the way,” he said.

With an 8–3 majority, Democrats can advance their agenda, but the meeting was marked by graciousness across party lines.

“There are 11 of us up here, each one having a diverse area of expertise, having our own opinion and having the right to be heard,” Cekala said.

Gracious Start to a New Term 

Republican council members Marie Pyznar and State Rep. Carol Hall congratulated Cekala and voiced support for bipartisan cooperation.

“I look forward to the next two years working with a fabulous new team, and I can’t wait to see what great things we can accomplish together,” Pyznar said.

“I look forward to moving forward in a bipartisan way,” Hall said.

With seven women among its eleven members, the 2025–27 council has one of the highest rates of female representation in Enfield’s history.

The majority also inherits a challenge: limited reserves and a looming property revaluation that could pressure next year’s budget. Both parties have relied on the fund balance in recent years to keep tax increases down.