Terry Tonina Says She Brings New Ideas to Berlin GOP Ticket

Even if you don't know Terry Tonina, you probably know Terry Tonina.

She lived in the house at the corner of Alling and Harris that boasts hundreds of red bows. She has also owned Rich's Citgo III on Main Street in Kensington for the last 23 years.

Tonina was introduced as a candidate for Town Council by the Republican Town Committee Monday night. She is a newcomer to politics but not to the town of Berlin.

"I don't like the way things are being done in town government right now," Tonina said. "Look at the town referendum. We only get 6 percent out to vote and even though the budget was defeated they still did what they wanted. The high school project is another example of them doing whatever they want. They knew it was going to be over budget so to cover their backsides they got money from the state. We will eventually end up paying for it." 

Tonina said that she does not think the Democratic controlled majority (for the last 10 years) has performed on behalf of the residents.

"We need to do what the town wants us to do and not what our party wants us to do," she said. "If I am elected I will listen to the voters and work hard to do the things they ask me to do."

Tonina said she feels the ned to run to pay back a town that has helped her and her family throughout her lifetime.

"I met David Evans at a breakfast and we talked for quite a while and here I am," she said. "I have owned a business here in town for 23 years. this town has been my home and I owe them a lot. My daughter Tara had a terrible accident and the town was there to help us. The politicians, the schools, everybody in this town has helped my family and I can't tell you how thankful I am. I know people feel they don't have a voice and I intend to pay them back by being that voice.