ABOUT US

David Portanova is a lifelong Stamford resident and candidate for the Board of Representatives in District 13. After decades of work across the city, he brings both a deep connection to the community and a practical understanding of how Stamford operates.

David began his career with his father and uncle’s company, C & P Excavating, before founding Portanova Excavating in 1988 with his brother Michael Portanova. Over the years, he has worked on nearly every aspect of construction and infrastructure—site work, gas lines, building projects, demolition, and underground utilities including water, sewage, storm drains, and electrical systems. His work has touched projects on almost every road and street in Stamford. With this hands-on experience, David doesn’t just talk about infrastructure—he has built and repaired it himself. He understands what works, what doesn’t, and how to deliver smart, lasting improvements to roads, bridges, traffic patterns, and zoning regulations. This makes him especially well-suited to serve on the Land Use & Urban Redevelopment, Operations, and Transportation Committees of the Board of Representatives.

In addition to his construction career, David holds a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Quinnipiac University. This academic background complements his real-world experience and prepares him to contribute effectively to the Fiscal Committee, where bonding, capital, and special projects require responsible and transparent decision-making.

David approaches public service with integrity, guided by the Connecticut State Constitution, OSHA regulations, and the Stamford City Charter. His goal is to ensure that all decisions are operationally sound, financially responsible, and respectful of Stamford’s neighborhoods and character.

David has been married to Laura C. Portanova for many years, and together they have two adult children. He is also a proud dog owner of twin toy poodles. His family is deeply rooted in Stamford—his two sisters Debbie Nelson and Susan Rogliano own Heart of Gold LLC on Hope Street, and his sister-in-law Robin Portanova runs Just the Peace, Nonprofit Store Affiliated with Stamford Education 4 Autism, also on Hope Street. 

 

 

 Dr. James Sarnelle, M.D., was born in Brooklyn, New York, and practiced General, Vascular and Trauma Surgery in Stamford for over 30 years. A graduate with high honors from Columbia University and New York Medical College, he completed five years of surgical internship and residency training at Stamford Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia Presbyterian, Westchester County Medical Center, and Lincoln Hospital. He was board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and was a member of  The American College of Surgeons and completed a vascular surgery fellowship at Lehigh Valley Medical Center. As an Attending Surgeon at both St. Joseph Medical Center and Stamford Hospital, Dr. Sarnelle served on numerous surgical committees to ensure quality outcomes in the Departments of Surgery. A pioneer in surgery, Dr. Sarnelle was the first surgeon in Connecticut to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy(gallbladder removal). This turned a 5 day hospital stay and  5 inch incision into a day surgery procedure with minimal pain and scarring.  Dr. Sarnelle has been married to his wife, Judith Gutowski Sarnelle (President of St. Leo’s Seniors), for 43 years, and together they have four adult children, including a teacher in the Stamford Public Schools. Judith Sarnelle is a life-long resident of Stamford. James and Judy have lived in Westover for 36 years.

Dr. Sarnelle’s medical expertise directly connects to the responsibilities of the Stamford Board of Representatives. His knowledge makes him well-suited for the Public Safety & Health Committee, which oversees the Police, Fire, and Health Departments, monitors emergency services, and reviews public health ordinances. His decades of experience caring for patients and coordinating with hospitals uniquely position him to strengthen Stamford’s public health preparedness, safety policies, and emergency response systems. In addition, his understanding of community health needs aligns with the work of the Housing/Community Development-Social Services Committee, which manages affordable housing initiatives, CDBG and HOME funds, and partnerships with local housing organizations. Finally, his familiarity with hospital operations and health insurance matters also ties into the Personnel Committee, where he can provide insight into human resources and healthcare coverage. Through his professional background and lifelong commitment to service, Dr. Sarnelle brings both expertise and compassion to the work of the Board of Representatives.