I am grateful to the East Haddam News for providing a space for candidates to share their views so that voters can make informed decisions. Both myself and my opponent were given the same questions and asked to submit answers and a short bio in under 600 words. The response I sent to the paper was 583 words.

 

This is the full unabridged version.Q&A From East Haddam News - expanded and unedited from 10/16/25 edition

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Having now served two years on the board of selectmen, I have a solid understanding of the issues facing East Haddam and changes that need to be addressed. I make decisions based on the best interest of the town, not partisan rhetoric, personal agenda or political gain. As a selectperson, I have opposed cuts to services while also challenging unnecessary spending; I have listened to citizens’ concerns and connected individuals and organizations with needed resources, guidance and assistance, and I have always insisted that the public be kept informed and allowed to express their concerns in an open, respectful forum. 

 

If elected, I will work to put policies in place which will ensure that we retain our town character and quality of services while at the same time fostering healthy development so we can lower the tax burden on homeowners.

 

I will work every day to make East Haddam thrive and prosper now and in the future.

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1. What leadership qualities would you bring to the First Selectman's office?

Unfortunately since 2021, East Haddam has suffered from leadership that exploits disagreements, fosters discord, manipulates information and personnel and lacks both transparency and a respect for rules and procedure. I have always sought to make, foster and strengthen connections through respect and civility; I believe that finding common ground is always possible when we are able to discuss our disagreements civilly and identify common goals. Collectively working toward a shared objective makes it easier to move past disagreements and prioritize actions accordingly. A strong leader seeks to unite, a weak leader thrives on division.

 

2. What is the best way to move forward on the town's ambulance services?

I have been vocal in my support of EHAA and drafted a resolution to create a task force to study ambulance service in April of 2024 but Selectman Dill voted no, stating that we would not be able to find enough objective citizens in town to serve on the task force. I have more faith in our townspeople than that; I believe that appointing a task force with a clear and focused mission to provide facts and data is the most straightforward way to determine the best course of action. In the absence of a task force, we should honor our long-standing agreement with the East Haddam Ambulance Association to ensure that our residents and visitors prompt access to emergency medical care is never in question.

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3. How should elected officials use social media?

I support everyone’s Constitutional right to free speech, however with that right comes responsibility. Social media can be a useful tool for sharing information but it can incite heated emotions far too easily. Elected officials are always held to a higher standard of accountability thus any comments made publicly, on social media or elsewhere, need to be considered carefully. Great care must be taken to never comment from a place of anger or antagonism; violence, bullying and hate speech are never acceptable. I will defend my constituents, the rule of law, freedom of speech and the democratic process in any and every way that I can. I will however always denounce vitriol, malevolence and vengeance regardless of the source.

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4. What do you see as the future of the abandoned Black Birch Golf Club?

I think that this could be a unique opportunity for the town but we need to do our due diligence and fully explore all of the potential consequences, impacts and  benefits thoroughly before making any decisions. The golf course could be either a great boon to our economy or a long-term burden; any proposal must be carefully considered in both the short and long-term and balanced with current needs of the town.

 

5. What's the best way for the town to avoid multiple budget referendums?

Having an administration that works together for the benefit of the town and does not seek to further individual agendas will make a significant difference in our budget process. Publicizing more educational material and encouraging participation in the process will promote citizen engagement. Making the budget information more accessible will also make a positive impact and hopefully help to increase voter participation.

 

6. How would you stimulate economic development in town?

I strongly support development that is in keeping with the character of our town and doesn’t endanger our quality of air, water and soil. We have an abundance of outdoor recreation, cultural and historic sites and rural charm and beauty. I will actively promote our town’s assets to increase tourism in our area as a means of boosting our local economy. Promoting East Haddam as a tourist destination while establishing pathways for small scale hospitality, dining, retail and entertainment ventures will benefit the numerous local artisans, crafters, merchants, musicians, farm stands and business owners. Creating consistency, clarification and conformity in our town codes and policies will provide the stable outline needed to attract businesses and boost the town’s economy.

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