1. What motivated you to run for Treasurer of East Lyme this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I’m chair of the East Lyme Pension Board, so I’ve been seeing some of the inner workings of the finances of our town. I believe I would be a good fit for this since I’ve done this kind of work my entire career. I was Finance and IT Director for the cities of Meriden and New Britain, my entire professional life has been in municipal government. I’d like to get the audits back on track because we are significantly behind, and I believe I know just how we can achieve this, based on my experience. I’m also willing to reach across the political aisle to help get things done.
2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?
Lack of affordable housing.
3. How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?
To do that, you probably need to spend some money, but the key is in the prioritization. Make sure we are doing things for people that really get used, so that there are not wasted services.
4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively as Treasurer?
My 40 years of experience as a Finance and IT director. I’m also certified as a professional finance officer through GFOA, it’s an international body that provides these certifications.
5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?
From what I’ve seen in my career, there is a public comment at meetings, but it goes in one ear and out the other at public meetings. Elected officials really need to listen to citizens as a whole.
6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?
McCook’s and Zini Park, because of the beaches and the great activities that are held there.
7. If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?
Probably a picnic at McCook’s Beach and then one of the concerts at night.
8. What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?
Lyme Tavern, it’s more of a community meeting spot and it is great to spend time there.
9. Who is someone in our community (past or present) that you admire, and why?
Dan Cunningham, because he was dealt a lot of big challenging issues when he first was elected. He has been able to clean up most of them without getting the town involved in lots of lawsuits. He has been an absolute professional, and he has done this great work in a quiet but effective way.
10. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?
I would say the shellfish, maybe a clam or scallop. A Niantic Bay scallop is probably the best mascot for us!
11. Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?
Well, I like potato chips in front of a great show on television!
12. If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field, what would it be?
Probably artificial intelligence, because it is on the cutting edge right now.
13. What’s the most unusual or surprising job you’ve ever had?
I’ve done a lot of things! I was teaching for the MBA program at Magnus Albertus. I worked with a buddy building stone walls across Connecticut.
14. If you had to give East Lyme a new slogan, what would it be?
It’s time for East Lyme.
15. When you need a laugh, what’s your preferred guilty pleasure?
Probably watching Saturday Night Live, or during the week as reruns.