What is your primary goal in running for Planning Commission in East Lyme?

I was very disturbed by the direction our country was going in after January this year. My first thought was that somebody has to do something! Then I thought, “Hey, I am somebody! “ so I went to my first-ever Democratic meeting and asked, “Tell me what I can do.”

2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme voters?

The biggest issue is balancing growth versus taxes. Allowing more homes and businesses helps reduce the tax rate, but how do they affect the character of our beautiful town?

3. How do you see the need to balance affordability with support for our towns departments and infrastructure?

By being very selective about what and where we allow further growth.

4. What experience and what perspective do you bring that will help you be successful in this new role if you are elected?

I was born in a small town in New Jersey, not unlike Niantic. Unfortunately, over the years, the town's government allowed for uncontrolled growth. When I was young in Hazlet, there were 2 schools; now there are 8. Today, East Lyme and Hazlet have roughly the same population; however, East Lyme is 47 square miles, and Hazlet is 5. When I was born, Hazlet was a nice mix of farms, homes, and businesses. Now it is one big development with large stores dominating the highways. I have seen what uncontrolled growth can do to a community, and I hope to make sure that we find a way to keep our taxes low without sacrificing our way of life.

5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening and building trust in the community?

We need to find ways to ensure that all our citizens know how to have their concerns addressed. I often see people complaining quite loudly about various town issues, but they do not know how to resolve their problems. An example might be someone complaining about bushes growing up at an intersection, hindering views of oncoming traffic, but it never occurs to them that a simple call can often resolve the problem in a matter of hours.

6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic?

McCook Park and the boardwalk. Amazing views. When some of my out-of-state friends ask why I don't retire to a warmer place like Florida or Arizona, I just send them a pic I just took from my walk and tell them I live in Paradise. Shuts them up immediately. LOL!

7. What would a perfect Saturday in East Lyme include?

McCook Park, boardwalk, walking Main Street, dinner at any of our lovely restaurants, and finish off with Dairy Queen, and/or Gumdrops and Lollipops.

8. What is one local business that you think people should come out and support?

Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Lovely people and so much fun!

9. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what or who should it be?

Shelly the Scallop.

10. Campaigning can be stressful, what do you recommend for relaxation after a day out on the trail?

Dairy Queen, and/or Gumdrops and Lollipops. Plus playing the guitar

11. What unusual job have you had in the past?

Too many. I was Monmouth County’s snake remover. If a homeowner had a snake in their yard that they wanted removed, they sent me to catch it. (There are no poisonous snakes in Monmouth County.) My current side hustle is to go to people's yards to pull out their poison ivy by hand.

12. Any good suggestions for a town motto?

“Over the river and through the woods, East Lyme is where you want to go.”