As Election Day approaches, we sat down with Dan Cunningham, East Lyme’s Democratic candidate for First Selectman, to talk about two issues on nearly everyone’s mind: affordable housing and taxes.
Dan is known around town for his steady leadership style—an attorney by training, but one who prefers listening to lecturing. Whether he’s helping a neighbor navigate a zoning question or participating at a community event, Dan’s approach to government is grounded in practical problem-solving and a belief that small towns thrive when everyone has a stake in their future.
East Lyme First Selectman Dan Cunningham (right) with Board of Selectman candidate Cindy Collins
1. East Lyme housing costs have increased sharply in the past decade. How do you balance the need for affordable housing with residents’ concerns about preserving the town’s character and property values?
That’s really the heart of the matter. We can respect East Lyme’s character and expand affordability—it’s not one or the other. Smart planning means small-scale, mixed-income developments that look like they belong here. Affordable housing doesn’t have to mean apartment towers. It can mean repurposed older homes, accessory apartments, or cottages that give teachers, seniors, and young families a place in our community.
We’ve got to use zoning thoughtfully and partner with responsible developers who understand what makes Niantic and East Lyme special. The goal is to keep our town livable, not to pave it over.
2. What specific steps are you taking as First Selectman to help make East Lyme more affordable for middle-class families and seniors living on fixed incomes?
Affordability goes beyond rent or mortgages—it’s about the total cost of living. I am focusing on three things:
Energy-efficient housing that lowers monthly bills,
Expanded tax relief for seniors, veterans, and working families, and
Smarter budgeting utilizing strategic planning concepts to get the most out of every tax revenue dollar.
And don’t forget that e can also collaborate regionally—on transportation, on emergency services—to cut costs while improving quality. If we make decisions based on data, not drama, we can hold the line on taxes and make East Lyme more affordable for the people who built it.
3. Some residents worry that affordable housing projects could strain schools or town services. How do you respond to those concerns?
That concern is understandable—but the numbers tell a different story. Modest, well-planned developments tend to bring in a few students per year, not floods of new enrollees. Meanwhile, they contribute to the tax base and support local businesses. What really strains schools is the opposite—when families can’t afford to stay here. Declining enrollment hurts programs and budgets. A balanced mix of housing helps keep our schools strong, our town vibrant, and our Main Street alive.
4. Taxes are always a hot topic. How are you keeping property taxes stable while ensuring the town continues to invest in infrastructure, schools, and public safety?
Property taxes keep the lights on—but they shouldn’t be the only tool in the box. We need to plan better, not just spend less. That means fixing roads and roofs before they crumble, not after. It means collaborating with nearby towns on shared services like waste management. And we need to grow the right way—supporting local business, attracting small employers, and promoting responsible tourism that helps pay for the things we all enjoy. Fiscal responsibility shouldn’t means planning for tomorrow.
5. If re-elected, how would you encourage community input on housing and tax decisions, so residents feel genuinely heard—not just “consulted”?
Transparency shouldn’t just mean publishing PDFs. I want to make it easy for folks to show up, speak up, and stay involved. That includes regular town halls focused on specific issues, online input options for those who can’t attend in person, and commissions that reflect the full diversity of East Lyme—not just the same handful of voices.
When people see their ideas make it into real policy, they start believing in local government again. That’s the kind of trust we need to rebuild.
“We all want the same thing—an East Lyme that works for everyone. The young families trying to get their start, the retirees who’ve spent a lifetime here, the small business owners who invest in Main Street. Good government isn’t flashy; it’s steady, transparent, and fair. That’s what I’m offering.”