1. What motivated you to run for office this year, and what do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Two things. Public service is very important to me, I try to find ways to give back to the community. With my background in education and administration, it was a natural fit. I have 2 small kids in the system, so anything I can do to help out them is fabulous. And we live in very uncertain times. Teachers need more autonomy. So do parents. I want to be a voice of reason in a space that seems to have less and less reason.
2. What do you see as the single biggest issue facing East Lyme right now?
The budget is what I hear the most about. How the money is spent, and how transparently it is spent.
3. How would you balance keeping our town affordable with maintaining strong schools, services, and infrastructure?
We have to look at what we already spend and make sure the allocations are being done efficiently, to reduce any type of waste or bureaucracy. I am also a big believe that the better we fund our schools the better the value of our town will be. A good school system is the rising tide that lifts all boats.
4. What experience or perspective do you bring that you feel will help you serve effectively on your board/committee?
I am a teacher for over 20 years in higher education. I am attuned to the needs of teachers in public education, I’ve taught for a number of public schools. I am the administrator for an academic program, not only do I teach and shape the curriculum, I also am in charge of the budget, exactly the sort of skills that are needed on the Board of Education.
5. How do you think local government can do a better job of listening to residents and building trust?
Very good question! I believe we do a relatively good job here in EL, it is less a matter of transparency and more a matter of accessibility. Not everybody can go to a public hearing on a weeknight. The ability to connect with people is so important. I would look to models that I already admire and appreciate, 20th District CT State Rep. Nick Menapace goes to places where he connects with people and just talks. The meetings, the email, the websites, all just reinforce that everyone has access to our local leadership.
6. What’s your favorite spot in East Lyme or Niantic, and why?
McCook’s Park, it’s the reason why we moved here. My kids have grown up playing on that playground and I find it to be one of the most peaceful spots in the region.
7. If you could plan a perfect Saturday in East Lyme, what would it include?
It would have to include coffee and a scone from Café Sole to get things started. It would inevitably a baseball or soccer game for the kids. A short hike at Oswegatchie. And then you gotta’ browse at the Book Barn.
8. What is one local business you think everyone in town should know about and support?
Props to Cafe Sole for sure, but I think maybe I have to say: Tumbleweeds. Great music, great gear and Tara is just the best about music and life.
9. Who is someone in our community (past or present) that you admire, and why?
I’ve been here for 6 years, which makes me a total newbie. I’m gonna say Dave Jacobs, he’s the one who got me into politics, and he has worked ceaselessly for this town for over 3 decades, I’m constantly amazed by his work ethic and his dedication to the area.
10. If East Lyme had a town mascot, what would you nominate?
The East Lyme Public Library created Scallop Dude, it is a scallop, so we already get the water connection for Niantic. But he is also super cool, and he loves books.
11. Campaigning can be stressful -- what’s your go-to comfort food or snack during the season?
Having a quiet night at home playing a game or watching a move with my family. Also, chocolate, does that count too?
12. If you could instantly become an expert in any completely unrelated field (music, carpentry, juggling chainsaws), what would it be?
A musician. I do not have the skills to be a real musician, but I aspire to be one, that would be amazing.
13. What’s the most unusual or surprising job you’ve ever had?
I conducted research for David Byrne about Imelda Marcos. He wrote a musical called Here Lies Love, and I was brought in to do some research about Imelda.