A Shared Vision: We need to work with residents to get their input and build a shared vision for the future of New Canaan that we can all feel good about. As a first selectman, I will listen to residents, seek input in a professional manner, build consensus and deliver results. I will communicate in a timely manner, and provide access to important documents, contracts, financials and studies affecting our town. I will also make sure that that the Freedom of Information Act is followed by all town bodies, including all subcommittees.

Develop an Affordable Housing Strategy: We need to develop an affordable housing strategy that ensures that residents have input and control over how the town meets the requirements of 8-30g. I will engage our state representatives to ensure we are making our best efforts to advocate for New Canaan in Hartford. I will coordinate this strategy with our new Affordable Housing Committee, Planning and Zoning and incorporate it into our Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). Prioritizing our residents’ enjoyment of their property and our town’s quaint New England charm, while meeting the 8-30g affordable housing demands, is achievable with thoughtful strategic planning. Senior housing is also an unmet need that requires our attention. Let’s lead the state on these issues with best practices while preserving our natural landscape and beauty.

Better telecommunications strategy: We need to challenge all proposals to improve cell service to ensure that the least invasive technologies have been considered. I will lead the efforts to find solutions that protect our public land, and not pursue private land to build cell towers on. The need for cell service has to be objectively vetted by a neutral third-party entity that can provide a transparent baseline that targets gaps in cell coverage. New, cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on carrier neutrality, need to be explored to fix coverage gaps while prioritizing valuable public land, our residents’ enjoyment of their property, protecting our local schools and assuring first responders’ safety and effectiveness.

Continue to support our schools with a focus on safety: We need to maintain our school excellence and place a priority on funding school safety, as determined by the BOE, to assure that children and teachers are protected at the highest level possible while simultaneously supporting our highly valued first responders – police, fire and EMS – who keep us safe.

Reduce tax burden: We need to analyze spending and find ways to reduce it given New Canaan has one of the highest debt per capita ratios in the state in order to offset the high-cost burden of living in our town and in Connecticut. Keeping our mill rate down supports our property values and community desirability.

Support local businesses: We need to nurture our downtown businesses. They were hit hard by Covid and stayed the course. I will do the same for them by supporting our local Chamber of Commerce and our Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee (TEDAC) in their work to promote New Canaan. We are a shopping, restaurant, and cultural heritage destination.

Historic preservation: We need to respect and honor our history by preserving and retaining our historic structures. We’ve seen how much passion our community has for historic buildings. Respecting our past and the lived history of our residents makes our community stronger and more vibrant. Exploring public private partnerships to offset the costs of preservation for taxpayers will be explored should the need arise.

Focus on physical and mental wellbeing of residents: We need to be aware of the after effects of the Covid Pandemic. Raising awareness of this and working to help anyone who suffers mentally or physically is our job as a community. I will elevate our Urgent Assessment Program, health officials, and resources available to our community.