With great enthusiasm and focused energy, I am pleased to seek a continued position on the Town Council. Within the committee structure on the Council I have actively served on all aspects of Town Council activities, both as a committee member and Chair/co-chair, and bring that institutional knowledge and experience to the next four-year term of the Council.

The busy time of year on the Council is February with a focus on the Town and Board of Education budgets. With the subcommittees having interfaced with the departments and BOE throughout the year, analysis of the budget allows for additional consideration of operational direction. During this past year’s budget process, several issues caught my attention. First, there was significant discussion with the Board of Education about some new programs and consideration on how to prioritize those or any new programming. Coupled with that was awareness of unfunded mandates emanating from Hartford. Secondly, the handsome new Library is offering an array of exciting new programs and has received enthusiastic response from the public. Discussion centered on the effect of expanded programming on the Library’s budget and, since the Town supports 75% of that budget, to what degree should the taxpayer fund this growth. Sensing financial growth concerns for both the BOE and Library, I have proposed the governing bodies engage in in-depth analysis of these programs and establish realistic budget growth expectations.

Similarly, I’ve proposed establishment of a Charter Revision Commission. The Town Charter was updated and revised in 2015 with a recommendation to consider updating in a decade. Believing every organization would benefit from a thorough and healthy periodic review of their policies, procedures, goals and objectives, as I did a decade ago, I’ve proposed Town Council call for a Charter Revision.

My husband and I moved to New Canaan in 1975. Once settled I became a volunteer in town, regional and state activities, each having brought many varied and challenging experiences. After raising two children through their New Canaan school careers, I’ve been a tireless advocate for the medical and recreational needs and interests of our community’s adults. With a MS in Gerontology from the College of New Rochelle, I spearheaded the successful development and expansion of Lapham Community Center. Additional Board positions have been Waveny LifeCare Network; the Area Agency on Aging; the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity; and advisory positions on the Getabout and Staying Put. Public policy development has also been a focus with the League of Women Voters and the Yankee Institute. Cultural arts with the New Canaan Beautification League and the Orchestra Lumos round out my volunteer commitments. These organizations bring broad and impactful experiences which augment my commitment to the Town Council and heighten the value of institutional knowledge I’ll share on the Council. I look forward to renewed service and respectfully ask for your support at the Caucus.