I am running for the position of First Selectman to continue to serve the Town of Hampton. Over the past 25 years I’ve volunteered and served on different boards including the Board of Education, many committees and community organizations.  I currently serve as the Chairman of the Board of Finance, which provides fiscal oversight, a system of checks and balances, and additional representation for taxpayers. I also serve as their representative on the Hampton Scotland Inter-district Education Cost Sharing Committee, on both governance and programming sub-committees. Due to the decline in student enrollment in both schools, this committee was appointed by Hampton and Scotland Selectmen to research and discuss sharing services and to draft a cooperative agreement, which will be disseminated to the public and discussed in public forums. I support an advisory question to facilitate citizen input, but it’s the school boards that statutorily make the decision on educating students in our towns.

If elected, I will continue to work with our boards, commissions, organizations, employees, and community members to best serve our residents. I regularly attend, participate in, and provide information at board and committee meetings, and host Zoom meetings for Town organizations and commissions to help keep the community connected. I’m committed to citizen access to voting on major purchases and budgets in accordance with State Statutes and Town ordinances.  Because I believe in the importance of an informed citizenry, I intend to improve communication by upgrading the website to provide timely notifications and improve its accessibility. I will also reinstitute the First Selectman’s column in the Gazette, and contribute to other local publications. I believe in providing residents with ample opportunities to participate in decision processes and welcome differing views so that Hampton’s future plans are community based.

I believe our greatest assets are our nature preserves, and our citizens – their spirit of volunteerism and diverse interests. I continue to participate in the Senior Organization – helping to prepare scheduled luncheons and organizing flu shot clinics, and to volunteer with the elementary school and the Recreation Committee to plan holiday activities, decorations, and treats for students and teachers. Our construction company has sponsored youth sports teams, donated materials, and provided labor for improvements at the Hampton Elementary School. Through the years I’ve supported many organizations that make our town a community.  I believe this to be an essential role of the First Selectman. I appreciate the opportunity to further serve our community.