NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter(s) of endorsement. We will publish endorsement letters from New Canaan residents through Oct. 24. Please send them to editor@newcanaanite.com.
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New Canaan is rich with talent, financial resources, physical beauty and historic charm. These resources will have to be managed by a balanced, thoughtful and responsive First Selectman to keep New Canaan the special place we all love.
I am supporting Dionna Carlson for several reasons. She has a proven record of achievement in Town government having served for eight years on the Board of Education, three years as Chairman. She has served in leadership roles in many community organizations including currently as a Senior Deacon for the Congregational Church of New Canaan. She has strong academic credentials, a B.S. in Finance from The University of Illinois graduating with high honors.
She has the requisite financial skills, knowledge and professional background to understand the complex financial structures of Town government.
Perhaps more importantly, she has a vision for our Town based on issues that concern all members of the community: excellent education, care for our Seniors, investment in infrastructure, financial disciplines and integrity in government. She will be proactive in seeking a resolution to address affordable Housing. She has the courage to correct the problems in the office for which she seeks and the government she wants to lead. She maintains the right balance between strength of character and compassion in dealing with the many sensitive issues and disparate points of view which arise in our town. She will be inclusive and attract bright, new energetic people into Town government to help bring a fresh perspective to major issues.
Please join me in supporting Dionna Carlson for First Selectman. She is the right person, for the right reasons at the right time.
Judy A Neville
Former First Selectman
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Editor, NewCanaanite.com,
In my 35 years living in New Canaan, I do not know if I have met anyone more committed to and motivated by both community and compassion than Lauren Connolly Nussbaum. Whether you know her from school, sports, or the many other worthy organizations she works so hard to uplift, Lauren is someone who is always raising their hand, asking “how can I help?” Regardless if it is the overdue task of renovating The Dome, redistributing sports gear, supporting Special Education families, or offering to drop off a good book with a bowl of soup, Lauren is always ready and willing to do what is needed for the betterment of those around her.
Lauren’s only “agenda” is our children. We are so fortunate she is now seeking a seat to listen to all experts and stakeholders, kids included, on the Board level to rationally make balanced decisions that will ensure New Canaan students are receiving the best education possible, as efficiently and effectively as possible — something we have seen her do with finesse in her roles as South School PTC Board of Education Liaison and as Celebrate Saxe Annual Campaign Co-Chair.
Lauren has the parent, coach, and resident experience to collaborate with fellow BOE members and help steer our schools through the next four years, and notably she also has actual BOE experiential knowledge from her extensive attendance and participation through her PTC role. In combination with the skills and wisdom gleaned from her careers across legal, nonprofit, and education sectors, Lauren is uniquely positioned to hit the ground running and will endeavor to maintain our schools’ top ratings while also making sure each and every child’s education is investigated holistically so that all students have the benefit of feeling like they belong in our schools.
I can’t wait to fill in the bubble by Lauren Nussbaum’s name; I hope you will join me in voting for Lauren, Josh Kaye, Brendan Hayes, and the entire Democratic slate.
Alyssa MacKenzie
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Dear New Canaan residents:
I am writing this letter to enthusiastically endorse the candidacy of Amy Murphy Carroll for First Selectwoman of New Canaan.
I have personally known Amy since our children attended West School and played sports together almost 25 years ago. More recently, I have served together with her as an Alternate member of the Board of Finance. Having seen her expertise and knowledge of finance on display at the Board, I can say without hesitation that Amy is an outstanding candidate who has the best skill set to serve as New Canaan’s First Selectwoman.
Amy’s background and 30 years of experience in municipal finance make her uniquely qualified to serve as First Selectwoman. She recently retired from JPMorgan, where among other things, she had responsibility for analyzing financings by all municipalities in Connecticut. Amy has drawn on that extensive knowledge and experience throughout her 10 years of service on New Canaan’s Board of Finance.
On the Board, Amy utilizes her analytical skills and expertise to dig down into the details and ask probing questions to presenters. She has a strong commitment to fiscal discipline and does not hesitate to challenge the explanations that have been offered by town officials for cost overruns on a series of projects.
In addition to her role on the Board, Amy has also demonstrated leadership and commitment to the town by serving on the Police Building Committee, the Saxe Building Committee and other town bodies. The town has benefitted greatly from Amy’s extensive town service over many years and her commitment to openness and transparency in town government.
Please join me in voting for Amy Murphy Carroll as New Canaan’s next First Selectwoman on November 7th.
Colm Dobbyn