News

Letter: Two BOE Members Endorse Brendan Hayes and Julie Reeves

By |

Editor,

We are writing in support of both Brendan Hayes and Julie Reeves for re-election to the Board of Education. Brendan Hayes works hard to make sure New Canaan Public Schools efficiently educate each child to the fullest. He leverages his financial expertise to ensure that the Board of Education budgets are transparent, clear and deliver the maximum return on our Town’s investment. He serves on the BOE Resource Committee and updated the BOE policy that charges non-BOE entities for using school property. In recognition of his leadership, Brendan was elected Chair of the BOE this year, where he ably stewarded the budget through the town approval process and built strong relationships with town officials. Striving for the highest quality public education for New Canaan’s students comes naturally to Brendan Hayes. Brendan’s parents were teachers and then administrators.

Election 2019

Letter: Mark Grzymski for Town Coucncil 

By |

As a lifelong registered Republican, the time has never been more important to put aside party affiliations and seek out the best candidates for each and every role in local, state and federal government. Our system of government is bankrupt and broken. Fiscal deficits beyond belief, ballooning government debt that will never be repaid, abominable policy choices and a dramatic amount of “kicking the can down the road” has led the country and the state into uncharted fiscal waters. The effects of the incredible amount if irresponsibility from the federal and state government have come home to roost in New Canaan and more broadly in Fairfield County. 

However, looking deeper and specifically at New Canaan there is a more local and pressing issue—Wall Street. Regardless of your view of Wall Street and financial services more broadly (including PE funds, hedge funds, asset managers, attorneys and all the middle office and back office support) the impact of the gutting of Financial Services has taken a dramatic toll on New Canaan.

Craig Donovan

Letter: Craig Donovan for First Selectman

By |

The town of New Canaan is to me, like you, a place I have always considered home, where lives were formed and happy memories made, where friendships developed and a strong sense of community built. With the upcoming election, New Canaan should preserve community by addressing present challenges and position itself for future prosperity. With the 2017 Tax Act limiting the deductibility of state and local taxes as well as mortgage interest payments, the town of New Canaan must become more flexible in its fiscal planning to confront the challenges these changes present. Such a response should draw on professional expertise so as to engage thoughtfully, clearly and effectively in laying the groundwork for a sound fiscal future. In this regard, the town of New Canaan is very fortunate to have Craig Donovan offering his time, skills and expertise to become First Selectman. His 30-year career in public management education and advisory work give him the skills and background to bring best practices to bear in New Canaan’s government. 

Through various nonprofits, Craig has leveraged his expertise at the intersection of education and community service.

Craig Donovan

Election 2019 Podcast: First Selectman Candidate Craig Donovan

By |



This week on 0684-Radi0, our free weekly podcast (subscribe here in the iTunes Store), we talk to Craig Donovan, a New Canaan Democrat running for first selectman. He’s challenging Republican incumbent Kevin Moynihan on Nov. 5. New Canaanite is one proud co-sponsor of the League of Women Voters of New Canaan Candidates Debate, to be held Wednesday, October 23rd at Town Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the debate starts at 7.

Election 2019

Letter: Robin Bates-Mason Will Bring ‘Fresh Perspective’ to Town Council

By |

Robin Bates-Mason has the leadership qualities and skill set that will bring a fresh perspective to our Town Council. A 20 year resident and mom of two in the New Canaan school system, Robin’s commitment to service is perhaps her strongest defining characteristic. The driving force in her efforts is her belief in sustainability, environmental preservation, and education – for our youth and for a better tomorrow. Between her work on League of Women Voters, Beautification League, Planet New Canaan, and more, Robin exemplifies the belief that the best way to contribute to our local community is directly. This value system rooted in volunteerism is just a component of what qualifies Robin for Town Council. With a background in banking and finance, she has the analytical skill set to make sound and thoughtful decisions. Robin is accustomed to looking at data, gathering information, and working with others to gain the best possible result. She is equally cogitative and collaborative. Robin has the right temperament for local government.