Meet Our 2021 Candidates
It's time for change, Cheshire! It's time for fresh perspectives, forward-thinking leaders, sustainable solutions and leadership that listens. Learn more about our candidates and their backgrounds at the links below.
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Town Council At-Large Candidates - Read more
Lynn Alvey Dawson Jennifer Dillon Jami Ferguson Chuck Neth Fiona Pearson |
Town Council District Candidates - Read more
District 1 - Carol Doheny District 2 - Jim Jinks District 3 - Karen Schnitzer District 4 - Peter Talbot |
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Zoning Board of Appeals:
Harold Orlinsky Drew Harris Alternate - Jerry Devine |
Constables
Ron Gagliardi Breina Schain |
Town Council At-Large Candidates
Fiona Pearson – Town Council At-Large
Fiona Pearson has lived in Cheshire for over 17 years with her husband Scott Ellis and two daughters, Seneca and Danielle. Both daughters attended Cheshire’s public schools and the family has been actively involved with many of Cheshire's youth organizations, including Girl Scouts, softball, soccer, volleyball, and theater. Fiona teaches courses in public policy and education at Central Connecticut State University, where she is chairperson of the Department of Sociology and serves on the University Planning and Budget Committee. Committed to public service, Fiona serves on both Cheshire’s Parks and Recreation Commission and Cheshire’s Sustainability Team, and she is Executive Director of the non-profit Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, Inc. In 2021, Cheshire’s Sustainability Team successfully collaborated with municipal leaders as well as local businesses and non-profits to earn bronze-level certification with the state-wide initiative Sustainable CT.
Fiona's priorities are:
Facebook page: @Pearson4Cheshire
Fiona Pearson has lived in Cheshire for over 17 years with her husband Scott Ellis and two daughters, Seneca and Danielle. Both daughters attended Cheshire’s public schools and the family has been actively involved with many of Cheshire's youth organizations, including Girl Scouts, softball, soccer, volleyball, and theater. Fiona teaches courses in public policy and education at Central Connecticut State University, where she is chairperson of the Department of Sociology and serves on the University Planning and Budget Committee. Committed to public service, Fiona serves on both Cheshire’s Parks and Recreation Commission and Cheshire’s Sustainability Team, and she is Executive Director of the non-profit Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, Inc. In 2021, Cheshire’s Sustainability Team successfully collaborated with municipal leaders as well as local businesses and non-profits to earn bronze-level certification with the state-wide initiative Sustainable CT.
Fiona's priorities are:
- Enriching open spaces and parks: Fiona will advocate for a detailed plan that protects our parks, trails and green spaces, while proving diverse and accessible recreational opportunities for residents of all ages in our community.
- Quality education and schools: Cheshire is well known for its great school system, but we must address our aging infrastructure that affects our future attractiveness to families and businesses and the prosperity of our community.
- Sustainable solutions: In supporting renewable energy and more efficient waste management, we will ensure a brighter, cleaner and more sustainable future that preserves the beauty of our town.
Facebook page: @Pearson4Cheshire
Lynn Alvey Dawson - Town Council At-Large
Lynn has lived in Cheshire since 1994. Her three children attended Cheshire Public Schools. For 12 years she was an active member of the Highland School PTA, coordinating fundraisers and actively supporting the school.
In 1983 Lynn graduated cum laude from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Education, and in 1988 she graduated cum laude from Suffolk University with a Juris Doctor degree. In 1996 Lynn opened a small law practice in Cheshire. From 1996 until 2012 she practiced almost exclusively in the Connecticut Juvenile Courts, representing children and adults in the child protection and delinquency systems. Since 2012 her practice has focused on family law, custody issues as well as child protection.
In 2015 she was honored to be selected as a member of the Cheshire Juvenile Review Board. This board worked closely with the Cheshire Police Department and the Cheshire Human Services Department to address issues of juvenile crime. Her background in education and juvenile justice was particularly useful in working with the young people who came before this board.
Lynn is passionate about civil rights, juvenile justice, education and environmental issues. Her background in both law and education will be an asset to the town. She believes in fiscal responsibility on a personal and municipal level. In her spare time, Lynn teaches spin classes at Physique Plus, paddleboards whenever she has the opportunity, reads, plays scrabble, and can often be seen walking her rescue dog around town.
Lynn will work to:
Email: lynn@dawsonlawct.com
Lynn has lived in Cheshire since 1994. Her three children attended Cheshire Public Schools. For 12 years she was an active member of the Highland School PTA, coordinating fundraisers and actively supporting the school.
In 1983 Lynn graduated cum laude from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Education, and in 1988 she graduated cum laude from Suffolk University with a Juris Doctor degree. In 1996 Lynn opened a small law practice in Cheshire. From 1996 until 2012 she practiced almost exclusively in the Connecticut Juvenile Courts, representing children and adults in the child protection and delinquency systems. Since 2012 her practice has focused on family law, custody issues as well as child protection.
In 2015 she was honored to be selected as a member of the Cheshire Juvenile Review Board. This board worked closely with the Cheshire Police Department and the Cheshire Human Services Department to address issues of juvenile crime. Her background in education and juvenile justice was particularly useful in working with the young people who came before this board.
Lynn is passionate about civil rights, juvenile justice, education and environmental issues. Her background in both law and education will be an asset to the town. She believes in fiscal responsibility on a personal and municipal level. In her spare time, Lynn teaches spin classes at Physique Plus, paddleboards whenever she has the opportunity, reads, plays scrabble, and can often be seen walking her rescue dog around town.
Lynn will work to:
- Support families and protect property taxes.
- Upgrade and support our schools.
- Increase our housing options.
- Grow the Cheshire Grand List.
- Listen to voters through regular conversations.
- Work in a bipartisan manner to improve Cheshire and protect our environment.
Email: lynn@dawsonlawct.com
Jennifer Dillon – Town Council At-Large
Jennifer is a proud Nutmegger. While she has lived, worked and studied in various cities and countries, she has always called Connecticut home. Jennifer was born, raised and educated in Torrington. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Connecticut College and a M.A. in Sustainable Urban Governance from the UN Mandated University for Peace. Jennifer has worked professionally across a number of sectors including government, non-profit and education. She currently serves as the Sustainability Coordinator and Chair of the History Department at Cheshire Academy. Beyond her professional work she devotes a great deal of time to civic and volunteer engagement. Jennifer is a volunteer with the Cheshire Food Pantry, Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS), is on the Board of the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire and is an appointed member of the Cheshire Sustainability Team. She is happily beginning her sixth year as a Cheshire resident!
Email: dillonforcouncil@gmail.com
Facebook page: @Jennifer Dillon for Council
Jennifer is a proud Nutmegger. While she has lived, worked and studied in various cities and countries, she has always called Connecticut home. Jennifer was born, raised and educated in Torrington. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Connecticut College and a M.A. in Sustainable Urban Governance from the UN Mandated University for Peace. Jennifer has worked professionally across a number of sectors including government, non-profit and education. She currently serves as the Sustainability Coordinator and Chair of the History Department at Cheshire Academy. Beyond her professional work she devotes a great deal of time to civic and volunteer engagement. Jennifer is a volunteer with the Cheshire Food Pantry, Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS), is on the Board of the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire and is an appointed member of the Cheshire Sustainability Team. She is happily beginning her sixth year as a Cheshire resident!
Email: dillonforcouncil@gmail.com
Facebook page: @Jennifer Dillon for Council
Jami Ferguson - Town Council At-Large
Jami is the owner/manager at Cheshire Craft Brewing and a Realtor at Caldwell Banker in Southington. Good people have worked tirelessly for years to solve one problem - how do we modernize our school buildings without crushing our taxpayers? As a Town Councilor, she will work to engage the community, ensure people are informed and trust the voters to make sound decisions on school referendums. She will take active steps to grow the grand list to keep taxes in check as we renovate and rebuild our obsolete schools and municipal buildings. She will work to maintain Cheshire's small town charm. We can build a robust tax base without big boxes and strip malls. Securing new business investment on the north side will make amenities affordable across Cheshire. Jami will work tirelessly to find new streams of revenue that will complement Cheshire.
Email: jami@cheshirecraftbrewing.com
Jami is the owner/manager at Cheshire Craft Brewing and a Realtor at Caldwell Banker in Southington. Good people have worked tirelessly for years to solve one problem - how do we modernize our school buildings without crushing our taxpayers? As a Town Councilor, she will work to engage the community, ensure people are informed and trust the voters to make sound decisions on school referendums. She will take active steps to grow the grand list to keep taxes in check as we renovate and rebuild our obsolete schools and municipal buildings. She will work to maintain Cheshire's small town charm. We can build a robust tax base without big boxes and strip malls. Securing new business investment on the north side will make amenities affordable across Cheshire. Jami will work tirelessly to find new streams of revenue that will complement Cheshire.
Email: jami@cheshirecraftbrewing.com
Chuck Neth - Town Council At-Large
I grew up in western New York as the third child of a blue-collar, working class family. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, self value and standing up for what is right. I moved to Cheshire in 2007 and despite a brief stay in the town next door, I have called Cheshire my home ever since. I am the father of three beautiful and bright young girls and a loving husband to my wife Lauren.
While I did not grow up in Cheshire, my wife was born and raised here and through her and her family I have met so many great residents of this town and as a Town Councilor, I will strive to meet many more. I believe strongly in people over politics; we do not have to agree on everything, but we must find common ground and build bridges from it.
As a professional engineer, I work every day to find simple solutions to complex problems. As your Town Councilor, I will take the same analytical, deliberate and results-oriented approach to the challenges facing the town of Cheshire while focusing wholly on the residents of our town, both young and old. Together, we will do great things.
Read more about Chuck at his website: www.chuckforcheshire.com/
I grew up in western New York as the third child of a blue-collar, working class family. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, self value and standing up for what is right. I moved to Cheshire in 2007 and despite a brief stay in the town next door, I have called Cheshire my home ever since. I am the father of three beautiful and bright young girls and a loving husband to my wife Lauren.
While I did not grow up in Cheshire, my wife was born and raised here and through her and her family I have met so many great residents of this town and as a Town Councilor, I will strive to meet many more. I believe strongly in people over politics; we do not have to agree on everything, but we must find common ground and build bridges from it.
As a professional engineer, I work every day to find simple solutions to complex problems. As your Town Councilor, I will take the same analytical, deliberate and results-oriented approach to the challenges facing the town of Cheshire while focusing wholly on the residents of our town, both young and old. Together, we will do great things.
Read more about Chuck at his website: www.chuckforcheshire.com/
Town Council District Candidates
Carol Doheny - Town Council District 1
Carol has lived in Cheshire for 37 years with her husband James and children Jamie, Maureen and Siobhan. She is a tax preparer and has operated her own business in town for 10 years. She has a long record of service to Cheshire, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and assistant registrar of voters. Carol is also a Justice of the Peace and a notary. She has served on the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee and many boards and commissions over the years, the latest being the Energy Commission. She is a vice president of the charity A Touch of Comfort and has worked as a substitute teacher in town periodically for 30 years.
Carol believes town government is in need of fresh faces and could benefit from transparency, inclusion and diversity. She believes in listening to residents and each other and being environmentally and fiscally responsible. She hopes to use project labor agreements and local building trades for our school modernization projects.
Email: caroldoheny@gmail.com
Carol has lived in Cheshire for 37 years with her husband James and children Jamie, Maureen and Siobhan. She is a tax preparer and has operated her own business in town for 10 years. She has a long record of service to Cheshire, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and assistant registrar of voters. Carol is also a Justice of the Peace and a notary. She has served on the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee and many boards and commissions over the years, the latest being the Energy Commission. She is a vice president of the charity A Touch of Comfort and has worked as a substitute teacher in town periodically for 30 years.
Carol believes town government is in need of fresh faces and could benefit from transparency, inclusion and diversity. She believes in listening to residents and each other and being environmentally and fiscally responsible. She hopes to use project labor agreements and local building trades for our school modernization projects.
Email: caroldoheny@gmail.com
Jim Jinks - Town Council District 2
For the past twenty years Jim has held leadership positions in Connecticut-based advertising and marketing companies, including operating his own direct marketing business. Jim is currently Vice President at Mediabids, the leading direct-to-consumer print advertising firm in the country.
In 2019 Jim was elected to serve on the Cheshire Town Council. He received support from voters across the spectrum and is the first Democrat in fourteen years to hold the 2nd District seat. On the Council Jim has served on the School Modernization Committee, the Budget Committee, Planning Committee and the Solid Waste Committee. He also serves as the Council liaison to the Public Safety Commission, the Beautification Committee and the new Sustainability Team. In 2018 Jim founded Bike Cheshire, an award-winning community nonprofit devoted to encouraging and improving biking in Cheshire. Bike Cheshire operates a popular community bike share, organizes Bike to School Days, group rides, safe-biking initiatives and is working on developing Cheshire open space for mountain biking. Jim is also one of the founders of the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire and worked as part of the team that led to the Town of Cheshire achieving ''bronze level'' certification by Sustainable CT.
For years Jim has been very active in our community in several other capacities, volunteering his time on the Cheshire Youth Services Committee, the Cheshire Planning & Zoning Commission, and was the Vice Chairperson of the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee. In addition, Jim has been active in Cheshire’s St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, coaching the girl’s basketball team at St. Bridget’s school, helping with the Youth Ministry, and the Cheshire Lights of Hope. Jim lives in Cheshire with his wife Marie and their four kids. He has an undergraduate degree in history from UConn, and a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College.
Facebook page: @JimJinksCT
Twitter: @JimJinksCT
For the past twenty years Jim has held leadership positions in Connecticut-based advertising and marketing companies, including operating his own direct marketing business. Jim is currently Vice President at Mediabids, the leading direct-to-consumer print advertising firm in the country.
In 2019 Jim was elected to serve on the Cheshire Town Council. He received support from voters across the spectrum and is the first Democrat in fourteen years to hold the 2nd District seat. On the Council Jim has served on the School Modernization Committee, the Budget Committee, Planning Committee and the Solid Waste Committee. He also serves as the Council liaison to the Public Safety Commission, the Beautification Committee and the new Sustainability Team. In 2018 Jim founded Bike Cheshire, an award-winning community nonprofit devoted to encouraging and improving biking in Cheshire. Bike Cheshire operates a popular community bike share, organizes Bike to School Days, group rides, safe-biking initiatives and is working on developing Cheshire open space for mountain biking. Jim is also one of the founders of the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire and worked as part of the team that led to the Town of Cheshire achieving ''bronze level'' certification by Sustainable CT.
For years Jim has been very active in our community in several other capacities, volunteering his time on the Cheshire Youth Services Committee, the Cheshire Planning & Zoning Commission, and was the Vice Chairperson of the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee. In addition, Jim has been active in Cheshire’s St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, coaching the girl’s basketball team at St. Bridget’s school, helping with the Youth Ministry, and the Cheshire Lights of Hope. Jim lives in Cheshire with his wife Marie and their four kids. He has an undergraduate degree in history from UConn, and a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College.
Facebook page: @JimJinksCT
Twitter: @JimJinksCT
Karen Schnitzer - Town Council District 3
Karen Schnitzer moved to Cheshire over 10 years ago with her husband to be closer to their grandchildren and the green spaces they really enjoy. Karen is a UConn School of Business graduate and worked at Yale School of Medicine for more than 20 years. Soon after retiring in 2017, Karen found her place in Cheshire as an active member on the boards of the Cheshire Land Trust and the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire. As a Master of Bird Conservation, she has been a dedicated volunteer for the local Audubon chapter. Karen is running for District 3, and if elected as a member of the Cheshire Town Council, would serve to speak for those who care about the environment, and work to build a stronger community by promoting and protecting open space and Cheshire’s natural resources.
Her greatest concerns for Cheshire are:
Karen Schnitzer moved to Cheshire over 10 years ago with her husband to be closer to their grandchildren and the green spaces they really enjoy. Karen is a UConn School of Business graduate and worked at Yale School of Medicine for more than 20 years. Soon after retiring in 2017, Karen found her place in Cheshire as an active member on the boards of the Cheshire Land Trust and the Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire. As a Master of Bird Conservation, she has been a dedicated volunteer for the local Audubon chapter. Karen is running for District 3, and if elected as a member of the Cheshire Town Council, would serve to speak for those who care about the environment, and work to build a stronger community by promoting and protecting open space and Cheshire’s natural resources.
Her greatest concerns for Cheshire are:
- Local Environment: We cannot ignore the environmental issues of the day. Preserving farmland, reducing pesticide use, keeping our waterways clean, and managing open spaces are critical to our future.
- Quality Schools and Education: Without a doubt, we need to have schools that can meet the challenges of the 21st century and prepare our children and grandchildren for new opportunities.
- Affordable Housing: Let's have affordable housing options for seniors, singles and young families who want to live in our town.
Peter Talbot - Town Council District 4
Peter Talbot is a lifelong Cheshire resident who has always resided in the South end. He has proudly served the 4th district on the Town Council since 2011. Prior to his election to the Council, Peter served on the Board of Education and the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, including two years as Chairman and two years as Vice-Chairman. Peter’s education includes Norton Elementary, Dodd, Cheshire High and a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College. He has worked for Cox Communications for over 35 years and currently serves as the company’s Manager of Government Affairs.
Peter will continue to fight to:
Email: petert111@cox.net
Peter Talbot is a lifelong Cheshire resident who has always resided in the South end. He has proudly served the 4th district on the Town Council since 2011. Prior to his election to the Council, Peter served on the Board of Education and the Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission. He served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, including two years as Chairman and two years as Vice-Chairman. Peter’s education includes Norton Elementary, Dodd, Cheshire High and a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College. He has worked for Cox Communications for over 35 years and currently serves as the company’s Manager of Government Affairs.
Peter will continue to fight to:
- Preserve Cheshire's charm, sustainability and community
- Ensure fiscal responsibility that keeps taxes low
- Invest in school modernization projects
- Promote small business and economic growth
- Maintain safe neighborhoods, streets, and parks
Email: petert111@cox.net
Board of Education Candidates
Sam Rosenberg - Board of Education
Samantha Rosenberg has been a resident of Cheshire for 19 years. Sam and her husband moved to Cheshire for the excellent educational opportunities and the family-oriented community. They have three children who attend or graduated from Cheshire Public Schools.
Sam is an educator who has spent over 10 years teaching in Bridgeport Public Schools and Stratford Public Schools in various grades and school models, and is currently a district administrator overseeing the growth of math and science curriculum and instruction for Stratford Public Schools. Prior to serving in education, she was Financial Services Manager for a local banking institution for 13 years.
Sam has been committed to Cheshire Public Schools throughout the years. She volunteers with the respective school’s Parent Teacher Organizations. She is currently serving as the treasurer for the Cheshire Educational Foundation. The foundation offers Cheshire Public Schools students grants and scholarships to support them as they continue their educational journey. As a servant leader, Sam seeks opportunities to give back to the community and wants to use her professional expertise, school and community volunteering experience, combined with her compassionate, collaborative, and forward-thinking style to serve as a school board member.
Her priorities are:
- Promote the health, safety, and well-being of our student population especially during these trying times.
- Ensure every child is provided an engaging educational environment that encourages individual growth and learning.
- Enhance student outcomes by reviewing curriculum needs and creating a streamlined plan for implementation that is collaborative, transparent, and communicated appropriately to parents and stakeholders
- Make major investments in infrastructure to meet the needs of a 21st century learning environment.
Read more about Sam
Email: SAM4BOE@gmail.com Facebook page: @RosenbergforCheshireBOE
Patricia Cramer - Board of Education
Four years ago, while looking for a place to call home that afforded the best possible educational opportunities for our two children, we found our way to Cheshire. After settling in, I became a co-host for the Cheshire Podcast here in town. Covering local elections and discussing important issues for our schools, business, and local community, I had the unique opportunity to engage publicly with a wide variety of community stakeholders on Cheshire-specific topics and challenges, having the opportunity to engage from all sides of an issue.
My own public education experience, which includes a competitive academic environment and team sports, has taught me to truly believe in the opportunities afforded through public education. I saw early how quality public education was many moving parts all working together and essential to a thriving, successful community. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from Stony Brook University in Sociology, Psychology, and Family Studies and went on to earn my Master's degree from CUNY Lehman College in Childhood Education.
I am most looking forward to continuing the good work of the current Board in navigating the dynamic and unprecedented challenges of these times. Even as we reintroduce our children to in-person learning during and after Covid and all that comes along with that, we are also climbing the mountain that is school modernization. We have our work cut out for us. I would be honored to serve this community I have grown to love by helping the Cheshire public school system meet these new demands while remaining safe, inclusive, award-winning, forward-thinking, fearless, and leaders in Connecticut education.
As your Board of Ed representative, I will:
Email: trycramer@gmail.com
Four years ago, while looking for a place to call home that afforded the best possible educational opportunities for our two children, we found our way to Cheshire. After settling in, I became a co-host for the Cheshire Podcast here in town. Covering local elections and discussing important issues for our schools, business, and local community, I had the unique opportunity to engage publicly with a wide variety of community stakeholders on Cheshire-specific topics and challenges, having the opportunity to engage from all sides of an issue.
My own public education experience, which includes a competitive academic environment and team sports, has taught me to truly believe in the opportunities afforded through public education. I saw early how quality public education was many moving parts all working together and essential to a thriving, successful community. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from Stony Brook University in Sociology, Psychology, and Family Studies and went on to earn my Master's degree from CUNY Lehman College in Childhood Education.
I am most looking forward to continuing the good work of the current Board in navigating the dynamic and unprecedented challenges of these times. Even as we reintroduce our children to in-person learning during and after Covid and all that comes along with that, we are also climbing the mountain that is school modernization. We have our work cut out for us. I would be honored to serve this community I have grown to love by helping the Cheshire public school system meet these new demands while remaining safe, inclusive, award-winning, forward-thinking, fearless, and leaders in Connecticut education.
As your Board of Ed representative, I will:
- Support keeping students and teachers safe so they can stay in school
- Support unique solutions to aid recovery from the social, emotional, and academic impact of a global pandemic
- Support administration, teacher and staff training to help meet the social-emotional needs of our diverse 21st century students
- Support using the community's investment in a fiscally responsible way to modernize our aging schools
Email: trycramer@gmail.com
Planning and Zoning Candidates
Chris Affie - Planning and Zoning
I have been a resident of Cheshire for 14 years. I have worked as an educator in Connecticut for 24 years. I am running for Planning and Zoning to uphold the current zoning regulations and to attract businesses to Cheshire. One of the most important issues that will be coming up is the effect of marijuana legislation on our town. The members of Planning and Zoning need to look at the impact of having these businesses in town and ultimately, it should be up to the residents to decide if they should do business in Cheshire.
Email: caffie910@hotmail.com
I have been a resident of Cheshire for 14 years. I have worked as an educator in Connecticut for 24 years. I am running for Planning and Zoning to uphold the current zoning regulations and to attract businesses to Cheshire. One of the most important issues that will be coming up is the effect of marijuana legislation on our town. The members of Planning and Zoning need to look at the impact of having these businesses in town and ultimately, it should be up to the residents to decide if they should do business in Cheshire.
Email: caffie910@hotmail.com
Casey Downes - Planning and Zoning
I have served as a Planning & Zoning Alternate for the past two years, and this experience has prepared me to become a full commission member – an honor that I now seek.
I am a 32-year Cheshire resident. My husband, Stephen Downes, grew up here. Indeed, the Downes family has proudly called Cheshire home for three generations. My husband and I raised our three sons here, and they all attended Cheshire public schools. One of our sons now resides here with his wife. I recently retired from teaching Special Education at Berlin High School, and I am currently working part-time at our family business, the Connecticut Beverage Marts.
Since retiring, I have felt more of a sense of duty and obligation to our town, and I now have the time to devote myself to the betterment of the Cheshire community. Combining my service in the public sector and experience in private business, I believe I can speak to the issues that come before Planning & Zoning. I believe we should be judicious and thoughtful about changing existing zoning regulations while allowing businesses to prosper and grow. As a board we do not want to be an encumbrance for businesses trying to work within our town.
I am interested in making sure our community continues to grow in a vibrant and well-planned direction while maintaining its natural beauty and historic character. I believe in listening to all sides of any argument, and I have enjoyed that aspect of being an alternate. It is our duty and obligation to listen thoughtfully to the citizens who come before the board. It takes courage to stand up and speak before any board or commission, and I applaud people who do so; it is an example of our great American democracy playing out on the community level. I want to be a voice for all citizens in the town of Cheshire. With your help, I would be honored to serve as your steward to ensure that Cheshire’s many attributes, both economic and natural, are preserved for future generations.
Email: caseydown@cox.net
I have served as a Planning & Zoning Alternate for the past two years, and this experience has prepared me to become a full commission member – an honor that I now seek.
I am a 32-year Cheshire resident. My husband, Stephen Downes, grew up here. Indeed, the Downes family has proudly called Cheshire home for three generations. My husband and I raised our three sons here, and they all attended Cheshire public schools. One of our sons now resides here with his wife. I recently retired from teaching Special Education at Berlin High School, and I am currently working part-time at our family business, the Connecticut Beverage Marts.
Since retiring, I have felt more of a sense of duty and obligation to our town, and I now have the time to devote myself to the betterment of the Cheshire community. Combining my service in the public sector and experience in private business, I believe I can speak to the issues that come before Planning & Zoning. I believe we should be judicious and thoughtful about changing existing zoning regulations while allowing businesses to prosper and grow. As a board we do not want to be an encumbrance for businesses trying to work within our town.
I am interested in making sure our community continues to grow in a vibrant and well-planned direction while maintaining its natural beauty and historic character. I believe in listening to all sides of any argument, and I have enjoyed that aspect of being an alternate. It is our duty and obligation to listen thoughtfully to the citizens who come before the board. It takes courage to stand up and speak before any board or commission, and I applaud people who do so; it is an example of our great American democracy playing out on the community level. I want to be a voice for all citizens in the town of Cheshire. With your help, I would be honored to serve as your steward to ensure that Cheshire’s many attributes, both economic and natural, are preserved for future generations.
Email: caseydown@cox.net
Greg Wolff - Planning and Zoning Alternate
I am a third-generation resident of Cheshire. My grandparents bought our 18th century house in the forties. I live in this house and am proud to be a steward of our historic Cheshire property. My family has served this town in numerous ways for many years. My grandfather was a Selectman in town as well as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. My grandmother served on the Board of Education. I am looking to be elected as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner Alternate to continue the Wolff family’s legacy of service.
I currently serve on the Cheshire Public Safety Commission and on the board of Bike Cheshire. I am an advocate for safer streets for bicycles and pedestrians. I look to ensure that all modes of transportation are considered in the planning and design of our town and transportation network. I have worked for the advancement of the Ball and Socket Arts project since its inception. This project is critical to advancing our place as a community focused on the future.
We can grow Cheshire, while at the same time maintain our current small-town charm. I will work to accommodate innovations in land use and economic development. I will advocate for residents when they feel development encroaches on their property along with the businesses looking to move into town or develop existing properties.
Website: VOTEWOLFF.COM
I am a third-generation resident of Cheshire. My grandparents bought our 18th century house in the forties. I live in this house and am proud to be a steward of our historic Cheshire property. My family has served this town in numerous ways for many years. My grandfather was a Selectman in town as well as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. My grandmother served on the Board of Education. I am looking to be elected as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner Alternate to continue the Wolff family’s legacy of service.
I currently serve on the Cheshire Public Safety Commission and on the board of Bike Cheshire. I am an advocate for safer streets for bicycles and pedestrians. I look to ensure that all modes of transportation are considered in the planning and design of our town and transportation network. I have worked for the advancement of the Ball and Socket Arts project since its inception. This project is critical to advancing our place as a community focused on the future.
We can grow Cheshire, while at the same time maintain our current small-town charm. I will work to accommodate innovations in land use and economic development. I will advocate for residents when they feel development encroaches on their property along with the businesses looking to move into town or develop existing properties.
Website: VOTEWOLFF.COM
Constables
Breina Schain - Constable
Breina is running for the position of Constable due to her dedication, experience and enjoyment of serving the town (where she has proudly lived for 14 years) and utilizing her skills acquired from her working career, interests and education. She enjoys meeting her fellow town residents, getting to know them, listening to their needs and being in a role to respond. She is especially interested in safety and security due to her career in the Department of Correction. She was appointed to the Cheshire Historic District Commission (Commissioner) and previously served in elected office on the Cheshire Zoning Board of Appeals.
Read more about Breina
Email: breinaschain@att.net
Breina is running for the position of Constable due to her dedication, experience and enjoyment of serving the town (where she has proudly lived for 14 years) and utilizing her skills acquired from her working career, interests and education. She enjoys meeting her fellow town residents, getting to know them, listening to their needs and being in a role to respond. She is especially interested in safety and security due to her career in the Department of Correction. She was appointed to the Cheshire Historic District Commission (Commissioner) and previously served in elected office on the Cheshire Zoning Board of Appeals.
Read more about Breina
Email: breinaschain@att.net
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