Meet Our 2021 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.
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.
Facebook page: @Pearson4Cheshire
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 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 Cheshire resident!
Email: dillonforcouncil@gmail.com
Facebook page: @Jennifer Dillon for Council
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.
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.
Email: lynn@dawsonlawct.com
Carol Doheny - Town Council District 1
Carol has lived in Cheshire for 37 years with her husband James and children Jamie (Samantha), Maureen and Siobhan (Ryan). She is a tax preparer and has had 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.
Email: caroldoheny@gmail.com
Carol has lived in Cheshire for 37 years with her husband James and children Jamie (Samantha), Maureen and Siobhan (Ryan). She is a tax preparer and has had 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.
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 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.
Email: karenschnitzer4cheshire@gmail.com
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 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.
Email: karenschnitzer4cheshire@gmail.com
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.
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.
Email: petert111@cox.net
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.
Read more about Sam
Email: SAM4BOE@gmail.com Facebook page: @RosenbergforCheshireBOE
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Email: trycramer@gmail.com
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