Every New Canaan election is important. There are the issues we know that need to be addressed, and the unforeseen issues that emerge as the years play out. And while New Canaan elections center on local concerns, the town is not an island. It’s affected by decisions at the state level, which, in turn, are instigated by federal policies.
For that reason, the slate of Democratic candidates on the ballot’s Row A for Town Council and Board of Education, offers the range of professional experience and know-how New Canaan needs to steer through the coming years. Along with their professional experience, each of the candidates has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service. To them, it’s not about asking what New Canaan can do for them; it’s asking what they can do for New Canaan – and setting out to achieve those positive outcomes.
For Town Council, incumbent Hilary Ormond, a Fordham Law School graduate, serves as vice chair, and is recognized for her deep knowledge of town government, the issues that come before the council and for her committed accessibility to voters. She is focused on budget transparency and is an advocate for the town’s public schools, library and other institutions that make New Canaan a draw for residents and their families.
Lina Lee, executive director of the Connecticut Bar Association, was the founder and executive director of a legal services organization in New York City with a focus on civil rights. Now, as a New Canaan resident, she is committed to preserving the town’s innate charm, its civic values and its strong sense of community. Since moving to town, Lina has focused on the issues related to workforce housing, and preserving the town’s character, not just for the present, but for the next generations. She also believes in preserving the town’s reputation for educational leadership based on a strong curriculum guided by experienced school administrators and teachers.
Before coming to New Canaan seven years ago, Heather Russell demonstrated her early commitment to community by founding Houston Young People for the Arts, advocating cultural enrichment and civic participation programs for young people. She seeks to apply her background as a community advocate and in her career as a communications professional on behalf of New Canaan, preparing it for a “vibrant, inclusive and future-ready tomorrow.” On the council, Heather’s vision centers on proactive planning to ensure the town thrives for generations to come, built on a foundation of excellent schools, sustainable development, vibrant local businesses and transparent government.
By serving on the Town Council, Mike Rodgers, a successful entrepreneur, would be carrying on a family tradition of public service, as his father served as first selectman in his Pennsylvania town. In New Canaan since 2002, Mike has served as a deacon in the Congregational Church of New Canaan and is involved in STAR, Stand Against Racism. He believes in preserving what makes New Canaan special while planning smartly for the future.
Turning to Board of Education, incumbent member Erica Schwedel serves as the board’s secretary and also serves on its Executive, Communications and Facilities committees. She is known for always being deeply prepared for the meetings’ agenda items, asks questions aimed at deepening the Board’s collective thinking and bolstering transparency for parents and the broader community. She and her husband have two children in Saxe Middle School, and before that, Erica served on the Parent Teacher Council at West School for three years, including a stint as co-president. Erica has a B.S.E. in Operations Research Engineering from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
Josh Kaye, an attorney for nearly 20 years with a law degree from Duke University, describes himself as passionate about public education and believes the town’s schools are best served by a board that is balanced, practical, collaborative and focused on driving excellence in our schools free of political agendas. Josh coaches several children’s sports programs, most recently, hi daughter’s kindergarten softball team. Echoing a theme among the Democratic candidates, he emphasizes the importance of being prepared for meetings, ready to address the issues. As a litigator for a major New York law firm, he made a point of making the time to represent victims of domestic violence in family and criminal court proceedings. In New Canaan, Josh is chair of the New Canaan Board of Ethics and is chair of New Canaan Chamber Music, celebrating its fifth year for bringing highly-praised musical performances to town.
The third Democrat running for Board of Education, Kate Brambilla, has also forged a record of public service in town, serving as manager of Member Services for Staying Put in New Canaan, the organization devoted to making it possible for senior residents to remain in their homes. In that role, she works with various town organizations and services to ensure seniors have access to groceries, can make doctors’ appointments and attend to their needs to afford them with the support they need. She has been a room parent for her daughter’s first and second grade classes and is co-chair of the Community Outreach arm of the PTC for East Elementary School. Prior to moving to New Canaan, Kate volunteered as a court-appointed Special Advocate for the Brooklyn Family Court, acting as liaison between judges, attorneys, youths in foster care, parents, teachers and social workers.
I urge other New Canaan voters to join in supporting these candidates on Row A for Town Council and Board of Education. With their record of achievement, demonstrated commitment to public service, thoughtful leadership skills and understanding of the issues likely to arise over the next two years, they will represent New Canaan with skill and wisdom guided by a desire to serve the best interests of the town as a whole.
Dorfsman
