Patch Candidate Profile: Allison Lynch St. Germain, Bethel P&Z

BETHEL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Bethel and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Bethel Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Delta Zeta Sorority chief communication and information officer Allison Lynch St. Germain, 48, is running for a seat on the Bethel Planning & Zoning Commission as a Democrat. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics, and a Master of Education in higher education administration, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has a son who is a junior at Abbott Tech in Danbury and a daughter in seventh grade at Bethel Middle School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I’ve seen the impact that growth and development can have in both a positive and a negative way in our community. When I started asking questions about projects impacting my neighborhood, I found out that many other residents don’t have the knowledge or the outlets to provide their input on what kind of community they’d like to live in and help grow.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The rapid overdevelopment of Bethel. I plan to increase and improve the communication of current projects impacting development in Bethel to provide residents accurate information.
Evaluate and modify the current master plan for the town to make revisions for how life looks now post-pandemic, including TOD and requirements from the State of CT.
Ensure that departments across the town are effectively and efficiently working together towards the same development goals.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I bring a new perspective to the Commission which has had some long standing members who, though they have contributed greatly in the past, need to allow fresh voices at the table to help bring forth Bethel’s vision for the future.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I’ve served in non-profit management for more than 20 years and have extensive experience working with strategic planning and with volunteer boards.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Keep moving forward even if it’s hard.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’ve lived in Bethel for over 18 years since moving here in 2005. It’s been an amazing community to bring up my children in. I’d love to ensure we have a strong, vibrant community in the future and hope contributing to our Planning and Zoning Board allows that to happen.