Cheshire Election: A. Fiona Pearson Running For Town Council

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Cheshire with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission and more.

Cheshire Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Democrat A. Fiona Pearson, 55, is running for election as Cheshire Town Council At-Large.

Occupation: Professor & Chair

Family:
Scott - spouse
Seneca - child
Danielle - child

Experience: Parks & Recreation Commission / Sustainability Team

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

In one sentence, my priority is to preserve our town’s history, while moving Cheshire sustainably into the future. For example, the historic Humiston building was constructed in 1912 and currently houses our alternative high school and Superintendent’s offices. The School Modernization Committee has determined that neither of those current educational needs are best housed in that building. Yet, we cannot abandon such historic structures. As a result, we need to create a comprehensive, long-term strategic plan that addresses both the future of such historical spaces in addition to our functional municipal and schooling needs.

Respectful collaboration is necessary to attain such goals. A lot of folks talk about building bridges and collectively seeking common goals. I lead by example. Over the past two years, even in the midst of a world-wide pandemic, I worked with diverse folks to incorporate a local non-profit, Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, that has successfully brought together individuals, other non-profits, and businesses to address our common interests in advocating for sustainable solutions while maintaining quality of life in our town. Many of us either grew up in Cheshire and stayed or moved here because we together value the schools, apple orchards, and affordability. We stay here because we appreciate the history and small-town culture. However, most of us also recognize that to remain sustainable, we must adapt. I am prepared for that post-pandemic challenge.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

As an educator, state employee, and founder of a local non-profit, and I bring a deep understanding of the complex interplay between municipal and state government.

Accomplishments:

I lead by example. Over the past two years, even in the midst of a world-wide pandemic, I worked with diverse folks to incorporate a local non-profit, Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, that has successfully brought together individuals, other non-profits, and businesses to address our common interests in advocating for sustainable solutions while maintaining quality of life in our town. I also serve actively on Cheshire's Parks and Recreation Commission and our town's Sustainability Team. In 2021, Cheshire's Sustainability Team successfully collaborated with municipal leaders, local businesses, and non-profits to earn bronze-level certification with the statewide initiative Sustainable CT

Other issues:

I am running for Town Council because we have several significant changes coming to Cheshire over the next decade that address issues that have been neglected for far too long—I am the kind of leader who welcomes that challenge. Our schooling infrastructure is quite literally crumbling—although not everyone agrees on the exact path forward, we all agree that this issue, which has been ignored for decades, must be dealt with as soon as possible in such a way that is inclusive and respectful. We have parks and open spaces that are beautiful and possess incredible potential, but we need a comprehensive plan to affordably invest in and maintain those green spaces. Additionally, we need to reimagine our town’s future infrastructure—we want to preserve Cheshire’s unique history, while also ensuring that our roads, municipal buildings, and energy resources are sustainable. I truly believe that a sustainable future that preserves the beauty of our town is possible when grounded in creativity and collaboration.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I believe that a sustainable future is possible but only when grounded in collaboration. We are at our best when we are listening to each other and working together.

Are you running for office in Cheshire? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Cheshire Patch.