Darien Election 2021: Tara Ochman For First Selectman

DARIEN, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in town will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on a few topics.

Democrat Tara Ochman, 44, is running for First Selectman in Darien.

Occupation: Former Finance Director

Family: I have been married to my husband, Charlie, for 23 years and living in Darien for almost 15 years. We have three children, all of whom attend or have graduated from Darien Public Schools.

Experience: Member of and former chairman of the Board of Education.

Family in government: I have a degree in government and law from Lafayette College, and have previously worked as a finance director of various political campaigns.

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

Flooding, an issue which highlights the fact that the town’s infrastructure has been neglected for too long.

Homeowners and small businesses that face consistent flooding deserve more than an insurance settlement. They deserve a government that understands what they’re facing. We need to update outdated plans. Properties that were labelled as being at-risk of flooding only in a "25-year storm" have now been flooded multiple times in one summer. I’ll make sure that our town conducts a full-scale, modern study of climate-related storm risk so that we know exactly what we’re facing.

It’s clear that we need to fortify town infrastructure. In 2016, the Western Connecticut Council of Governments conducted a major report on flooding in southwestern Connecticut, which found the probability of future flooding in Darien to be "highly likely" and the maximum probable extent of flooding "extreme." Unfortunately, the report did not spur significant mitigation efforts at the town level. I’ll invest in upgrading the drainage culverts, underpasses, and riverbanks that are most at risk of major flooding.

And, we need to fight for state and federal support. Major mitigation projects are expensive, but we can’t let cost get in the way of doing the right thing. That’s why I’ll work with federal representatives like Jim Himes and Chris Murphy to bring federal infrastructure dollars to Darien, and push Democratic leadership in Hartford to send us the funding and bonding packages that we deserve.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Simply said, experience, delivering results and forward thinking. As the former Chair of the Board of Education, finance director, and community volunteer, including six years as a Trustee of the Darien Library, nine years on the St Luke’s Parish School Management Board, I bring the necessary skills to the job: the ability to deliver results; build consensus; and bring critical projects forward and see them approved and supported through our local political process. I have a record of concrete plans and proven solutions.

Accomplishments:

As the Chairman of the Board of Education, I oversaw the implementation of the Strategic Planning Committee and eventual unanimous adoption of the Board’s strategic plan, providing a long term road map for our district going forward. I was proud to bring forward the new Ox Ridge school, a plan which included the consolidation of ELP, and the removal of portables within the district.

I advocated for and received all necessary approvals to bring air conditioning to our schools, and was incredibly proud to support the creation of Fitch Academy. As Chairman, I was able to shepherd all of these projects through the system within fiscally responsible budgets and effective five-year capital plans.

Other issues:

Emergency Response for a Changing Climate – It’s time to put the safety of Darien residents first by upgrading our infrastructure to meet the challenges of a changing climate and to make our hometown resilient.

Real Strategy for Town-Owned Lands – For decades Darien has purchased land, then failed to invest in them, or to develop a plan to maintain and improve those lands. It’s time to work with Darien residents to make smart choices in how we use these properties.

New Life for Downtown – A thriving commercial center is essential for all residents and businesses. It’s time for our town government to take an active role in supporting our commercial centers. Our town government needs to invest in our downtown and other business districts giving owners and developers the support they need to thrive. Whether it's improving sidewalks, access to shops or working with the state to install crosswalks, these kinds of improvements will make our downtown safer and easier to access for all those who choose to shop and dine in Darien.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

It is the First Selectman’s role to understand concerns, identify problems, prioritize projects and get the job results for the community. As a member and former Chair of the Board of Education, I learned the importance of listening to our residents, being responsive, responsible, and delivering results.

The BoE has the largest budget in town government, the largest number of employees and roughly 4,500 school children for which we are responsible. It has been a great responsibility and a privilege to serve the community on the BoE, and if elected it will be an honor to serve the residents of this town as first selectman. I will bring the same integrity, work ethic and results-based pragmatism to Town Hall in an effort to improve the quality of life for all residents.