Ellington Candidate Profile: Jamie Boucher, Board Of Selectmen

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

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

Name: Jamie Boucher

How old will you be as of Election Day? 50

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://Elldtc.org

What city or town do you live in? Ellington

What office are you seeking? Board of Selectmen

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Private Pilot license from Florida Institute of Technology and studied Computer Science at Eastern CT State University

What is your occupation? Small Business Owner and Entrepreneur

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My parents along with my aunts and uncles live in town.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I do not have any family that work for or have been elected to local or state government.

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

I have not yet held any public office.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe that my small business background can bring a valuable perspective to the Board of Selectmen, which is rooted in practical experience and an understanding of the challenges that local businesses face in Ellington. I can relate with our residents who are intimately connected with our community through their business which serve as the backbone of our local economy. I am committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are wisely allocated and that our residents and local businesses thrive, contributing to Ellington's economic health.

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

I would say there are two pressing issues for the residents of Ellington.

1. Keeping our mill rate at an acceptable level for our residents and small businesses through fiscally responsible means and by working with all our elected legislators to utilize every single dollar that can come to Ellington.

2. The town of Ellington should be that place where the residents can see how their government works for them. Transparency and community engagement for all boards and commissions should be the goal for which we interact openly and constructively with the residents of Ellington to address their needs. I think local government should be where people get involved, volunteer, share ideas and let their voices be heard.

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

I would start by stating I am not a career politician. Almost all of the fine members of the Board of Selectmen have well over a decade in elected office. While I may not have their direct experience, I will bring new perspectives and ideas to the issues the town of Ellington faces. My small business management over the last two decades has ingrained in my decision-making process, innovative ways to tackle many issues and ultimately, I believe this will be an asset for the Board of Selectmen, if elected.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I think all of the elected officials in Ellington are profoundly good people and my candidacy is one of fresh perspectives and vision to move Ellington forward.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I believe our town should have a Strategic Community Plan that identifies future needs and goals of our town that we can work towards. Most of our Ellington families have a plan for their future, our town should do the same and work across all boards to identify and commit to a plan for the betterment of our town and residents.

Our farms in Ellington need to continue to be sustainable as we have seen our town grow over the last few years. With the ever-changing economy, it is important to find ways for our farms and small businesses alike to continue to thrive in Ellington.

Public safety is a concern for every community and I support having a local police presence each and every night for the residents of Ellington.

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

I don't think past accomplishments are always indicative of future success and ultimately it is up to the voters of Ellington to decide if I will be a capable member of the Board of Selectmen.

• I have been a small business owner for many years in town managing a restaurant and brewery simultaneously and managing finances, employees and working with the public.

• Over 15 years of coaching experience – First with the Ellington High School baseball team (6 years) and then with the Ellington American Legion baseball team (10 years).

• My years of corporate managerial experience has been with Citigroup Global Investments in Hartford and W.P. Carey in New York.

• I volunteer with the Ellington Lions Club in town.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Your effort, in any endeavor, is the part where you have the greatest impact.

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

If I am elected, I will tirelessly work on those issues that are good for Ellington, our families, and residents. I look forward to hearing from our community and working on those issues that are critical to our town.