Ellington Candidate Profile: Lori Spielman, First Selectman

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: Lori L. Spielman

How old will you be as of Election Day? 63

What city or town do you live in? Ellington

What office are you seeking? First Selectman

Please give us your party affiliation: Republican

Education: First Selectmen for the last eight years

What is your occupation? Selectman for the Town Of Ellington

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

Father

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

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

Wetlands-planning and zoning-board of selectmen

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 enjoyed working with all different people

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

Working with the government to secure the most money I can to help our taxpayers.

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

I am very good at networking, with our surrounding towns, and other town officials. But very involved in Connecticut municipalities groups in serving on boards.

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

I think it’s very important if you are running for a board or office, that you should spend time learning about Ellington government. Not enough people attend our meetings.

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

I’d like to get more people involved in the town activities.
I think it’s very important that we all work together no matter if you’re a republican democrat or independent we all need to help each other.

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

I have received millions in grant money throughout the eight years that I’ve been First Selectmen.
Which allowed the town to make many improvements without using taxpayer money.
I started beautification committee, Trails Committee.
Started Earth Day, scarecrow, contest, lighting contest, first electric car charging stations in Ellington.
Maintained an updated all town buildings.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always listen.

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

I am now working on low income, senior housing.
I am also working on new starter homes.
I am also working on with are surrounding towns, stopping solar from taking a good farmland.
I am also working on a larger food pantry to help the needs of our residence to have food and also working with our local growers to have fresh produce to help people in need.