Meet Lisa Pellegrini, Candidate for Somers First Selectman

Name: Lisa Pellegrini 

Age: 45

Office Sought: Re-election as Somers First Selectman

Occupation: Currently serving as the First Selectman in the Town of Somers.  Elected in November 2009.

Education: BS Degree in Textile Marketing & Mgmt, 1988 Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. (Now called Philadelphia University). University of Tennessee, "Institute for Productivity through Quality" 1991. Duke University, "Total Employee Involvement" 1992. Institute for Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Validating Medical Devices: Computer Software & Hardware” 1994

Government and/or other experience qualifying you for office: As your First Selectman I have brought in almost $1 million in new Federal and State grants to the town, including funding for the installation of significant solar panel projects at no cost to the taxpayer. The Somersville Streetscape Project, nearly lost through inactivity of the prior administration, was saved and is now nearing completion. New tennis courts and basketball courts have been installed, as well as new fencing and many improvements made to the gazebo and bathroom facilities at the Field Road Park Complex have been at no cost to the taxpayer. Aging vehicles and equipment have been replaced and long term plans to replace equipment have been created. Road improvements and repairs have been prioritized and several projects such as guard rail replacement, catch basin repairs and drainage projects have been completed. 

As a result of skillful negotiations, heating costs for the town have been reduced, town insurance costs have been greatly streamlined and worker’s compensation costs slashed. In addition, the employee pension plan has been revised eliminating a costly lump sum payout while at the same time greatly improving retirement benefits for Town Hall employees. As a result, one of the two Town unions have opted to decertify thus saving significant costs in labor negotiations. Preventive maintenance plans for Town Buildings have been implemented and much needed building maintenance and repairs have been completed. These efforts have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to the town. 

Two Town Budgets have passed by a 2-to-1 margin. I led the town’s emergency response through a category 3 hurricane, an earthquake, and the third worst winter for snow in a century. The Woodcrest elderly housing project is well into its Phase Two development, and a new sidewalk is being put in from Woodcrest, past the Senior Center, and reaching the town center, Piedmont Hall and the Town Hall. Expansion to the Senior Center, funded by a grant, is slated for the Spring. The Public Works Garage and elementary school building are going “green” with the installation of 1250 solar panels and 2500 solar panels respectively, currently being installed. These systems will be maintained for 20 years at no cost to the taxpayer.  Such alternative energy measures will result in thousands of dollars of savings per year in electricity costs.  In addition, a new roofing membrane has been installed on the elementary school, extending the life of the roof for 20 years and eliminating the need to bond for a $2 million dollar roof replacement.  

Activities have been expanded for our senior citizens and Heart Healthy Community initiatives are being implemented. The Town is participating in the purchase of the Stevenson Property, thus adding an additional 30 acres of open space. One abandoned, blighted property has been sold and is now back on the tax roll producing revenue.  Many open items listed in the Plan of Conservation and Development have been completed and the Plan continues to be updated.   

Much has been completed but there is still so much more to do. I truly believe that moving Somers forward while solving local issues and saving your money is an absolute must, and I remain committed in continuing that momentum in the next two years.