Madison Candidate Profile: Erin Duques for Board of Selectmen

MADISON, CT —Madison’s election season is down to the wire.

Madison Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns. This is one of those profiles.

Erin Duques, 43, is a Republican running for election to the Board of Selectmen.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No

Education:

Quinnipiac University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
University of Massachusetts at Amherst, B.B.A. in Marketing, magna cum laude

Occupation:

I have worked as an attorney since graduating from law school in 2005, with the exception of 3 years when I worked as a director for a local nonprofit that supports adults with disabilities.
I practice in the area of estate planning, with a focus on elder planning and special needs planning.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

None

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our town has a number of important capital projects on the horizon. The financial demands associated with these, coupled with decreasing levels of state funding will require thoughtful, data driven decision making with an eye towards responsible future planning.

I believe that this planning includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive assessment of the town’s current facilities so as to optimize existing resources and space in response to various demands and desires.

I also support responsible economic development that will help to offset the costs of upcoming capital projects, in a manner that respects and preserves Madison’s character.

As a newcomer to town government, I realize that I will need to work hard to educate myself on all aspects of these important topics. I will actively seek out and collaborate with individuals, both in and outside of town government, with knowledge and expertise on these matters, regardless of party affiliation.

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

I am the only candidate who is a licensed attorney. This is notable because my legal training and experience has taught me to approach matters both analytically and with an open mind. My areas of legal practice, estate planning, elder planning, and special needs planning, demand an ability to listen to clients' concerns and hopes for the future. I believe these are important qualities for effective service on the Board of Selectman

In addition, as a full time working professional and mother of two school aged children, I bring a unique perspective and experience to the current Board.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

No response

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

I have experience advising municipalities, boards of education and nonprofit boards of directors in various legal matters including labor relations, contract negotiations, employment law, board governance, and the development of administrative policies and regulations. I have also served on nonprofit boards.

I hold a Mediation Certification from the Labor Education Center at the University of Connecticut College of Continuing Studies and the Quinnipiac Center on Dispute Resolution.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

As additional information and facts become available, one must be willing to be open to changing their opinions and minds.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

A Massachusetts native, I have lived in Madison for 19 years and feel fortunate to be living and raising my two daughters here. If I am elected I will strive to work collaboratively with other town leaders, regardless of political affiliation, and to engage with my fellow residents to ensure that their ideas and concerns are considered.
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