Madison Election 2021: Katie Stein Running For Board Of Finance

MADISON, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Katie Stein, 49, is running for the Madison Board of Finance.

Occupation: Child Life Specialist, Yale New Haven Children's Hospital

Family: Jonathan- husband (55) 4 sons: Jack (20) Sam (18) Noah (17) Max (14)

Experience: Board of Education

Family in government: no

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

I believe there are many discrete issues facing our community but forming a manageable strategy for progress is my priority. We need to measure the results of the School Facilities and Academy referenda and react accordingly. We need to look at community needs and resources not with a year-to-year lens but rather with a view of the generations to come. We need to look at our agreed upon goals and find compromise pathways to achieve them.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I believe all the candidates and I mostly share the same interest in this role. We are dedicated to the community and willing to volunteer our time in an effort to help Madison navigate through its challenges. I think my experience on the BoE—particularly as chair during the pandemic—supports that I have unique leadership experience in town government. Furthermore and my ability to build consensus and navigate in a non-partisan manner is something of which I am very proud and would employ during my term on the BoF.

Accomplishments:

I served as chairwoman on the Board of Education during one of the most challenging times in recent memory. During this time I navigated the complexities of COVID and lead the Board through a Superintendent search. Throughout this time, I was a thoughtful listener and worked with town employees, school administration, and the Board to open schools for in person learning by October 2020. In my years as chair, and I brought fiscally responsible and historically low budget increases. (0.10% and 0.87%). I am very proud to have championed the bipartisan ad hoc Tri-Board facilities working group which was instrumental in forming a reasonable approach to a long overdue town problem.

Other issues:

I seek to ensure board collaboration to generate progress on long-term projects. I plan to work with all board members and regardless of party to research and discuss items before action is taken. I want to work to address climate change impact to protect our beautiful shoreline. I seek to develop a more diverse revenue stream to alleviate some of the burden on taxpayers while maintaining the character and charm of our small town.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I feel so fortunate to be a resident of Madison and raising a family here and serving the community. I believe foundationally that as a community we share much more in common than the ideologies that tend to divide us. I believe our best hope for progress is to focus on the common goals and work together.