Patch Candidate Profile: Eric Thunem, New Canaan Town Council

NEW CANAAN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in New Canaan and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Republican Eric Thunem, 65, is a New Canaan resident running for Town Council.

Education

MBA, Columbia University; BA, University of Connecticut.

What is your occupation?

Retired.

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

Spouse - Cynthia; Son - Edward (28); Son - Peter (25).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

No.

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 want to serve the people of the town in which I grew up, which has provided so much to me and my family. I believe I can contribute my abilities to New Canaan's municipal legislative process.

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

There are multiple issues facing my constituents, including zoning and affordable housing, cell service, quality of education and school excellence, and public safety. I intend to think intelligently about the issues before Town Council, and vote responsibly, based on reasoned consideration of all the factors involved.

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

I'm confident all the candidates for Town Council want what's best for the citizens of New Canaan, and I applaud my colleagues for volunteering to serve. As a person who grew up in New Canaan, attended New Canaan public schools and graduated from New Canaan High School, I look forward to serving my hometown on Town Council.

I am in favor of limited municipal indebtedness and controlled spending, decision-making based on reason and facts rather than ideology and emotion, and collaborative legislative process.

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

I have 37 years of successful work experience in industry, financial services, and marketing, leading to senior positions of responsibility. I retired after ten years as a managing director at a $40-billion-dollar investment firm, where I worked closely and collaboratively with a large team of professionals serving hundreds of clients. I have served in leadership positions in multiple volunteer service organizations.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen more than you speak.