Patch Candidate Profile: Diana Yeisley, Simsbury Board of Selectmen

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Simsbury resident Diana Yeisley is running for the Simsbury Board of Selectmen as a Democrat.

The following is Yeisley's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Diana Yeisley

How old will you be as of Election Day?

53

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.dianaforsimsbury.c...

What city or town do you live in?

Simsbury

What office are you seeking?

Board of Selectmen

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education

Penn State University

What is your occupation?

Community Leader and Advocate

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

I have been married to my husband, Jonathan, for 27 years. We have 2 children - Carter, 23 and Sarah, 21. Carter has autism and lives at home in Simsbury with us and Sarah lives in NYC.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am the Chair of the Aging and Disability Commission for the Town of Simsbury. Previously appointed to the DEI Council.

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 am seeking to serve the Town of Simsbury on the Board of Selectmen because I feel that our town needs positive, energized problem solvers who can move some important issues forward for responsible growth and affordability in our town. I am someone who works well with others and loves this town and wants to have our community believe in and trust our leaders and know that we have the best interest for Simsbury in mind always. Someone that they know can get things done in office.

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

Creating an affordable housing plan to address the often unwanted developments being built in our community. Addressing ways we can grow our tax base responsibly to offset burdens on the individuals and supporting the small business community that we love.

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

I have a long history of serving Simsbury in various capacities and working with differing opinions and backgrounds. As President of The Theatre Guild of Simsbury, I not only navigated us through COVID and created new ways to perform and thrive when other arts organizations suffered and closed, but looked at the organization and re-structured the Board during its bay time and came out a stronger, more sustainable organization for it. These are skills that are invaluable to serving the Town as Selectman. To be able to work through difficult processes and growing pain and come out better for it.

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

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

With a new Town Manager, our town will be facing a learning curve and continuing growing pains and I want to create an environment of transparency and cooperation and coordination among town leadership and town administrators. Keeping our schools safe, high-quality learning environments while being equitable, and ensuring our town is accessible and attractive to visitors and businesses.

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

As I've stated, I have been in leadership positions in town for many years. Current Chair or the Aging and Disability Commission, President of The Theatre Guild of Simsbury, former member of DEI Council, former President of the Special Education Parent Teacher Organization for Simsbury Public Schools, Jr/Sr Celebrations Chair at Simsbury High School (and for the class of 2020 which was not small feat), former Board member of Simsbury Summer Theater. These are just a few of the many leadership roles I have had in town. All of these opportunities gave me the ability to work with many people with diverse goals and objectives and all have had positive outcomes and growth from my leadership.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To be myself. Be true and authentic. To mean what I say, say what I mean and don't say it mean.

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

I love the Town of Simsbury and anyone who knows me will attest to that. I want to serve my community well and have open dialogue with neighbors, community members, Town staff and employees... no matter what affiliation. I will serve ALL members of our community. I am Team Simsbury.