East Haddam Town Election News

PRESS RELEASE

East Haddam Democratic Slate for 2011 Town Election

At the top of the ticket running for First Selectman is Robert R. Smith.  An East Haddam resident since 1984, Rob brings a wealth of professional and volunteer experience to this office.  Rob worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for more than 30 years.  Beginning as a Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Rob moved up through the ranks to Assistant Director and was responsible for the field operations of the entire state park system. 

Smith has served the town of East Haddam in various volunteer positions.  He is a former president of the East Haddam Land Trust, continues to serve on the Board of Directors, and is a member of the East Haddam Open Space Committee and Land Trust liaison with the East Haddam Conservation Committee.  Rob also served the East Haddam Ambulance Association as an EMT, Chief, and on its Board of Directors.  Rob was an Alternate on the Planning and Zoning Committee.  In addition, Rob has coached the youth of East Haddam in both soccer and Little League. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from the University of New Hampshire and is a graduate of the Connecticut Police Academy.

Board of Selectman Candidate, John J. Blaschik, Jr., has also served East Haddam for many years.  A life-long resident of East Haddam, John was elected as First Selectman for four terms.  During his tenure as First Selectman, John implemented a twenty-year road management and capital improvement plan and represented the National Association of Small Towns and Townships at White House meetings.  John worked in the Office of the State Fire Marshal for eleven years as a Deputy State Fire Marshal and was responsible for operations management, staff supervision, policy development, and fire code interpretation.

John has been a member of the East Haddam Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  John is a former Fire Chief and is currently Deputy Fire Marshal for East Haddam.  John is also a current member of the East Haddam’s Office of Emergency Management and previously served as Director for three years.    

John Blaschik earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement from Bryant College in Rhode Island and holds several State of Connecticut certifications in fire-fighting and public safety.  Commenting on his candidacy for Second Selectman, Mr. Blaschik said, "I am honored to be part of the slate under the leadership of Rob Smith. I believe my experience will compliment Rob's insight to re-establish an open, progressive town government and nurture a quality of life we can be proud to pass along to the next generation."

“Together John and I have decades of public sector experience.  We’re a strong team and I look forward to working with him to bring a “hands on” approach to town government,” said Rob Smith.

Candidates rounding out the Democratic slate are: Kathleen Klinck, Treasurer; Kevin Leyland and Laurie Alt, Board of Education; Bruce Dutch and Matt Budzik, Board of Finance; Jim Curtin and Alan Ponanski, Planning and Zoning; and, Jim Vigue, Board of Assessment Appeals.

“This is a great slate and we’re looking forward to a terrific campaign and a Democratic victory in November,” Said former East Haddam First Selectman and Democratic Town Committee Chair Brad Parker.

The 50-member East Haddam Democratic Town Committee meets the third Monday of each month at 7:15 at the Grange Hall on Town Street in East Haddam.  Visitors are welcome.