Trumbull Election 2021 Profile: Lainie McHugh

TRUMBULL, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Trumbull will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next several days, so check back often to see the latest.

Democrat Lainie McHugh, 49, is running for Board of Finance in Trumbull.

Occupation: Physical Therapist

Family: A Trumbull resident for 26 years, Married to Tim, mother of Rachel (22), and Michael (20), both graduates of Trumbull public schools.

Experience: Current Chairman of the Board of Finance

Family in government: No

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

Taxes. We need to continue to balance investments in Public safety and services, education, and infrastructure with affordability for young families, and as well as seniors.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I bring a unique perspective to the Board of Finance as a full time healthcare professional, wife, and mother. I have a deep understanding of the budget process and impact our decisions have on the quality of life in our town. I also bring the experience of service in unprecedented and uncertain economy of the pandemic.

Accomplishments:

For the last 2 years I have served as chairman of the Board of Finance navigating the challenges of a municipal budget in the uncertain economy environment of the pandemic. We have managed to do so, investing in education, public safety, and town services, and while maintaining stable taxes and remaining on sound financial footing.

Other issues:

We will need to be able to continue to prioritize public safety and services, and invest in Education, and while planning to address infrastructure issues and update Town facilities like the senior center and pools.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

It’s easy to complain about things we don’t like. It’s a lot more work to be part of a solution. I considered myself “involved” over the years as my children went through the school system. I enjoyed every bake sale, book sale, variety show, powderpuff, and post prom, But, I found myself concerned about the bigger picture of education and how we pay for it. I began to understand that the picture was bigger than even that in we must understand how to pay for education without losing sight of the other critical needs of taxpayers. I have learned much about all of the town departments and how they function. I have enjoyed meeting the people, and developed a deep respect for the hard work they put in to make our vital services and events happen, and all while making it all seem easy. I understand the dilemma of balancing the wants and needs for all of our residents.