Candidate Profile: Leny K. Wallen-Friedman, Easton ZBA

EASTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Easton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Retired attorney Leny K. Wallen-Friedman, 64, is running for election to the Easton Zoning Board of Appeals as a Democrat.

Education.

J.D. University of Wisconsin/Madison, B.B.A. University of Massachusetts/Amherst

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

Spouse - Margaret Wallenfriedman, retired physician
Son - Asher Wallen-Friedman - age 33
Son - Silas Wallen-Friedman - age 31
Daughter - Elise Wallen-Friedman - age 20

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes.
2012 – 2022 Edina School Board (Edina, Minnesota)
2016 - 2019 Edina School Board Chair

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for the Zoning Board of Appeals because I view public service as a way to help support my community and I have the background necessary for the position. “Giving back” was instilled in me many years ago by my mother, a special education teacher, who stressed the need for individuals to help each other. For the past twenty five years I have volunteered or been elected to many positions within my prior community. I served ten years on the Edina school board (with four years as board chair) and on the school district’s finance committee for ten years before that. I coached baseball and soccer for over a decade, served as Treasurer for my children’s elementary school and girl scouts and hosted eight different international teaching assistants who worked at my children’s schools. I am, and always have been, committed to the community in which I live.

I also have the background to contribute on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I am a retired attorney. After graduating from law school, I clerked for two years at the Wisconsin Supreme Court. I started my private practice career at Robinson & Cole in Hartford, focused initially on land use and later, general litigation. For the twenty years before retiring, I focused on business litigation in my own firm. I bring a deliberate, analytical approach to decision making.

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

There currently are no major issues before the Zoning Board of Appeals for which there is a dispute among the board members. Over at least the past two years the Board has typically voted unanimously on the issues before it. This shows the board is united in completing its work on behalf of the residents of Easton and that they agree upon the proper resolution of requests brought before them.

My legal background makes me perfectly suited to continue the work of the Zoning Board of Appeals. I have the ability to analyze requests that come before the Board and resolve those requests consistent with the Easton zoning laws. I also can work with others on the Board to resolve issues in a collegial fashion.

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

I have a long history of volunteering in my community and have been fortunate enough to have that community elect me to the school board. In addition, I have over 35 years of legal experience that makes me well suited to analyze and resolve issues before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

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

Issues have arisen in Easton regarding the use of property for commercial purposes. In addition, there has been a recent change regarding non-conforming properties that are adjacent to conforming properties. The key to resolving issues that arise before the Zoning Board of Appeals is to analyze any requests within the scope of Easton’s zoning regulations.

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

I was elected three different times to the Edina school board. My multiple re-elections show that I was successful in moving the school district forward and had the continued support of my community. In addition, my peers elected me as board chair four consecutive years (at which time I did not run for a fifth year).

While serving on the school board I ran a successful law practice. I hold an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was voted a “super lawyer” by my peers over fifteen times (including the past thirteen years).

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Not everyone is as fortunate as I am. I should always take time to help others.

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

I am, and always will be, dedicated to my family and my community. My wife of 39 years and I moved back to Connecticut last year to be closer to our now grown children. We chose Easton because it offered the perfect blend of community and preserved open space.