Easton Candidate Profile: Wendy Bowditch For First Selectman

EASTON, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Easton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Easton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Wendy Bowditch, 61, is running for first selectman as a Republican. She has worked as an institutional money market broker for 33 years, and has also served 12 years on the Insurance Commission, seven as chair, and was town treasurer for seven years.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Remaining fiscally responsible while still maintaining the rural nature of Easton

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

The challenges facing Easton, and Connecticut, are great. We must maintain excellence in education, keep our residents safe, and preserve the rural beauty we all know and love. It’s complicated given Fairfield County’s high-cost of living, and compounded by Hartford continually imposing new taxes as well as shifting financial obligations to towns like ours.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Keeping citizens safe through emergency service and infrastructure maintenance. Continuing the excellent level of education we offer our children. Further reducing the town's debt and continuing to find ways to keep the trend of lowering the town's mill rate.

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

I have been in the private sector in the financial markets for over 3 decades and have been involved with Easton government for almost 20 years. I have a clear understanding of budget processes and all issues facing the town. I am known to and have working knowledge of boards and commissions as well as the employees of town hall.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have the experience, and I am prepared to meet the challenges. Rest assured, I will bring to the office of First Selectman the prerequisite experience, along with steadfast commitment and dedication.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My grandfather always taught me to listen to people before you speak. I believe this would serve me well as First Selectman.