Jacqueline Kaufman Running For Easton Board Of Finance

EASTON, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Jacqueline Kaufman, 43, is running for Board of Finance in Easton.

Occupation: Attorney

Family:Husband: Ross Kaufman and two elementary aged daughters.

Experience: Board of Finance and Alternate; Board of Ethics (former member)

Family in government: No.

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

For the Board of Finance and the most pressing issue is setting a reasonable tax rate year after year. It is the Board's role to maintain Easton’s financial stability by balancing the diverse needs of the community with the resources to fund them. A politically balanced Board of Finance is the way to achieve this.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My priority as a new Board member is to work to increase community engagement leading up to the budgetary review. Understanding community priorities and the needs of our departments is an effective approach to establishing a budget the taxpayers can support. Of course, it is only part of the puzzle, but it is an important one.

Accomplishments:

I am an attorney and specialize in land use, zoning and municipal law. I understand the complexities of Town Government, and how departments must communicate to achieve important goals and the value of public comment. I am also the Treasurer on the Board of Stepping Stones Museum for Children and sit on the Board of the CT Real Estate Finance Association and help to maintain the financial viability of these organizations.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I love Easton. I was raised here and am privileged to raise my family here. I was motivated to be involved in Town government because I care deeply about the community. I feel connected to its past and its future. If elected, you will find I am approachable, attentive, prepared, open minded and fair. Like you, and I want what best for our families and neighbors.