Patch Candidate Profile: Art Laske, Easton Board Of Finance

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.

Attorney Art Laske, 61, is running for re-election to the Easton Board of Finance as a Democrat.

Education.

I received my law degree from UCONN Law in 1988. I graduated from Boston College in 1984. I graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1980.

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

I have four great kids, all of whom attended Easton schools and Joel Barlow. John (26) graduated from Fairfield university and is a teacher in Austin, Texas. Joseph (24) just received his Masters from Fordham, where he obtained his undergrad degree. He resides in Queens, NY; Nathaniel(22) graduated from American University and is working at a diplomatic think-tank in Washington, DC; Anna (19) is studying at Fordham University.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have been a member of the Easton Board of Finance for 24 years, since I moved to town in 1999. Prior to that I served on the Trumbull Board of Finance and the Trumbull Town Council.

why are you seeking this office?

It has been a great pleasure to serve on the BOF for 24 years, the last two as Chairman. I've always supported education and the BOF position gives me an opportunity to ensure our schools are the best they can be, and our students are prepared for success. I enjoy the chance to bring people together to address the challenges we face as a town, and making a difference by funding those programs that assist our seniors, provide activities through our Park & Rec department, and preserve our town's wonderful rural character. Easton has been a great place to bring up my family, and the BOF is a wonderful way to give back to the community.

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

Maintaining the fiscal balance necessary to provide services and still minimize the cost to Easton's taxpayers.

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

I'm not running 'against' someone, rather I think I'm running on my record of service to the town, on my ability to bring people together in a process to make the best possible budget for our citizens, and to show respect to every town employee, volunteer and citizen who comes before the BOF for assistance. I hope I've shown everyone the respect they deserve, and in return they will honor me with their vote.

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

I enjoy letting people know that as a member of the BOF I have always done my best to balance the needs of our seniors, our schoolkids, those who use our parks and recreational facilities, our libraries and our other town services with the concerns that every taxpayer faces regarding an increase in their yearly tax bill. I want them to know that every line item gets reviewed, we are always looking for a better way to do things, to increase efficiency, to focus spending in order to maximize every tax dollar.

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

Over 24 years of creating budgets, dealing with good - and not so good - budget debates and votes, I think I understand that allowing for a thorough, fair, respectful process of putting together a budget benefits the entire town. Easton is a great town with great people, and we all want the same things, it just takes work to define the best way to meet those shared goals. I enjoy bringing people together to make that happen.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Find a path in life where you do what you love and you can then create your own happiness. Being happy with your life is a choice, and being able to share that happiness with others is the greatest benefit of a life well lived.

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

Other than telling everyone to get out and vote - so many people have sacrificed so much to preserve that right, and our democracy only works when citizens get involved, and express their faith in the system through their vote.