Patch Candidate Profile: Wendy Bowditch​, Easton First Selectman

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 money market broker Wendy Bowditch, 65, is running for election as Easton first selectman on the Republican line.

Education.

BS Marketing West Chester University

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

Married 37 years to husband Peter and 11 yr old Saint Bernard named Jagger

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

7 years elected Town Treasurer in Easton, 9 months Board of Finance. Currently I am on the Senior Center Advisory Board, EMS Planning and Building Committee and Treasurer of the First Fire District

Why are you seeking this office?

I have watched the current administration do a substandard job in running the town during the last four years and plan to change that.

The claims of preserving land by attaining grants is just a half truth. My challenger and our current First Selectman transferred ownership of a portion of the property at South Park to Aspetuck Land Trust without receiving compensation for eight months. Moreover, we have entertained developers for our beloved South Park property that no one would truly accept as in our best interest. Under his watch, we lost a significant grant for the Historical Society. He also failed to listen to the recommendations of the Ethics Board in a timely manner. I plan on being in Town Hall on a regular basis so that we don’t go down these mistaken paths again.

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

maintaining local control * We have to carefully watch what happens in the next few years with farms that potentially could change ownership. If Hartford and the Democrats' special interest groups have their way we will have high density housing which is not good for our town and the watershed that we protect.

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

I will be at town hall holding regular office hours on a daily basis. I will make sure the departments are fulfilling their duties and getting Easton residents the services their tax dollars deserve.

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

I'd like to see a grant writing position in town hall. We need to start being proactive with grants and not trying to fit them into our needs.

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

I have been involved in Easton government positions for over 20 years now and have a full understanding of how it operates. Being Town Treasurer for 7 years and a Board of Finance member for 9 months gave me insight into how every department functions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen. You can't hear if you are talking. Hear every side of an argument before you make a decision.

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

I love this town and believe deeply in civic duty. I want to give back for the beauty and serenity that Easton has given me and my family.