Update from Selectman Nick D'Addario

Easton Neighbors,

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day and our nation's 250th anniversary, we are reminded of the enduring importance of local government—the level of government closest to the people. The decisions made in our town halls, at public meetings, and through civic engagement shape our daily lives in ways both large and small, reflecting the same spirit of self-government that has guided our nation for 250 years.

Over the past several months, I have remained committed to being an active, accessible, and engaged Selectman. Whether working through the annual budget, advancing public safety initiatives, advocating for Easton in Hartford and Washington, or participating in community events, my focus has remained the same: preserving what makes Easton special while responsibly preparing for our future. Below are a few highlights from the past several months.

Annual Town Budget

This spring, Easton approved its annual budget. Like many communities across Connecticut, we faced rising costs in areas such as health insurance, special education, and municipal services, requiring difficult but thoughtful decisions. Following a careful review by the Board of Finance, the final budget preserved strong schools and essential town services while demonstrating responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Thank you to everyone who attended meetings, asked questions, and voted on referendum day. Your participation strengthens our local democracy and helps ensure Easton continues to move forward together.

Public Health & Safety

Easton remains focused on helping move the new EMS headquarters toward completion and working with town officials, consultants, and state regulators to resolve the remaining issues as quickly and responsibly as possible. My goal remains unchanged: getting our EMS personnel into a safe, modern facility that supports their lifesaving work and the residents they serve.

This spring, Easton also successfully transitioned to the new Fairfield County Regional Dispatch system while continuing implementation of our upgraded emergency radio communications network. Together, these investments will strengthen coordination among first responders, improve emergency communications, and better protect the health and safety of our community.

I also proposed the creation of the Easton Infrastructure & Facilities Review Task Force. The Task Force is developing a long-term strategy to prioritize investments and responsibly maintain the Town's buildings and infrastructure.

Preserving Open Space & Expanding Recreation

In 2025, Easton partnered with the Aspetuck Land Trust to create Lantern Hill, a proposed 22-acre open space in lower Easton with a public hiking trail. This project combines newly acquired land with existing town property, with joint ownership and the Land Trust responsible for building and maintaining the trail system.

This is the kind of partnership we need to preserve open space and expand access to Easton's natural beauty. I remain committed to working with the Aspetuck Land Trust to get this project back on track and complete Lantern Hill for the community.

Advocating for Easton

Over the past several months, I have continued serving on the PA 490 Working Group to help protect local farms. I have been advocating for increased state investment in local schools, financial relief for municipalities facing rising special education costs, and responsible housing policies that recognize the unique character of communities like Easton. These priorities have been part of my conversations with Governor Lamont and other state leaders, ensuring Easton's perspective is heard as decisions are made in Hartford. I also joined the First Selectman in meeting with Congressman Jim Himes to identify opportunities for federal funding that could benefit Easton and reduce the burden on local taxpayers.

We need to ensure that Easton has a strong voice at the state and federal levels and that local decisions continue to reflect the needs and values of our community—not one-size-fits-all mandates.

Community Events & Engagement

One of the greatest privileges of serving as your Selectman is spending time throughout our community. Over the past several months, I have attended dozens of community events celebrating the people, organizations, and traditions that make Easton such a special place to call home.

These events provide invaluable opportunities to connect with residents, recognize volunteers, and celebrate the organizations that make our town thrive. This spring included celebrating the opening of the new Aspetuck Playground, participating in the annual Recycling Event, Boy Scout Brunch, Donate Life Flag Raising, Valley Road Bridge Public Information Session, Annual Fishing Derby, HKMS Personal Interest Project, Easton Garden Club Plant Sale, Joel Barlow Awards, Pride Flag Raising, Town Employee Picnic, Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Concerts on the Hill, the dedication of the new Word Garden at the Easton Public Library, the Anne Lindquist Library Award ceremony, the Library Storybook Parade, the Easton Memorial Day Parade, and the Memorial Mile race.

These moments remind me that Easton's greatest strength has always been its people. Thank you to the countless volunteers, civic organizations, and residents whose time and dedication continue to make our community such a special place to call home.

Staying Connected

I will continue sharing updates through newsletters, social media, videos, and conversations with residents. If you ever have a question, concern, or idea, please don't hesitate to reach out. Hearing directly from residents helps me be a more effective advocate for Easton.

Thank you for your continued engagement, thoughtful feedback, and commitment to our community. Whether we've connected at a meeting, a community event, or simply around town, I appreciate the opportunity to hear your ideas and concerns. It remains an honor to serve as your Selectman.

Please feel free to call me directly at 203-307-5230 or email me at ndaddario@eastonct.gov.

For more information, please follow at Selectman Nick D'Addario on Facebook and @daddarioforeaston on Instagram.

Sincerely,

Nick D’Addario
Easton Selectman