Town Council Candidates
Priorities of the Town Council Slate:
- Encourage economic development via tax incentives and infrastructure development to increase our tax base and lower our taxes;
- Craft budgets accountable to taxpayers and efficiently providing needed services;
- Hold officials and contractors accountable for responsible use of town resources;
- Protect and enhance our open spaces;
- Consider the impact of decisions on all residents, including children, seniors, and the disabled;
- Work closely and collaboratively with all citizens; provide a transparent, responsive government.
Nicole Cruz-Glacken
|
Nicole is an exceptional leader and communicator, evidenced through her years of work with children and community involvement. She has been a steady presence and speaker at many town council, BOE, and committee meetings over the last year, continually asking important questions and raising compelling and sometimes overlooked issues. She is well-informed and brings needed energy and ideas. |
Nicole has a unique ability to speak to individuals from all walks of life and experiences. She encourages honest dialogue and fosters discussion in an open way. Her commitment to bringing ideas and new ways of approaching old problems will be a valuable asset to Ledyard's town council.
"I am running to bring a much needed missing perspective to town council. Ledyard is a beautiful place to live. As a town councilor, I would strive to make being a resident of Ledyard more accessible to all. I will focus on efforts to make our town more accessible, expand our tax base, and lower taxes, while providing more opportunities to grow our town in ways that are more inclusive."
Follow Nicole on Facebook @nicolecruzglackenforledyard
"I am running to bring a much needed missing perspective to town council. Ledyard is a beautiful place to live. As a town councilor, I would strive to make being a resident of Ledyard more accessible to all. I will focus on efforts to make our town more accessible, expand our tax base, and lower taxes, while providing more opportunities to grow our town in ways that are more inclusive."
Follow Nicole on Facebook @nicolecruzglackenforledyard
Hilary Evans
|
|
Hilary Evans recently joined Ledyard Town Council, after serving for years on the Ledyard Conservation and Planning & Zoning Commissions, as well as the Ledyard Housing Authority. She was the chair of the Conservation Commission and treasurer for the Housing Authority. She was instrumental in bringing in grants to the Housing Authority and improving its financial standing. She serves as the DTC Vice-Chair.
Hilary works in the insurance industry. Through her employer, she is a member of the Bouvier Brigade, which raises money and does volunteer work for a variety of causes, including suicide prevention, food insecurity, mental illness, and addiction.
Hilary's extensive municipal experience has given her the skills to work well on a bipartisan basis and develop well-balanced policy. Hilary brings a depth of knowledge about the town and fresh ideas to the Council.
“My diverse skill set and varied experiences allow me to bring a fresh point of view to the table, allowing women, young adults, and average families in Ledyard who are struggling to pay their bills on time to feel like they are being represented and their voice is being heard. Our residents deserve a government that will put them first and fight for what their families need most: more affordable housing, better job opportunities, and the ability to live where you work. Let’s make Ledyard work for all of us!”
Follow Hilary on Facebook @HilaryEvansforLedyard
Hilary works in the insurance industry. Through her employer, she is a member of the Bouvier Brigade, which raises money and does volunteer work for a variety of causes, including suicide prevention, food insecurity, mental illness, and addiction.
Hilary's extensive municipal experience has given her the skills to work well on a bipartisan basis and develop well-balanced policy. Hilary brings a depth of knowledge about the town and fresh ideas to the Council.
“My diverse skill set and varied experiences allow me to bring a fresh point of view to the table, allowing women, young adults, and average families in Ledyard who are struggling to pay their bills on time to feel like they are being represented and their voice is being heard. Our residents deserve a government that will put them first and fight for what their families need most: more affordable housing, better job opportunities, and the ability to live where you work. Let’s make Ledyard work for all of us!”
Follow Hilary on Facebook @HilaryEvansforLedyard
Mary McGrattan
|
|
Mary McGrattan offers experience, including two terms as Ledyard’s Mayor; five terms representing Ledyard in the state legislature and eleven terms as Town Councilor. Mary stays calm under pressure and has the ability to lead efforts toward constructive resolution. Mary aims to continue "the spirit of cooperation that has been the hallmark of the last few years on the Town Council."
With many years of legislative experience in state and local government, Mary has contributed much to the strength of our town and is always focused on what is best for Ledyard. She is well versed in the workings of the Town Council. "I enjoy being part of town government. With my past service in state and local government, I am knowledgeable and experienced. I am skilled in compromise and resolving conflict."
With many years of legislative experience in state and local government, Mary has contributed much to the strength of our town and is always focused on what is best for Ledyard. She is well versed in the workings of the Town Council. "I enjoy being part of town government. With my past service in state and local government, I am knowledgeable and experienced. I am skilled in compromise and resolving conflict."
Naomi Rodriguez
|
Currently serving on Ledyard Board of Education (1 term):
|
- Attended all Superintendents meetings with CSDE/DPH (Connecticut State Department of Education/Department of Public Health) COVID meetings held every week to keep apprised of ongoing Covid-19 situation in our State and schools in Connecticut.
- Involved with Ledyard Public Schools participating with the Teacher Residency Program through LEARN to bring minority teachers to Ledyard.
- Attended all BOE meetings (never missed a single meeting) and attended not only all committee meetings that I serve on, but committees that I do not serve on in order to keep abreast of all issues facing Ledyard Public Schools and remain well-informed.
- Served on Planning & Zoning Commission for 10 years
- Parks & Recreation Commission Member (2018-2019)
- Co-founding member of Ledyard District-wide Recycling Program in the Ledyard Public Schools (2008-2013)
- Ledyard Center School Green Team member (2009-2013)
- Ledyard Center School PTO Volunteer (2007-2013)
- Ledyard Center School Classroom Volunteer (2007-2013)
- Shining Stars Friend through Ledyard Center School (2009-2019)
- Planning Commission member (2008 – 2016), former Vice-Chair
- Dow Chemical Community Advisory Panel member (2005-2019)
- Charter Commission Member (2009)
- Energy/Green ad hoc committee member (2009)
- Agricultural ad hoc committee member (2009)
- Justice of the Peace (2013 – present)
- Senior Commission Member (2016 - 2019)
- Chair, Ledyard Democratic Town Committee (2013-2015)
- League of Women Voters member (2009-present)
"I am highly passionate about serving my community well. My experience and insight have been an asset to the Ledyard Board of Education and to Ledyard Public Schools, and now I look forward to bringing my skills and energy to our Town Council.
If you want someone to represent Ledyard who has integrity, honesty, values, and is transparent, then I am the person for the job!
My husband, Maik Schuler, and I have lived in Ledyard for 21 years. Maik was extremely active in the Ledyard Soccer Club as a coach and has worked for Pfizer for 21 years. Our daughter Crystal graduated from Ledyard High School and University of Connecticut, Storrs. Our son attended Ledyard Center School and is entering college this fall."
Follow Naomi on her current Board of Education Facebook page.
If you want someone to represent Ledyard who has integrity, honesty, values, and is transparent, then I am the person for the job!
My husband, Maik Schuler, and I have lived in Ledyard for 21 years. Maik was extremely active in the Ledyard Soccer Club as a coach and has worked for Pfizer for 21 years. Our daughter Crystal graduated from Ledyard High School and University of Connecticut, Storrs. Our son attended Ledyard Center School and is entering college this fall."
Follow Naomi on her current Board of Education Facebook page.
Bill Saums
|
Current member of Town Council, since 2008:
|
- Worked with Ledyard Congregational Church and the Town to propose the transition of the Ledyard Food Locker into the Ledyard Food Pantry run by the church and supported by the entire town.
- As a member and now chair of the finance committee, presented workable budgets that passed at referendum every year for the last 8 years, managing expenses while meeting the needs of residents, students, and employees by conducting detailed line-by-line reviews of all budget items.
- BS Biological Science, Cornell University
- MBA Marketing and Finance, Northeastern University
- District Manager, Continental Grain Company 1976-1985
- District Manager, AT&T 1985-1994
- Founded Centech Solutions 1995 (a management consulting firm with Fortune 100 clients) and continuing today
- Married to Kathie since 1977, with two children, both dancers, and graduates of Ledyard Public Schools
- Michele, graduate of University of Pennsylvania, Emory Medical School, now in residency at Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
- Adrienne, junior at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, majoring in communications disorders (speech pathology)
"I believe integrity matters, and I work hard to support Ledyard’s best interests, including excellent schools, tax relief through good governance, limits on residential sprawl, and preservation of open space. My proudest moment was when the Town Council and the Board of Education worked together to propose the renovation of two of our school buildings and new schools, present the plan to the residents, and see it approved at the first referendum. Town Council work is a team effort, and none of these accomplishments were achieved alone. It’s easier to get things done by working with each other, expressing our thoughts, listening to each other, and finding reasonable ways to meet everyone’s expectations."
Follow Bill on Facebook @BillSaumsTownCouncil
Board of Education Candidates
Priorities of the Board of Education Slate:
- Invest in our schools: provide the necessary resources for all students to have the opportunity to meet their education goals;
- Encourage and support involvement and input from students, parents, and teachers to make policies in the best interest of our students;
- Implement policies to recruit educators and staff that reflect the diversity of our student body;
- Insist on transparency, clear communication, and collaboration between the Administration, staff, parents, and students;
- Rely on trusted resources for making health, science, and education policy that promotes and protects our students' health and safety at all times.
Kate DiPalma-Herb
|
Kate DiPalma-Herb’s focus is always on "ensuring that the needs of the students and teachers are considered in every decision." |
Carmen Garcia-Irizarry
Photo by Elena S. Blair Photography
|
"I am running for Board of Education because I believe that it is so important that the community and the teachers are involved in all the decisions made by the BOE. My focus is to help ensure that all voices are heard and respected. I will work towards improving communication between the BOE and the public and ensuring that our teachers have the resources they need to help all of our students succeed." |
Mary Harris
|
Mary wants to run for the Board of Education because her background as teacher of science will bring a beneficial perspective and insight to the BOE. She will work towards ensuring equal opportunity for quality education for every student. She is a skilled negotiator and advocate. She would pursue common ground with differing voices as much as possible, while also standing up for what she believes is right. |
Joanne Kelley
|
Currently serving on Ledyard Board of Education, since 2019:
|
- Chair of the Policy Committee, which reviews, revises and maintains the District’s policies and bylaws that provide the framework for how our schools operate. Over the last year and a half, the committee has revised or added (and the full Board has approved) policies for the handling of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, Parent Involvement and Communication, Bullying, Diversity in Recruitment, Equal Opportunity, Psychotropic Drugs, and Disaster and Emergency Preparedness, and others.
- Liaison to the Instructional Council, which approves all curriculum, including new or major revisions, prior to submission to the Board of Education for approval. This curriculum development by certified staff, along with resource materials, must meet the goals and legal requirements of the Board of Education. Curriculum developed, added or modified in the 19/20 and 20/21 school year included new or revised World Languages, Art, Consumer Math, Culinary, AP Physics, and AP Calculus AB courses, implementation of Bridges in Mathematics, and more.
- Realtor serving Ledyard and surrounding towns for 24 years
- Member and Treasurer of the Ledyard Garden Club
- Member and Treasurer of the Ledyard Democratic Town Committee
- Mother of three and grandmother of three; with 5 students in the Ledyard Public School District from 1980 to present
- Regular classroom volunteer, chaperone, Music and Athletic Booster and fundraiser for many years
- Member of the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors since 1997
- Member of the ECAR Professional Standards Committee
- Past member of the Ledyard Board of Assessment Appeals
- Past Volunteer for Ledyard Public Libraries
What motivates Joanne to serve on the Board of Education?
"As a Realtor serving Ledyard and surrounding towns for 24 years, I appreciate the impact that the quality of our schools has on our property values. The excellent reputation of the Ledyard schools was the main reason I moved to Ledyard as a young mother and is still the #1 reason most people move to our town.
I believe a successful educational outcome is a life-changing predictor of future success and opportunity and it is our obligation to provide this to our children. While we should celebrate what we do very well in Ledyard, I feel it is just as important to recognize when we fall short of this goal, and take steps to constantly improve and assess our success. We must rise to the challenges of providing what our students need. All students, regardless of the level of difficulty they face, deserve nothing less from us. We have unique challenges in Ledyard, with high numbers of students needing intervention in literacy and numeracy, lack of diversity in staffing, as well as budget constraints.
I look forward to continuing to serve and utilize my experience and commitment to improve the educational outcomes for all of our students in Ledyard Public Schools."
On the Accomplishments of the BOE during her term of service:
"The BOE navigated the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic and implemented a safe school plan for virtual learning and eventual return to school in hybrid mode. Many difficult decisions had to be made with the health of the students and staff being the top priority while ensuring their educational needs were met.
Throughout the pandemic, we have kept ourselves informed on the Ledge Light Health District guidelines for our handling of the crisis. We have paid close attention to the enormous outpouring of feedback/opinion from parents, staff, and other residents of the town. The BOE received hundreds of emails from families involved and impacted by our decisions, who shared their concerns and needs. Many citizens took the time to address our meetings with their thoughts. I won’t speak for anyone else, but I’m confident we made the best decisions we could with the information we had and kept our staff and students safety as priority #1.
We are addressing the resulting social and emotional impact as well as learning loss because of this interruption to the normal school year by approving the expanded school day for the elementary students and enhanced adaptive learning and assessment in literacy and numeracy."
Follow Joanne on Facebook @JoanneKelleyforLedyardBoardofEducation
Nakai Northup
|
|
Nakai will add a needed perspective on Ledyard education to the Board of Education, as someone who went to Ledyard Public Schools from kindergarten until graduation, is a member of the Mashantucket Tribe, and serves as an educator. As a member of the Board of Education, he would strive to strengthen the relationship between the Mashantucket Tribe and Ledyard. He will be an advocate for and a bridge between the many Mashantucket tribal nation member parents and students who attend Ledyard schools and the Ledyard community. Nakai has spent his entire life in his Native communities and is passionate about preserving tribal histories and traditions for future generations.
Alex Rode
|
"My wife and I have lived in 7 communities on both coasts over the last 37 years. When we moved to Ledyard, we chose to stay because of the community spirit and the quality schools. We continue to believe in our town. “New England has a long tradition of volunteer public service. That spirit compels me to run for Board of Education. It is an excellent opportunity for me to serve and strengthen our town." |
