2023 Candidates

We are proud to introduce our slate of candidates for the 2023 East Haddam town election!

Please see our Voting page for information on voter registration, your polling place, and to view a sample ballot for the upcoming election.

Tanya Bourgoin
candidate for FIRST Selectman

I love East Haddam! I feel blessed to be part of its past history and current community and I want to be part of ensuring its thriving future.

I have lived in East Haddam for 15 years but my roots here run much deeper. Growing up inHaddam, my family and I crossed the river frequently to enjoy the wonderful things that East Haddam has to offer. Some of my favorite childhood memories include shopping with my mother and grandmother at Parsnip Hollow, lunching at Hale and Hearty and visiting the many area attractions. Gillette’s Castle and Johnsonville were particular favorites, especially exciting when they were in their full holiday glory at Christmastime. After a day spent picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming or camping at Devil’s Hopyard, Bashan Lake or Selden Neck, we enjoyed many summer evening concerts on the lawn at Chestelm. My maternal great grandmother was born in Millington; her direct lineage includes the Trowbridge, Bartman, Willey and Bogue families, as well as members of the indigenous Wangunk tribe.

My early employment history was largely comprised of retail sales and management, through which I learned many valuable skills such as how to interact with individuals on many different levels - managers, co-workers, vendors, and customers, how to keep calm when things got hectic, and how to offer advice and guidance with the integrity that comes from expertise.

Working in a veterinary office helped to further my communications skills and taught me how a well-organized office should function. Being the live-in manager of an animal shelter, I learned how to successfully supervise employees and volunteers, coordinate service providers, solicit donors and connect with the public while keeping the facility well-maintained on a tight budget. Becoming chief municipal animal control officer further strengthened my communication and administrative skills and provided valuable insight as to how town governments work.

I have always believed in being the importance of being of service to the community. I served as the fundraising director from 2015 to this past March for a listener-supported radio station where I have been a DJ for the last 15 years. In that time, I successfully surpassed the donation goals every year while cutting fundraising expenses and increasing community involvement. In 2016, I cofounded the Friends of Machimoodus and Sunrise State Parks and I am still president of that organization today. My advocacy and organizational skills led me to be elected to the board of the Friends of CT State Parks this past September. In 2020, I joined the Connecticut chapter of the Sierra Club’s newly formed Wildlife Committee and because of my leadership abilities, I was appointed chair of that committee in August of 2022. In February 2022, I was solicited to become involved with the nascent CT Outdoor Recreation Alliance, and I havebeen attending their meetings regularly since that time.

Through my combined experience in many different sectors, I have learned the skills necessary to be an effective leader. I have proven myself to be dedicated, thoughtful, objective, and when necessary tenacious. Above all, I believe that by building relationships and finding common ground, we can solve problems and reach lasting solutions as a team.

Maryjane Parkus Malavasi
candidate for town treasurer

Maryjane Parkus Malavasi is a life-long resident of East Haddam and a graduate of Nathan Hale-Ray High School. She holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Masters degree in Public Administration. She has worked in municipal finance for 30 years. She started her career in the Town of East Haddam where she became its first Finance Director. She then became Finance Director for the Town of Durham, and is currently the Finance Director and Treasurer for the Town of Guilford.

In Guilford she manages a $114 budget along with the investments of all town funds. This past year she brought in close to $1 million dollars in interest income by utilizing a variety of allowable investment instruments. She plans to implement similar strategies in East Haddam once elected as Town Treasurer.

She also has years of experience in bonding, which is one role of the Treasurer, and has working relationships with the financial advisors and other team members currently working with East Haddam. Maryjane is the Treasurer for three service organizations where she has begun to utilize investment opportunities to increase their income. She serves as Treasurer for the Government Finance Officers Association of Connecticut, where she represents all 169 cities and towns in Connecticut.

Maryjane has volunteered on a number of East Haddam boards and committees over the last 30 years, including Treasurer of EHES PTO, Chairman of Park & Rec, and the Municipal Office Building Committee.

Maryjane is married to her husband, Ernie, and has two boys, Peter and Joey Plude. She looks forward to bringing her background and experience to the role of Town Treasurer.

Kathleen Klinck
candidate for TOWN CLERK

Life Long Resident of East Haddam. I have a daughter Katie and dog Winter. Lovegardening, swimming and organizing. Presently Real Estate Broker and Substitute Teacher in East Haddam Schools. Member and past Vestry member of St.Stephen’s Church and Sunday School Teacher. Attended Bryant College, youngest President of the Greater Middletown Association of Realtors and the State, Realtor of the Year, past Chairman of the East Haddam division of Chamber of Commerce, Frank Davis Award, past Deputy Registrar of Voters and East Haddam Town Treasurer for 22 years.

I am familiar with the duties of the Town Clerk. I filled in for the position when Debbie was out and understand the workings of the office. I am also familiar with the town government. I have been a notary for over 35 years. I have worked at the polls and understand State Election Laws. I also understand real estate filings.

I hope to be elected and then after I prove myself I plan on being re-elected.

Harvey Thomas
incumbent candidate for board of finance

Meet Harvey Thomas, Incumbant Democratic Candidate for Board of Finance. His wisdom is a moderating influence on the board. My wife and I are life long East Haddam residents, both graduating from Hale-Ray. My wife Patricia, known to her students as “Mrs. T”, taught at the East Haddam elementary school for many years.

I worked for 25+ years at the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, including several years in charge of the department responsible for the company’s expense budget. I retired as a Director of Agency Finance responsible for the budgets and financial strength of the company’s branch offices nationwide. Upon retirement, I attended graduate school and taught ethics and moral theory at UConn Storrs, various UConn branches and at Manchester Community College. I continue to research and write about moral theory.

I have served East Haddam on the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Commission, the Agriculture Commission and as East Haddam representative to the Connecticut River Gateway Commission. I currently serve on the East Haddam Board of Finance.

My service on the Board of Finance has and would continue to be guided by three principles:

1. To provide the services our citizens need and want. For example, quality education, public safety, good roads, Senior Services, library services, cultural and recreational opportunities for young and old alike and the preservation of our rural character.

2. To ensure East Haddam’s long term fiscal strength and sustainability. For example, maintain the best bond rating possible, when possible pay for capital improvements as we go, when not possible anticipate and save for future capital needs and use one time cash infusions for capital projects never for ongoing expenses.

3. To accomplish 1 and 2 above while imposing the lowest possible burden on taxpayers.

Eric Kolasinski
candidate for board of finance

Born in Hartford, I grew up in Meriden, attending the public schools graduating in 1996. I played baseball for years, soccer in middle school and high school. My grandfather had a love for competitive shooting and got my brother and I involved with the Blue Trail Range Rifle Club.

I was a Boy Scout and earned my Eagle Scout Award at 15, along with my 16-year-old brother, and we had a double Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I held numerous positions within my troop, from Assistant Patrol Leader to Junior Assistant Scout Master.

I was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Here, I discovered my love for flying. Years later I obtained my private pilot’s license. My passion for flying has grown. I not only pilot an aircraft from inside the cockpit, but also now enjoy flying remote controlled aircraft.

After graduating high school, I attended Gateway Community College majoring in Fire Technology and Administration.  I had already joined the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department, while working part-time at Hunters Ambulance. While attending college and working, I received my EMT certification and my Firefighter 1 certification. Along with those certificates, I took numerous other classes to further my education in the fire service. While working with Hunter’s Ambulance, I met my wonderful wife. We married in 2003, and started our family. Our children ages 18, 17, and 15 are amazing. All three actively participated in numerous school activities and sports clubs. In 2000, I was hired by the City of Meriden Fire Department. Over the years I have gained so much experience by taking classes, becoming a senior man, and taking on the role of Acting Officer.  I will be completing my twenty third year with the fire department and will be eligible to retire in 2025. 

In July 2009, our family decided to move to East Haddam to enjoy the rural setting and numerous state forests and parks.  We have a love for outdoor activities including horseback riding, camping and fishing.  I am an avid hunter and enjoy being out in the wilderness.  My wife and I joined the East Haddam Ambulance Association and volunteered with them for numerous years. I was hired by the town in 2014 as a part-time firefighter/EMT. Eventually, I was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for the town. Over the years I have helped write grants, develop budgets for the fire department, train and lead new firefighters. I am running to continue to serve the community and citizens of East Haddam

amalia shaltiel
candidate for board of finance

Education: BA in Psychology with concentration in Math - Hebrew University, Jerusalem; MFA in Visual Arts – Parsons School of Design, NYC; Certificate degree in Art Therapy – New School for Social Research, NYC; Teaching Artist Certificate program – University of the Arts, Philadelphia

Relevant work-related experience: 2 years compulsory service in the Israeli Army, Computer Graphics Facility Manager – Columbia University. Self Employed as artist and instructor in Visual Arts and Martial Arts. As a rostered artist of the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts I conducted large school wide projects in artist residencies in numerous schools in Pennsylvania. I also ran a business as a house painter and handywoman. I was employed by Penn State as Adjunct in Kinesiology and Asian Studies for more than a decade. I retired in 2019 when we moved to East Haddam. Since then, I have participated in local affairs and in the last year and a half have been very involved with the East Haddam Sustainability Team whose aim is to help East Haddam thrive on all fronts, using our resources wisely. Through our work East Haddam was awarded Bronze Certification by Sustainablect.org.

I was born in Israel, spent some of my childhood in the States. I worked and studied in NYC from 1980-1984 and moved permanently to the States in 1988. I moved to State College, Pennsylvania in 1990, and to East Haddam in 2019. My education and work experience combine analytical skills, the ability to understand numbers and financial decisions, empathy, and creativity. I have run my own business for almost 40 years, raised my 2 kids on a stringent budget as a single mom, bought a house on my own and helped my kids through college. They are both now thriving adults with children of their own. I have lived and adjusted to many environments so I can see things from different perspectives and ask crucial questions. All these skills and life experiences will be valuable as a member of the Board of Finance.

david cassenti
candidate for board of education

David Cassenti is a 20 year resident of East Haddam, a devoted husband and father of two, and a former teacher of 20 years, including some time at Hale-Ray High School as a long term math substitute. A product of public schools in Connecticut, and a graduate of the University of Connecticut (BS – 1995, MS – 1997).

In his time teaching in the public schools, David became interested in working with Special Needs students, especially students on the Autism Spectrum. As a result, he has a special interest in making education work for these students, and has devoted much time towards advocating for students and parents to get the support they need to obtain services for their children, as well as developing new ways of teaching special needs students that can help them utilize their strengths to be successful both while they are in school and after they graduate.

This is David’s first time running for public office, and will remain devoted to the students, parents, families, faculty and staff of those in East Haddam Schools, as well as remain fiscally responsible to those residents who do not have students in the school system.

Jacqueline Endorf
Candidate for Board of Education

I am running for a seat on East Haddam Board of Education and I am a new member of the DTC. Education policies and curriculum are absolutely political, however I am not a politician. My number one goal in being a part of the BOE team is to support the students, paras, teachers and administration. I am the product of public education, I love supporting public schools and I am proud to send my children to our public schools. I am a mom to three elementary school students, a school bus driver for our district and an active member of the PTO. 

I formed the East Haddam Elementary School Garden, working with the BOE, administration, teachers and town public works department. We are fully funded through community donations and local business sponsors. Every student in the school has mixed soil, started seeds, planted and explored the garden. 

Our family is still on the newer side to town but have become fully immersed- you would likely find us at the skate park any evening that weather allows, the adventure paths at Gillettes Castle, tending to the school gardens or at our favorite local businesses Shagbarks and Balleks.  

Having previously lived in a state that was actively trying to privatize the public schools and ban books, curriculum and eliminate funding, I feel very passionate to join the Board of Education to keep our district modern, fresh and moving forward. 

THEA Jansky
candidate for board of Education

Thea Jansky has lived in East Haddam for over 6 years and is the mother of two girls who both attend East Haddam Elementary School (EHES).

She serves on the Board of MOMS Club of East Haddam as well as holding a position with MOMS Club International. Thea served on the Board of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for two years at East Haddam Elementary School and will continue this upcoming year as a member.

Professionally, Thea owns and operates a Marriage Counseling Practice and has been in practice for the last 4.5 years. She looks forward to the opportunity of serving her community here in EH by becoming involved on a larger scale with our education system. Her specific training in conflict management, resolution and mediation are assets she hopes to utilize in her time on the Board of Education, if elected.

stephen lohmeyer
Candidate for planning and zoning commission alternate

A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Stephen moved to East Haddam in 2016 with his wife and children, and immediately fell in love with the town’s open spaces, beautiful scenery, and close- knit community. Stephen was in the United States Marine Corps (2000-2004) and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). Since his honorable discharge from the military in 2004, Stephen has worked in the building trades and has experience in all aspects of carpentry from framing to high-end finish work. He has owned his own custom cabinetry company since 2008.

Stephen is passionate about politics and actively engages with residents, community leaders, and local stakeholders to understand the unique needs and challenges facing East Haddam. He understands that East Haddam’s future rests on the delicate balance between growth and preservation and is eager to contribute to the Planning and Zoning Committee to ensure that decisions align with the best interests of our community.

shea jezek
candidate for library board

Shea Jezek has dedicated her professional career to administering school and public libraries at all levels.  Her higher education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in English from Eastern Connecticut State university, a Master’s Degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University and a 6th year degree in Library Media Science from Central Connecticut State University.  

 Shea has been an active member of the Rathbun Library Council for more than 20 years, including two terms as its Chairman. During that time, she spearheaded the committees that hired two of the Library Directors; was instrumental in the ensuring the success of the interior renovation project; and was on the Steering Committee for Rathbun's 75th Anniversary Celebration. She was recognized by the Connecticut State Library Association for her service and work on behalf of the Rathbun Memorial Library.  In her last years as Trustee of the East Haddam Public Library System she applied her experience to ensure the successful integration of the Rathbun and East Haddam Free Public Libraries into a town wide library system.

She is committed to serving the Town, as demonstrated by her membership in the East Haddam Community Lions (has served as President) and the East Haddam Historical Society. Shea received the Lions' highest honor, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, in 2006.  She is currently the elected President of a property homeowner association in New Shoreham, Rhode Island.

Shea’s goal is to continue to build a library system that not only serves the needs of all patrons but is poised for future changes expected to impact libraries as we currently experience them. She is running for a six-year term on the Democratic ticket.

In her spare time Shea trains for and runs triathlons, is a proud grandmother and works with her Pet Partners therapy dog, Zena, helping to brighten the lives of senior citizens.pen spaces, winding roads and the population of a small town. 

I have experience as a loan officer with the federal government in the Small Business Administration (SBA). It was my job to listen and communicate effectively with clients to better assist them during national disasters, and their period of recovery. Currently I work as an adoption coordinator for a dog rescue.  I work together with prospective adopters and fosters to rescue dogs, and to get them into the best homes.  I attribute any success to good communication skills, effective listening and general “people-person skills.”

I hope to make the library even more of a center of the East Haddam community.  The library is a place where one can come to use computers, find a job, get a book or learn to read a book. Our libraries are institutions of public education, and I want to work to promote that idea, and show the community how useful and relevant the library system can be.

If we earn your votes, our first and most important job will always be to work with everyone in East Haddam on finding common sense, non-partisan solutions to local issues.

And building a government that values competence, inclusion, and progress begins today, with a new generation of leaders in East Haddam.