2025 Candidates
We are proud to introduce our slate of candidates for the 2025 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.
Thomas Sevigny
Candidate for Selectman
Selectman for the Town of Canton 2011 - 2019
B.A. and M.A. in U.S. History from Trinity College, Phi Beta Kappa
Chairman of the East Haddam Municipal Broadband Committee
Current member of the East Haddam Redevelopment Agency
After serving in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller from 1984-1988, I began a 32 year career as an emergency dispatcher for the Town of Farmington, retiring in 2020. While working, I earned a B.A. and M.A. in U.S. History from Trinity College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. From 2011 - 2019 I served as a Selectman for the Town of Canton where I successfully spearheaded efforts to completely overhaul our zoning regulations to encourage mixed-use development. I currently serve as the chairman of the East Haddam Municipal Broadband Committee and serve on the East Haddam Redevelopment Agency. I am married to my supportive wife Susan and have three wonderful children.
If elected, I will prioritize three interconnected goals:
1) Future Focus: Economic development, fiscal stability, preservation of community character and efficient infrastructure maintenance do not happen by accident. The development and implementation of long range goals will be a key priority for me.
2) Taxes: The property tax is the primary way we fund public services. Property taxes, however, grow very slowly. Yet, we rely on the slow growing property tax to fund the fast growing cost of education. This, in turn, puts yearly financial stress on most municipalities in Connecticut as well as financial stress on many citizens. In East Haddam, that stress is even more pronounced because 93% of our tax revenue comes from residential property owners, among the highest in Middlesex County. We MUST begin to reduce the disproportionate tax burden on residential property. Our goal should be to reduce that number to 85% within the next five years and 80% within the next ten years.
3). Development: The primary way to achieve this goal is smart development in our downtown areas that preserves the character of our community. Towns are always looking for development to increase their tax base, but they often settle for single use, single level strip malls or big box stores as their economic savior. However, study after study has shown that on a per-acre basis this type of development does a poor job of providing communities with much needed tax revenue. These same studies have shown that dense, mixed-use development in downtown areas are financially more beneficial. The key here is taxes per acre. The goal of any community should be to maximize the amount of taxes per acre in their downtown areas. The majority of the land consumed by a big box store or a single level strip malls development is taken up by low-value parking, asphalt and landscaping, which results in a low property tax per acre. In contrast, dense, multi-story, mixed use buildings on small parcels of land produce a higher tax yield per acre. Simply put, creating and implementing master plans for downtown Moodus and East Haddam Village that encourage multi-story, mixed use development will help our community bring in more taxes per acre and help shift the property tax ratio toward commercial and away from residential. In addition, such development will create walkable and vibrant downtowns that can be an economic engine for our community.
For more information and links to the studies mentioned above, please check out my facebook page “Sevigny for Selectman.”
Carol faraci
candidate for town treasurer
She holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and nearly 25 years of professional accounting experience in general accounting, law, health care service industries and corporate insurance.
Prior to her recent retirement, she worked for a Fortune 500 insurance company with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership, demonstrating strong administrative and people skills as a good listener and problem solver.
“If I am elected to serve my community, I hope to provide effective accountability, timely processing of transactions and traceability to the Finance Department. My top three priorities for the position would be transparency, keeping taxes down and helping to preserve our town’s rural character.”
In her various professional positions, Carol has been responsible for payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, cash flow, budgets, bank reconciliations and monthly financial statements. She has also worked on internal audits and collected information and coordinated with external auditors.
Carol is the former treasurer for the First Church of Christ Congregational of East Haddam, where she is a member. Among other activities, she volunteers with the church’s Loving Spoonful soup snack bar in the winter months. She also enjoys sewing, watercolor painting, taking classes and exercising at the East Haddam Senior Center.
Carol and her husband, Lou, have been residents of East Haddam/Moodus for more than 16 years.
“I have always loved the open space and country charm that East Haddam provides, but the best quality about living in East Haddam are the people. It is great to talk with different people to get other opinions and share joys and concerns. You can always walk down the street and get a friendly wave.”
Scott Jezek
Candidate for Board of Finance
I am a life long resident of East Haddam and recently retired after 45 years of practicing law in our community. It is apparent to me the costs of living in East Haddam, particularly the disproportionate share of property tax revenue, are borne by homeowners. As a candidate for the Board of Finance, I will introduce a plan to ease that burden. I have set forth that plan in the East Haddam News and my Facebook page. My credentials include a B.A. from Connecticut College (1974), M.A. from the University of Connecticut (1975) and Juris Doctor from Western New England University (1978). Please exercise your franchise and vote on November 4, 2025.
JessicA Hatfield
Candidate for board of Education
Years as East Haddam resident: I have lived in East Haddam full-time with my family for 16 years. I also spent summers on Lake Hayward my whole life.
Why are you running: I believe strongly in the power of public education - a system that, when it works as it should, ensures that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, is given opportunities to thrive, grow, and be successful on their chosen path. I believe that when our students graduate, they should leave with excellent academic mastery and be well-rounded, kind, and empathetic people. They should forever be inspired to continue learning and they must understand what it means to be a member of a respectful, collaborative community.
I also have a deep love for the Town of East Haddam. I want to see this town and my neighbors thrive. It is important to me to participate in the work required to make that happen. A strong school system benefits every individual who lives here. Not only does it ensure a highly educated, well-rounded, and prosperous future generation; it also increases the value of our properties (and, therefore, each land/homeowner’s financial strength). In addition, a strong school system makes the town more attractive for small businesses and potential future residents with whom we can share our tax burdens.
What skills/experience or other interest would you bring to the job: I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, and I recently completed a Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree. While I was in the MPA program, I chose to do many of my projects, including my final capstone, about different aspects of East Haddam and its history. I spent countless hours researching, reading, watching town meetings, and listening to residents from all over town. I learned so much about East Haddam and its people during this time. I believe that the knowledge I gained will help inform my future contributions to the Board of Education if I am elected.
I have worked in higher education for the past 15 years as a financial aid administrator. I work every day to promote socioeconomic equity to access so that students who wish to earn a college degree are able to, regardless of their family’s financial situation. I am passionate about my profession because I believe in the power of education. However, I do not believe that college is the right choice for every person. Many of my family members, including my spouse, work in construction. Their role is essential for all of us, and they are successful and content with their careers in a way they likely would not have been if they had gone to college. It is very important to me that East Haddam students are equipped with the education they need to be successful in any path they choose after high school.
In my volunteer roles in town, I have been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for the past 6 years, I have been actively involved with both the Elementary School PTO & MPAC, and I was a member of the recent community relations dialogue group. In addition, I volunteer in the schools as often as I am able.
What do you hope to accomplish in the position: I have attended or listened on YouTube to every Board of Education meeting for the past 5 years plus. Having paid very close attention to the Board of Education over the past few years has helped me understand the work required to ensure that our town’s educational outcomes match our intent. If elected, I will work hard as part of that team to make the best and most informed decisions I can for our students, our schools, and our town. No one individual is the Board of Education by themselves - every board member’s perspective is important and collaboration is key. If elected, I hope to be a valuable member of the team that works together to make responsible and informed decisions, policies, goals, and plans for the school system.
Things you like best about East Haddam: East Haddam is a unique and special town. There is simply no other place like it and every day I am grateful to have the privilege of living here. We have unparalleled natural beauty, a rich and dynamic history, and new “hidden gem” places to explore no matter how long you’ve lived here. My family lives here and I have made so many lifelong friends in East Haddam. My favorite thing about this town, though, is that feeling of home that washes over me as I drive over the bridge, or cross over the town line from any direction.
Top three priorities for the town: Above all, my top priority and biggest hope for the town is unity and a high level of mutual respect between neighbors. I think my other priorities would include transparent community engagement, and collaborative decision making in all that we do.
Personal: (education, family, hobbies, whatever you want to include) I am a proud graduate of a Connecticut public school system. I also completed part of my high school career as an exchange student. I lived with a family in Uruguay for one year when I was in 11th grade.
My husband and I have three magnificent children and a grandchild. Our oldest child is a NHRMS alum, college graduate, and early childhood educator. Our middle child is going into 8th grade at NHRMS, and our youngest just finished EHES and will be going into 4th grade at NHRMS. We also have a dog, cat, and chickens.
I consider myself a lifelong learner – I love a good research project or thought exercise. My husband and I very much enjoy gardening - we have a large home garden that is full of life and beauty. There is nothing quite like watching the results of your hard work grow, bloom, and produce desired results. When we’re not in our garden, you can often find me and my family at a library – we love books, the institution of libraries themselves, and the variety of people you can find in a library. I also love to travel, explore new places – both near to home and far away, and learn about people with different backgrounds and cultures through conversation.
DANIEL FLACK
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Years as East Haddam resident: Four years
Why are you running: I am a new parent and pretty new community member looking to better understand our local education system and become more active in the community. I hope that my background and skills can be of service especially with a focus on youth education and development.
What skills/experience or other interest would you bring to the job: I am a clinical and forensic psychologist, meaning I have experience working with complex systems, like schools and government, around helping people develop into healthy individuals. This involves training in how people (including children) learn, how they connect with and communicate to each other, and how to safely manage and understand kids who struggle to connect with others.
What do you hope to accomplish in the position: I hope to use my background to understand the views and underlying needs of the community to increase transparency and communication around decisions that affect our kids – with a focus on psychological development. I also hope to bring experience with program evaluation and measuring outcomes to help make sure our tax dollars go towards programs that work for our kids.
Things you like best about East Haddam: The quiet, the gravel roads, the space, and the local farms.
Top three priorities for the town: (1) Increase real understanding of needs and concerns across all involved groups – children, parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators, and elected officials. (2) Learn more about efforts to encourage healthy psychological development with our kids, including issues like bullying, school violence, and general mental health needs that impact adult life down the road. (3) Work to foster trust within the community through transparency and accountability.
Personal: I live in East Haddam with my wife, our infant son, and our dog, two cats, six goats, and 12 chickens. I love the outdoors and the quiet that can come with it, but also (most types) of music and woodworking. My education is in psychology and the law, but I view my role as providing services to folks looking to understand their and others’ stories from different perspectives – the more we understand, the more say we have over what’s next for us and the people around us.
ARAM DEKOVEN
CANDIDATE FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION
My name is Aram deKoven, and I am honored to be running for a seat on our local school board. As a former college professor teaching the next generation of public school teachers, as a member of the East Haddam community since 2016, and as a parent of an eighth grader I am deeply committed to working with a team to ensure that every student in our district has access to the highest quality education in a caring and supportive environment.
A good education is one of the most important tools we can offer our children, setting them up for life-long personal, interpersonal, and professional success. Furthermore, a well-rounded education prepares young people to be discerning consumers of information, enabling them to more fully participate in decision making, both at the local and national levels. As such, I see the school board as serving a crucial role in providing the school district with the support it needs to support our young learners.
With more than two decades of experience working with teachers and educational administrators, I understand many of the challenges teachers and administrators face as they tackle the complicated task of educating and supporting the youth of our community. In addition to my experience as a college professor, I worked at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy During my 10 year tenure at the Academy, I developed a profound respect for those who have volunteered to serve their county in uniform and I gained tremendous insights into what effective leadership looks like in practice and how to successfully collaborate and compromise to complete the tasks at hand.
Lastly, in all aspect of my personal and professional life I have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to inclusive education and leadership. Every child brings unique and valuable strengths, backgrounds, and perspectives to the classroom, and I believe that our schools are the most effective when they harness the collective strength of these differences.
If you support my candidacy for the Board of Education I will listen carefully to parents and advocate for policies that expand opportunities for students. I will seek to empower teachers, administrators, and staff and I will work to build trust and collaborate across differences. I am excited for the opportunity to bring both my professional expertise and my passion for education to serve our town. I look forward to working together with the other members of the Board. Together we can build upon the current strengths of our schools, while at the same time addressing the challenges that lay ahead.
Edward C. Blaschik
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Edward C. Blaschik is a life-long resident of East Haddam and graduate of Nathan Hale-Ray High School. Edward’s passion for his hometown and community is evidenced by his past and present services. Current Chairman and 18-year member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, member & Secretary of the Municipal Office Building Committee, member of the Water Pollution Control Authority, Certified Elections Moderator, poll worker and newly appointed Deputy Registrar of Voters, former member of the East Haddam Planning & Zoning Commission. He is also a communicant of St. Bridget of Kildare Church, member of the finance committee and an Extra Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist. In addition to formal training from the Middlesex County Real Estate Association, Ed has 52 years of experience in property management. Fairness and equality for all East Haddam taxpayers are Ed’s utmost concerns for the activities of the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Maureen Pierson
Candidate for Planning and Zoning commission
Years in East Haddam: 12
What are you running: I am running for Planning and Zoning Commission because this is an important year for our town with regards to the planning of The Village and Moodus Center. These important projects must move forward carefully and thoughtfully as business development is imperative for the economic structure of East Haddam.
What skills/experience or other interests do you bring to the job: I have a life long interest in historic architecture and preservation. I have worked with The National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington DC, I have lived in two antique homes (200+ years old) both of whom are on the Historic Registry, and I am interested in the historic development and conservation of our town.
While not a builder, I do bring a fresh perspective to the planning and zoning process. I will educate myself with the projects presented to the board and will be prepared for the meetings and collaborate with land use board with regard to our town’s plan of conservation and development. I will be fully committed to doing what is best for our community.
What do you hope to accomplish in this position: I hope do what I can to move new development projects forward, to be prepared and informed so fair decisions can be made to benefit our citizens and the community of East Haddam.
Things you like best about East Haddam: Its friendly and safe community. The stunningly beautiful rural character and scenic landscapes. It’s historical charm.
Top three Priorities in town: 1) Improving tax structure to ease the pressure off property owners as the sole tax base, 2) Preserving our natural resources- trees, rivers, streams, and open spaces, 3) Developing business areas responsibly, to enhance the beauty of our historic town.
Personal, education, family, hobbies: I am a retired Speech and Language Therapist and Special Educator. I have a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina. I have lived in 14 states and 4 foreign countries. I am happy to have retired in East Haddam with my sweet little rescued dogs. I love reading, writing, genealogy, and travel.
Susan E. Kinsman
Candidate for planning and zoning commission
Years as East Haddam resident: 40 years
Why are you running: East Haddam needs focused planning and infrastructure investment to create opportunities for business growth to offset property taxes; to protect our historic resources and to preserve our natural resources.
What skills/experience or other interest would you bring to the job: Retired attorney who has served six years on the commission as an alternate. Appointed as a commissioner to fill a vacancy and now running for re-election to that position. Many years of professional experience in communications, state government and non-profit management.
What do you hope to accomplish in the position: Consistent application of zoning law and regulations; focused planning on future development to enhance East Haddam as a place to live, work and run a business.
Things you like best about East Haddam: Its natural beauty, open spaces and preserves; its history and important historic buildings and people who care about their neighbors and community.
Top three priorities for the town: Making more housing options available for young people and retired people to stay in town; enhancing and adhering to our plan of conservation and development; working to ensure any master plans adopted for Moodus Center and East Haddam Village are followed.
Personal: B.A. political science, University of Connecticut; J.D. University of Connecticut School of Law. Married to Alan Ponanski. Two adult sons. Certified advanced master gardener by UConn Extension; board member, CT Mt. Laurel Chapter of Wild Ones, native plant organization; Church Clerk, First Church of Christ Congregational of East Haddam.
David Duncan ORR
candidate for planning and zoning Commission (Alternate)
Years as East Haddam Resident: 5 years
Why are you running: Like all town residents I have an interest in maintaining the unique character and economic health of our East Haddam and the actions of the P&Z Commission play a critical role in determining the future direction for the town.
What skills/experience or other interest would you bring to the job: I have an abundance of common sense, I have some knowledge of Municipal finance, and I have suffered through a few unfortunate land use decisions at my prior home in Willistown PA.
What do you hope to accomplish in the position: Maintain the quaint New England small town vibe, promote sensible economic development, and manage/expand protected open space.
Things you like best about East Haddam: The small town feel and all of the state parks, preserves and other open space.
Top three priorities for the town: Old municipal complex, Moodus Center and open space.
Kerry McRae
Candidate for Library Trustee
As a resident of East Haddam for over 35 years, I raised my daughter here in town where she attended the public schools. When my daughter was in kindergarten, I began my employment as a substitute paraprofessional and teacher.
After a number of years, I was hired as a fulltime special education paraprofessional. This position was held until August of 2020. Over the majority of years, I also arranged to find substitutes at the last minute for the system.
During these years, I became a Friend of the East Haddam Free Public Library serving numerous positions. Currently I am the treasurer for the group.
Last November the two Friends' groups hosted the first Author Showcase which I was a part of the planning committee. We are starting plans for the second Showcase to be held this November.
My first interaction with the library board was when they requested a liaison from the Friends attend meetings. I volunteered to attend. A vacancy opened up at which time the Board requested I fill the position. With my background and continuing interest in the wellbeing of our library system, I feel that I am a good candidate to fill a vacancy in the November election.
Laurel White
Candidate for Library Trustee
I am presently ending my 6 year term as a member of the Board of Education this coming November.
It was brought to my attention that a seat on the Library Trustees became available when one of their members stepped over to the Board of Finance and I was appointed subject to election to serve the remainder of the two-year term.
This seat has afforded me the opportunity to participate with the Trustees for the last few months and I find that like education, libraries are under threat from budgetary and opinion style threat.
The public library is a resource that touches a community from birth through death. The number of ways a library supports its community is without boundary. From infant and toddler story hour to a drive-up book delivery to the elderly, the library offers access to everyone.
Students can walk to the library after school to find solace, resources and outlets for creativity. Presently our community is working on a plan to build a larger and more fully comprehensive library for our community. The Library Trustees are a big part of this planning.
As a member of the Board of Education I have gained skills in working with Roberts Rules formatting of meetings. My experience has already lent itself to the Trustees in ways that support thoughtful and productive conversation. It is my opinion that libraries need to be saved and that will come directly from boards that support the work that libraries do. I intend to be one of those supporters if East Haddam voters will support me.