Politics & Government

Meet the Candidate: Cheryl Cook for Simsbury Selectman

Republican Cheryl Cook is seeking a seat on the Simsbury Board of Selectmen.            

Education 

University of Notre Dame, BA Government

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Quinnipiac University, JD

Work experience

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Assoc. Attorney: Pirro & Church, Norwalk, CT

Partner: Pirro, Church & Cook, LLC, Norwalk CT

Solo Practice, Hamden, CT and Simsbury, CT

Why are you seeking office?

I have held a variety of volunteer positions in Simsbury and I want to use that experience to serve all of the residents of Simsbury.  I am very concerned that our taxes are so high we are becoming a town where people live here to get their kids through school and then leave because it costs too much to stay.   

What experience do you bring to the table?  

Currently I am a Commissioner for the Simsbury Housing Authority. I am an appointed member of the Human Rights Commission for the CT Department of Developmental Services and have been for over 12 years. I am a past president of the PTO at Squadron Line and the PTC at Henry James. I have chaired numerous committees at Squadron, Henry James and Simsbury High School. I am a past Board member of Simsbury Newcomers and a current committee chair. I am on the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Walk committee in Simsbury. In all of these positions I have brought people with differing points of view together and worked together to solve problems and get the work of the organization done.

What do you feel is the town's most pressing issue? 

Our shrinking commercial tax base, as evidenced by the departure of The Hartford and the numerous “For Rent” signs on Hopmeadow Street.

What do you love most about town?

I love that people help each other all the time, not just when there is a crisis, but every day.  Whether it is a neighbor or a stranger, I have always found the people of Simsbury willing to lend their time and talents. I have recruited volunteers for any number of projects and there is always someone to help.

What do you like to do for fun?

I raise puppies for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and I like to spend time doing that.  I like to work in my vegetable garden, walk, cook for my family and friends, read, and visit friends and family.

How can residents keep up with you?

My email address is cooks.home@comcast.net

 


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