Meet the Candidate: Mary Glassman for First Selectman

Mary Glassman is running for re-election as Simsbury’s First Selectman.

Education 

Mary holds a journalism degree from the University of Connecticut with a law degree from the University Of Connecticut School Of Law. Mary and her husband, Andy, moved to Simsbury nearly 30 years ago. They have three children, Amanda, Nathan and Sam.

Work experience

Mary is a former newspaper reporter and an attorney. Mary worked as an attorney with the firm of Pepe & Hazard. She also worked as an attorney at the State Capitol and as Chief of Staff in the office of the Lt. Governor. Prior to her election, Mary worked as an advocate for children at Connecticut Voices for Children. Mary represents Simsbury as Chair of the Capitol Region Council of Governments – a 30-town regional council of government and as former president of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.   

Why are you seeking office?

· I am proud to be Simsbury’s First Selectman running for re-election. I ask for your vote for me and my team on Election Day to keep Simsbury a great place to raise a family, to work and to do business.

· I am proud of my record: Working with staff and volunteers, we have stopped out of control spending and have the same budget level today as we did in 2008. Our proactive planning and marketing efforts have led to more than $17 million in new development and through regional cooperation we have saved money and created efficiencies. 

What experience do you bring to the table?

· As a former newspaper reporter and attorney, I use my skills to make Simsbury’s town government transparent and responsive to our residents. 

· As First Selectman, I will hold the line on spending, plan for future growth and protect our quality of life. I am proud Simsbury’s budget today remains at the same level as 2008 with efforts such as increased grant funds, regional sharing and increased technology. Because of our fiscal budgets, risk management and financial excellence, Simsbury earned a Aaa bond rating saving taxpayers thousands of dollars in borrowing costs.

· I will continue to work with Town staff and volunteers on ways to retain and attract new business. Our proactive planning efforts and recently completed marketing plan continue to pay dividends. New zoning codes have helped put shovels in the ground for more than $17 million in new projects such as the Dorset Crossing urgent care center, Grist Mill housing and business expansion such as Metro Bis. Together we can create new opportunities to grow without compromising our unique historic charm and character.

· I will continue to be Simsbury’s voice at the Capitol to protect funding and fight unfunded mandates. You can count on me to step up when it matters.  I was front-and-center when Simsbury was hit hard by the 2011 blizzard and spearheaded efforts for increased reliability.

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

· Over the next two years, the Town must continue to find ways to offer quality schools and services without raising taxes or compromising our unique quality of life.  Our team is already hard at work to prepare Simsbury for the future. Lisa Heavner has initiated efforts to bring the town’s pension plan in line with the private sector; Shannon Knall is working to meet the needs of our seniors and disabled and Jay DeVivo will bring his business skills to the town’s economic development efforts.  We are excited to bring our experience to help shape Simsbury’s future.

What do you love most about town?

Simsbury is a wonderful town with unique historic charm combined with the natural beauty of the Talcott Mountain, the Farmington River and preserved farmlands and open meadows. But what makes Simsbury unique is our spirit of volunteerism and dedication to our community. We are fortunate to have so many volunteers willing to share their talents and skills to help others. We encourage everyone to get involved in our community in some way.

What do you like to do for fun?

There is so much I love to do in our Town – ride a bike, walk our trails or read a book from the Simsbury Public Library. It’s no wonder Simsbury has been named as one of the 50 Best Places to Live in the United States by Money Magazine three times.

How can residents keep up with you? 

During these difficult economic times, Simsbury needs experienced and trusted leadership. Please vote for me and my team on Election Day so we can continue to work hard for you. Residents can reach me at (860) 651-4626.