Politics & Government
Meet the Candidate: Nancy Haase for First Selectman
Republican Nancy Haase is challenging Mary Glassman for the First Selectman seat.
Education
I graduated from Merrimack College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.
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Work experience
I work for Spitfire Communications, a Simsbury small business, as an account manager specializing in employee benefit communications. My prior experience was at WTIC FOX 61 and WSBK in the Boston market as an advertising account executive, and as a sales and marketing consultant for local Simsbury non-profit organizations and businesses.
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Why are you seeking office?
I am running for the office of First Selectman because I believe that Simsbury residents deserve better. Our taxes are too high, we are facing the loss of our largest tax payer and vacant storefronts line Hopmeadow Street. I am proud that we are recognized as a top community by Money Magazine, we have a Moody’s Aaa bond rating, and that we have great schools and services. As a member of the Board of Selectmen, I have voted to keep expenses flat. But, I know that is not enough. We are at a cross roads and we must address our declining business tax base or we will not be able to keep this town as great as it is today.
What experience do you bring to the table?
I bring a passion for economic development to the town. My educational, civic and practical business experience has grounded me in the fundamentals of what it takes to lead and execute successful marketing and economic development plans for our town. We need to harness the very resources I have been a part of – Simsbury Main Street Partnership, the Economic Development Commission, and the pool of talented people of Simsbury. I will be Simsbury’s ambassador to our current businesses to help support their needs and I will actively recruit desirable new businesses. I have the marketing and leadership skills that are uniquely aligned with meeting our most pressing issue – to help our current businesses grow and bring desirable new businesses to improve and balance our tax base.
What do you feel is the town's most pressing issue?
I believe Simsbury’s most pressing issue is our high tax rate. We have the highest taxes in the Farmington Valley. Our grand list is declining and we have vacant store fronts. Our largest taxpayer, The Hartford, has announced it is leaving. Controlling spending is not enough. Our high taxes will be even higher unless we do something now to repurpose the empty store fronts and commercial buildings. In the absence of a proactive economic development retention and expansion plan, with each year that has passed I believe we have missed the opportunity to market our great town to potential businesses. That is why we are losing businesses and our offices remain vacant. Only by filling these spaces can we keep Simsbury vibrant and continue to afford to provide great services to all our residents and maintain our wonderful school system. We cannot afford to study the issues any longer. I will turn our studies into action. This will be my highest priority as Simsbury’s next First Selectman.
What do you love most about town?
I love the sense of community in Simsbury and its people. Simsbury feels like one large neighborhood – we all watch out for each other and help whenever there is a need. We have so many wonderful volunteers - from students to our seniors - everyone wants to give back to this great town. It is a wonderful place to call home, to raise a family and to enjoy all stages of a lifetime.
What do you like to do for fun?
For fun, I enjoy family time with my husband Craig and my son, Patrick and daughter, Lydia. We enjoy skiing and our summer beach vacations together. I have a passion for gardening that goes back generations - my great grandmother’s rhubarb has been passed down and grows in my garden in Simsbury today. I enjoy playing tennis, running and can carry a good tune.
How can residents keep up with you?
I would love to hear from all Simsbury residents. Please tell me what is on your mind. You can reach me at 860-508-5761 (cell), 860-651-1810 (home) or nancyhaase@comcast.net.
More information about my campaign can be found on the Simsbury Republican blog on the Patch and at www.simsburygop.com.
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