John Hampton Endorses Glassman Team!

Today's guest blogger is State Representative John Hampton, who encourages Simsbury voters to choose the Mary Glassman team on November 5. John served as Deputy First Selectman to Mary in Simsbury, and he knows that she's got the respect of legislators in Hartford-- something Simsbury needs to keep our town moving in the right direction.

Here's John!

I urge residents to vote on Tuesday, November 5th for First Selectman Mary Glassman and her amazing team: Deputy First Selectman Lisa Heavner, Selectman Shannon Knall, and Jay DeVivo.

Difficult times call for steady and experienced leadership to keep Simsbury moving forward.

Mary and her team will continue to work tirelessly as fiscal conservatives and defenders of Simsbury’s first-rate quality of life.

As former Deputy First Selectman, I have worked side by side with these incredible leaders and have witnessed firsthand the caliber of their combined abilities, talents and skills.

Since taking office, Mary has put Simsbury on the map, bringing unprecedented state and national acclaim to our town which has led to increased financial opportunities and growth. Simsbury was rated CNN Money Magazine's Top 50 Best Places to Live, the state's first Bike Friendly community, Hartford Magazine's designated "most hip" community, winner of "Best Neighborhood" by This Old House magazine for Tariffville Village, and host to Olympic level kayaking championships!

These designations not only bring honor & distinction but also tourism revenue and economic growth potential to Simsbury.

Under Mary's governance, the Town worked in a bi-partisan way to adopt zoning regulations and form-based costs to encourage new projects such as Millwright's Restaurants, an Urgent Care center and Multiple-Sclerosis housing which result in new jobs and tax dollars.

Mary and her team have been leaders in regional cooperative sharing to reduce costs to residents and have held the line on town spending. Today the town's operating costs are at the same level they were in 2008-09. This is a result of hard work and creative ways to reduce the size of government.

As Deputy First Selectman, Lisa Heavner has proven herself as an exceptional visionary problem-solver, leading the way in bringing town pension plans in line with the private sector.

As Chairman of the Personnel Subcommittee, Lisa streamlined administrative policies and procedures making town government leaner and more efficient.

Lisa initiated the town's Technology Task Force involving skilled volunteers to improve the Town's ability to better communicate and offer more services to our residents electronically. Lisa is a champion for senior citizens, improving their quality of life through pioneering programs and service including meaningful partnerships with Simsbury High School, connecting Simsbury seniors and students. An effective consumer advocate, Lisa played a major role in opposing Aquarion Water Company's proposed rate hike.  

Selectman Shannon Knall is an outstanding public servant who brings her wealth of advocacy experience on behalf of children with physical and intellectual disabilities to the board. Shannon is intelligent, compassionate and articulate; she has promoted openness and transparency in government. Shannon is determined in her commitment to strategic and substantive economic development that preserves Simsbury’s character and environment. A powerful voice for women, Shannon hosted the first Simsbury Women’s Summit. This past year, Shannon took a strong stance against the proposed Farmington River water diversion plan to protect our clean water and was a regular presence at the State Capitol, fighting for Simsbury families.

Longtime dynamic Simsbury volunteer Jay DeVivo will make a great addition to the Board of Selectmen. Jay will bring his record as an Economic Development Commissioner and his extensive business background to bring innovative ideas to the Town.

Smart, energetic and devoted to excellence, Jay will help Simsbury work with private property owners to attract new and exciting business ventures that match the needs of the Town.

As Simsbury’s State Representative, it is critical to have strong municipal leaders who are proficient in navigating state and federal government, fostering relationships and availing the town of valuable tools, resources and funding.

Voters in Simsbury will have a clear choice on Election Day, November 5th. The Town of Simsbury will remain in good hands for the future by electing Mary Glassman her entire team. Please vote Row B! Thank you!

John K. Hampton, State Representative ~ 16th District, Simsbury