(September 28, 2023)—We reached out and asked candidates to respond to a set of questions; if a candidate did not respond, their name is listed, so that you know who is running for each office. Updates from all candidates are welcome and will be published as Letters to the Editor. The candidate’s reply is unchanged from the original as submitted. HK-Now.com and Haddam Killingworth News are not responsible for errors in grammar, usage, punctuation or spelling. The questions posed to the candidates were:
- Tell us a little about yourself.
- Why are you running for the position?
- What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
- What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
- Additional thoughts to leave voters with?
Full Term
Mike Karam (D):
A proud resident of Higganum, Mike Karam is a dedicated and community-minded individual with a passion for preserving our small-town charm while encouraging thoughtful growth and economic prosperity. With a strong background in strategic planning, community engagement, and a commitment to improving the quality of life in our town, Mike is the ideal candidate for the Planning & Zoning Commission. His unwavering pride and dedication to our town is evident in the volunteering he does throughout the community. Mike is the founder of the Haddam Beautification Committee, working to enhance Haddam’s appearance and vitality for its residence, small businesses, and visitors. He is also a member of the Haddam Economic Development Committee, POCD Implementation Committee, a lifetime member of the Haddam Land Trust, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Haddam Historical Society.
Mike Karam’s vision for the Planning & Zoning Commission is rooted in understanding the unique needs and aspirations of the people who call Haddam home. In a small town like ours, where community values are deeply cherished and progress is pursued with care, it is essential to have a Planning & Zoning commission that reflects the interests of all residents. Mike is committed to transcending partisan lines and advocating for the best interests of our community as a whole. He is committed to fostering a transparent and collaborative decision-making process that encourages input from all stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and developers. His goal is to strike a balance between growth and preservation, ensuring that our town continues to evolve while preserving its historical and cultural heritage.
For his day job, Mike is a brand strategy consultant with over two decades shaping some of culture’s most iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Mastercard, Tiffany & Co. and Google. Mike is also working on an exciting small business plan in hopes of bringing his home store concept to Scovil Hoe in the near future.
Vote for Mike Karam to ensure Haddam’s growth is guided by thoughtful, community-focused planning principals. Together, we can build a better future for all residents.
Tim Teran(D):
Tell us a little about yourself.
My family and I have been part of the Haddam community for over 80 years. My grandparents (Mr. & Mrs. Cecil M. Moore) moved to Higganum Landing in 1951.
I grew up spending summers & holidays on the Landing. My wife, Gretchen, and I moved here full time in 2014. I am active in our community: I serve on the board of The Haddam Historical Society, The Higganum Cove Committee and serve as an alternate on The Planning & Zoning Committee; I also am a loyal supporter of our volunteer fire and ambulance teams and the Brainard Library as well as The Haddam Scholarship Fund. In the past I have also served on the Haddam Board of Finance.
Why are you running for the position?
Haddam is a remarkable town with a rich past and a promising future. Its natural beauty is beyond compare and its school system top notch. As a result, we continue to attract more young families to our town. Our challenge is to maintain the rural charm of our special town while we continue to find new ways to grow – attracting new residents, businesses and tourists. “Thoughtful Growth” — growth that preserves the best of the past and fosters the best of what could be – is the challenge. And I believe that P&Z must play the pivotal role in achieving that thoughtful growth. To deliver against this goal P&Z must spend more time planning, not just zoning. Many P&Z meetings were cancelled this year because there was no zoning matter on the agenda; they could and should have been used to talk about and strengthen our plan for the future. And P&Z must better communicate with the town residents, soliciting more input and making its actions more transparent to the town at large. I want to embrace this challenge and I am ready to do so.
What do you see as the important issue(s) facing our town and how would you address them in your role?
The biggest issue facing us is encouraging economic growth and development while maintaining the character of our town with the most opportune areas for growth being Higganum Center, Higganum Cove and Tylerville. That requires a great infrastructure and a commitment from all of us.
Higganum needs a community septic system to handle more business; with the grants that have been approved it will have septic plans in place to demonstrate its “readiness” to welcome more business when new businesses want to locate here. Tylerville needs better traffic control; with the new roundabouts planned Tylerville will get that. Higganum Cove needs a well-managed action plan to carefully develop it into a sought-after destination. While the Higganum Cove Committee and master plan they developed with Kent & Frost for the development of the cove is a start, there is still much to do to bring it to fruition. But we will get there. I believe we are poised to begin a new era in Haddam.
As a consummate believer in Haddam’s possibilities as well as my track record — rebuilding an older home in town to more fully resemble the look of the 18th century house it once was, and my more recent ideas about how Higganum Cove could be a powerful attraction for Haddam (published in The Haddam Bulletin in 2021 and carried forward now via The Higganum Cove Committee) — I believe I have the passion, commitment and ideas to be a force for thoughtful growth that benefits all.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
Haddam is one of a kind with a rich past and one of the most beautiful sites in New England — from Higganum Cove to Haddam Meadows; from the Beaver lodges to Swan Hill; from the swing bridge to The Thankful Arnold House and from Higganum Landing to Rock Landing and Engine Hollow Road– we live in a very special place graced by a wide variety of wildlife and greenery.
Haddam residents are one of a kind. While we don’t always agree on the right path forward, we all deeply care about our town and its future – and we are not shy about having our opinions heard! We can work through our differences to achieve balanced growth and prosperity for our town.
Given the strength of conviction we all feel for our town and what our town experience has to offer I believe Haddam can grow in ways that benefit us all – in ways that maintain the character of our town while creating economic growth.
Scott Brookes (D):
My name is Scott Brookes and I am running for a position on the Planning & Zoning Board. Both myself and my wife Audrey are life-long Haddam residents. I hold a bachelors degree from St. Anselm College in New Hampshire.
I am a life member of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Department where I served as a fire fighter for 25 years. I also served as Haddam fire marshal for 23 years. I am a Knight of Columbus and a lector at St. Peter Church.
After a lengthy career with the U.S. postal service and serving 8 years as the Haddam town clerk, I chose not to run for re-election in November of 2021. One of the essential boards that oversee our town is that of planning and zoning. They must make important decisions about Haddam’s future while safeguarding our historical past. It is my belief that careful consideration must be paramount in moving the town forward and maintaining our beautiful historic homes and properties.
I feel strongly that my track record at working with all town residents and my observations of how Haddam has grown over my lifetime will be beneficial to the planning and zoning board. I respectfully ask for your consideration and your vote in the upcoming November election.
Jamin Laurenza (R):
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have lived and worked in Haddam my whole life and this is where my wife and I have raised our family. I love playing an integral role in our community and do so in various capacities; be it coaching soccer, serving on the soccer club committee, P&Z, employing people from town, or just volunteering my time to support our community, I am dedicated and involved.
Why are you running for this position? ( Why are you seeking re-election for this position)
I am seeking re-election because I have the dedication and proven experience that it takes to serve and represent the citizens of Haddam with integrity. Over the past 14 years of serving our residents as a commissioner, I have gained in depth knowledge of our town’s history and understand the direction the people wish to move our community in. I make informed decisions which reflect the best interest of Haddam residents as whole, while maintaining our small-town status and reputation.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
The single most important issue is the revitalization of Higganum. To achieve this goal, one must understand the importance of responsible development for our town’s economic vitality; thus, we must create jobs, stimulate and support local businesses and enhance property values.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
Outdoor activities are so abundant and enjoyable in Haddam. From the trails of Cockaponset to the Cove, river activities, farmers markets, music on the green, our local fair, antique engine shows and the list goes on; there is something for all ages to be entertained by.
I also think it’s great that everyone has an opportunity to bring their ideas, thoughts and opinions to any one of the many public town meetings.
Additional thoughts to leave the voters with?
Being a lifelong resident should speak volumes to those who share the same lifelong experience as I have here in Haddam and to those who are now making Haddam their hometown. I am passionate and committed to the well-being of Haddam by enhancing its quality of life for businesses, new comers and seniors. Let’s work together to shape a bright future for our town.
Dan Luisi (R):
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in West Hartford and moved to Haddam in 1993. I started Dan’s Customs in 1983 when I was 23 years old. I have many hobbies and enjoy working with my hands. I moved to Haddam because of its rural charm. I didn’t move here to change Haddam into a West Hartford. I love Haddam just the way it is.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for a second term on the Planning and Zoning board and my goal is to preserve the town’s rural charm and character while allowing moderate growth.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Taxes! We need to have moderate and taxable growth. Turning HES into senior housing will help increase the town’s tax base while also help provide the needed population to grow Higganum village. Higganum center needs more population density in order to thrive.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
The rural country charm of a small town with 3 traffic lights, where just about everyone knows your name.
Additional thoughts to leave the voters with?
The residents of Haddam are very lucky to have what we don’t have! Anything we don’t have is just 15 minutes away in another town
Larry Maggi (R):
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve lived in Haddam for more than 30 years with my wife of 41 years. I have two boys, both attended Reg Dist 17. I am proud to say that I’ve owned a business in town for more than 20 years and have been active in our community participating as a basketball coach, Board of Directors with Youth and Family services, Selectman, Lion, and currently as an alternate with training on Planning and Zoning.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to do my part as a resident to keep the small-town country charm of Haddam.
What do you see as the important issues facing your town and how would you address them in your role?
Productive, positive growth is an important issue for our town. I like to listen to our residents and our children about their concerns and desires for the town and represent them as such.
What are the key things you love about this town and its people?
Growing up I spent a lot of time here with wonderful memories of the people and town. I love listening to our senior generations talking about their experiences growing up here.
Additional thoughts to leave the voters with?
I will always continue to care for this town and make it a priority to listen to citizens young, and old and represent their ideas and wishes for our town as we continue to grow. I humbly ask for your vote for Planning and Zoning so that I can continue to contribute to our charming hometown.
Planning & Zoning Alt.
Dorothy Gillespie (D):
My husband Mike Jantsch and I moved to Higganum 30 years ago. Dublin Hill was the perfect place for us with its natural beauty and small town vibe. I was teaching science in Cheshire at the time and Mike, a 30 year Navy veteran, was still stationed in New London with his beloved submarines. We are retired now and have the time to become more involved in the community we love.
I am running for the position of Planning and Zoning Alternate because I want to be a part of preserving and enhancing this lovely place we call home. As a town we are moving forward on several fronts at this time~sidewalks, community septic, housing, HES, Higganum Cove, the Swing Bridge.
We have many balls in the air and the Planning and Zoning Board will bear much of the responsibility for ensuring that what we end up with is aligned with what the people want.
I am prepared to do the work to help make that happen and I believe I have the knowledge and skills to do so. Perhaps more importantly it’s that I have the desire to do so.
Alan Chadwick (R):
My wife Lori and I moved to Higganum in 1976 where we raised our family. We moved to East Hampton in 2005, and returned to Higganum in 2020 to be near our children’s families.
I am a retired Engineering and Facility Manager experienced in planning, maintaining and improving manufacturing buildings. During my years in Higganum, acting as my own General Contractor, I built two houses and remodeled three others. As a trustee of the Higganum Congregational Church, I worked as part of team to restore, maintain and add on to the historic structure.
For the last four years I served as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Completion of the Haddam Elementary School, Scovil Hoe and the Rossi property developments are key town issues. With my qualifications and experience I can offer constructive advice and judgment to the Commission going forward with both commercial and residential applications.
Working with residents in Haddam I have come to appreciate their commitment and effort to maintain the rural character of our town. My goal has been and will always be to make Haddam a better place to live now and in the future without sacrificing its heritage or historic architecture. My commitment is to understand public concerns and the facts that support good P&Z decisions that are best for our town.
