By Sharon Challenger.
(August 29, 2020) — After learning that incumbent Republican state representative Jesse MacLachlan (35th District) was dropping out of the race, Westbrook Selectman, John Hall III decided to run for the office. Hall, a lifelong resident of Westbrook has served as Selectman on the Board of Selectmen in Westbrook since 2009. Additional experiences include serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals as Chairman from 1983 -2009, serving the Westbrook Foundation from 1997 – 2007, taking on the role of Chairman on Westbrook Foundation 2001- 2007 http://www.westbrookfoundation.org/, acting as Moderator for the Westbrook Congregational Church 2007-2015, President of Artech Water Systems, and serving on the Connecticut Farm Bureau Middlesex County Board of Directors https://www.cfba.org/. 
In addition to his passion for helping his community, he and his wife Bonnie own and operate Maple Breeze Farm on East Pond Meadow Rd. in Westbrook. http://www.maplebreezefarm.com/home.html The farmland was granted by the King of England in 1635 and has been farmed ever since then. In the summers you will find them serving customers at the Lyme Farmer’s Market on Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and in Chester, CT on Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
John’s passion for farming is evident in his service to the CT Farm Bureau where he has worked helping to elevate the stature of agriculture in CT. He is committed to the environment and farm sustainability. The Bureau’s mission is to increase farm income and improve the quality of life for Connecticut farmers and their consumers. Each summer the eight county farm bureaus hold policy development meetings where they share concerns and ideas with one another. Through the years many policy changes have come about. In the 1970’s and 1980’s farms could not sell their goods openly like they do now. Thanks to the efforts of Farm Bureaus and leaders like John Hall III, laws have changed, and we are now able to enjoy Farmer’s Markets all across our state.
Why the decision to run for the position of State Representative now? He has a strong interest in the legislative process and feels that the time is right. His years of experience in government have prepared him to take on the role and he is eager to work to help Connecticut improve our financial situation.
When asked if he would continue to serve as Selectman for Westbrook should he win in the November election, he said he would step down and focus on his responsibilities as a State Representative. He feels the problems the State faces will need a lot of attention and he wants to dedicate his time to those responsibilities.
A fiscal conservative, John wants to work towards restoring fiscal order in Connecticut. Having served as Selectman in Westbrook for 11 years he has helped keep tax increases under control during his tenure. While he realizes that the problems Connecticut faces are quite serious, he would like to work towards getting the state out of the situation we are currently in. He is realistic however and knows it will not happen overnight.
In the November 2020 election, Hall will face Democratic nominee Christine Goupil who is currently on the Clinton Town Council. The 35th District serves northern Westbrook, Killingworth, and Clinton.
