Candice Carlson – Mrs. Carlson wasn’t able to make the Q&A, here are her responses to the questions
Opening Statement:
Good morning and thank you for this opportunity:
My name is Candice Carlson, and I am your candidate for the East Lyme Selectmen’s Board:
I have served on the East Lyme Board of Education since 2012 and now I’m seeking to serve our community on the Board of Selectmen:
I consider elected municipal positions part of the infrastructure of our community. People who are chosen to represent and liaison the community’s voices. Given the opportunity to volunteer your time & skill set is an investment in your town whether it is on an elected board, commission, PTA etc.
I particularly believe it’s imperative to choose representatives that have an unwavering commitment to community, a balanced approach and the ability to work with others. Always, acting for the betterment of our community, always putting “People before Politics”.
Could you please share the key priorities and initiatives you intend to pursue during your two-year term?
Overall Goals that I am looking to tackle over my 2-year term revolve solely around serving East Lyme to the very best of my abilities. I’d like to promote bringing people together for community conversations on the future of East Lyme. I’d also like to work along side my colleagues to help East Lyme create the landscape that is right for us.
With the issues of noise, amount of cars and trash from short-term rentals, how would you try to fix the issue with short term rentals in EL?
Given the issues with noise, increasing vehicles and trash as a result some say from “Short Term rentals” my first suggestion would be to do exactly what has been done and that is create a commission that is made up of all stakeholders to gather information from all resources to identify the issues, challenges, legalities in order to come to a solution that will be the best fit for East Lyme. Given that this commission is in the early stages, once elected I would seek a seat at the table to be part of the conversation that creates a solution to the concerns that so many are having.
With Niantic being walkable, and the rest of EL not being walkable, what plans do you have to help increase sidewalks around town?
Given that the majority of downtown Niantic is walkable and not so much within other sections of East Lyme the desire for additional sidewalks to connect areas and the requests to provide more walkable spaces have emerged. Given the 161-traffic study that has taken place I believe that East Lyme is acting, participating in accommodating expansion where it is applicable. With that said, I am in support of continuing these efforts. I would also suggest additional requests for grants at the state level to help aid in our efforts as well.
Closing Statement:
Thank you for this opportunity to participate in such a great example of democracy in real time apart from my physical presence along with you today.
An important note to take on me is In addition, to being a champion for ALL things East Lyme I am also a mother first, and it so happened that my son was invited for a Prospect Day today at the very same time in Springfield.
With that being said, I thank you for your understanding:
If you are looking for a candidate with proven leadership skills, immeasurable dedication to community and an unmatched pulse on our East Lyme community partnered with my unwavering commitment to always putting “People before Politics” a vote for me is a “WIN” for East Lyme.
