Candidate Profiles - Kent

This week, The Lakeville Journal offers profiles of candidates in each town for the boards of selectmen and the Region One Board of Education (except in Cornwall and Kent, where the representative is appointed). Information in the profiles was provided by the candidates, at the newspaper’s request. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

The municipal elections will be held Nov. 8. The Lakeville Journal goes to press on that afternoon, so results will be posted online at the company’s website, www.tricornernews.com, and will be published in the issue of Nov. 17.

Board of Selectmen

Bruce Adams, Democrat

Office being sought: First selectman

Age: 62

Number of years in town: Lived in town since 1988, worked in town since 1972

Profession:  Retired teacher, at present, first selectman

Up to five boards and/or commissions served on (and in what capacity) in the past five years: Kent Park and Recreation,Community House Renovation Committee, Kent Firehouse Building Committee, Kent Center School Standing Building Committee

If elected, what would you change and what would you keep the same? (Response limited to 300 words.) When elected(I am running unopposed) I hope to see the three sewer projects to completion, see our newly refurbished Community House become a much-used event venue and see taxes remain at an affordable level.

Tod Jones, Democrat

Office being sought: Selectman

Age: 49

Number of years in town: 28

Profession: Owner/operator of a cleaning business, Upkeep with the Joneses

Up to five boards and/or commissions served on (and in what capacity) in the past five years: Currently chairman of the Kent Democratic Town Committee, currently chairman of the Democratic Coalition of Northwest Connecticut, member of Democratic State Party for Pre-platform 2010, Democratic State Party, member of Permanent Committee for Platform 2010

If elected, what would you change and what would you keep the same? (Response limited to 300 words.) I intend to continue in the tradition of the careful stewardship of town resources and town infrastructure set by previous Democratic administrations, and currently carried out by our first selectman, Bruce Adams. I hope to assist as the Board of Selectmen continues forging strong regional ties with our neighboring towns in the Northwest Corner to find ways to benefit the economy of the entire region.

Mary Susi Williams, Republican

Office being sought: Selectman

Age: 72

Number of years in town: Lifelong resident of Kent

Profession: Retired vice president of J & J Log and Lumber, Dover Plains, N.Y.

Up to five boards and/or commissions served on (and in what capacity) in the past five years: Selectman 1993-1999; Planning & Zoning Commission; Zoning Board of Appeals; Board of Finance; tax collector; Board of Assessment Appeals; currently on Sewer Commission as alternate and running for seat as regular member; trustee, Kent Historical Society; Library Planning Committee; former director Kent Village Housing for the Elderly; vice president of TASK

If elected, what would you change and what would you keep the same? (Response limited to 300 words.) My historic hometown of Kent is very special to me. I have seen it evolve from a farming community with 62 dairy farms to a unique blend of weekenders, retirees, educators and young families, with a healthy dash of service businesses and entrepreneurs. There is not anything specific I would change at this time. As issues may arise, I would approach them conservatively and in the best interest of the public. I like the Chamber of Commerce’s invitation: Come [to Kent] and see how much — and how little — we have changed.