Proven Leadership Plus New Energy
The Easton Democratic Town Committee (EDTC) on July 27 unanimously and enthusiastically endorsed 16 candidates for municipal office. The slate includes incumbents with valuable experience as well as new residents who understand the importance of an engaged citizenship.
“These candidates are a valuable combination of energized experience, enthusiasm, and day-one readiness to lead Easton,” said Nanette DeWester, chair of the EDTC. “Every one of them is committed to empowering the community by fostering respectful cooperation while providing resilient thinking to town issues. They reflect both the rich legacy of long standing residents and fresh perspectives from newer ones. We’re thrilled to offer Easton voters this amazing, qualified slate that will lead us with resourceful and healing solutions to town governance.”
David Bindelglass, first selectman, and Bob Lessler, selectman, seek a second term to maintain the Democratic majority on the Board of Selectmen — the first since 2005. Bindelglass, Easton’s first Democratic selectman in more than 35 years, celebrated the Democratic slate. “We are confident that each candidate will lead with integrity and reflect the needs of the entire community. I’m looking forward to working together to build on the progress of the last two years with attention to the needs and aspirations of everyone in town.”
In addition to guiding the town through COVID, other significant accomplishments of the Bindelglass administration include completed construction of one bridge on Park Avenue and another one underway; passage of town and school budgets restoring severe cuts; permanent preservation of 19 acres of the South Park property; increased transparency of town government through weekly public updates and more interaction with citizens; and expanding services for seniors.
Bindelglass, 62, an orthopedic surgeon, lives in Easton with his wife, Gloria, an emergency room nurse at Bridgeport Hospital. They have two grown sons.
Lessler has served as an Easton selectman for 22 years and recently chaired Easton’s 175th Anniversary celebration. As selectman and formerly a member of the Board of Finance, Lessler has promoted sensible land use planning, open space preservation, an increase senior tax relief, and advocacy for our schools. A 31-year Easton resident with his wife, Debbie, Lessler contributes a wealth of experience in town governance.
Michael Gutowski is the Democratic candidate for tax collector. As an accountant in private and public accounting, Gutowski has led various companies as CFO, controller, and director. He is passionate and committed to teamwork, excellence, process improvement, and helping others. Michael has led and volunteered with Swim Across the Sound, Trumbull EMS, and his church, and is a six-year Easton resident with his wife, Clare, and their two children.
The Easton Democratic Town Committee encourages Easton voters to get involved with this election by volunteering, attending events, and learning as much as possible about all the candidates and their positions on local issues and organizations. For more information about the Democratic candidates, visit facebook.com/EastonCTDems.
The complete list of Democratic candidates is as follows:
First Selectman — David Bindelglass
Selectman — Bob Lessler
Tax Collector — Michael Gutowski
Board of Finance — Ira Kaplan, Jackie Olschan Kaufman, Art Laske
Board of Education — Jennifer de Jesus, Devon Wible
Region 9 Board of Education — David Katz, Sarah Lehberger, Maureen Williams
Library Board of Directors — Gloria Bindelglass
Zoning Board of Appeals — Elisabeth (Lisa) Burns, Sheila Charmoy
Board of Assessment Appeals — Rachel Calemmo
Constable — Gloria Bindelglass, David Katz, Irv Silverman
