Lessler Retiring after 24 Years
Easton Democrats have tapped Nick D’Addario, a current member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, to run for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in the November municipal elections. D’Addario seeks to replace Selectman Robert Lessler, who is retiring after 24 years.
On Friday, D’Addario filed paperwork in Town Hall to officially run for the seat alongside First Selectman David Bindelglass who is seeking re-election to a third term.
“We need to continue to build on Dave and Bob’s successes from the past four years. I believe in an open and transparent government that is responsible and effective for all residents. My family moved to Easton because my wife and I wanted to raise our son in a small agricultural community with beautiful open spaces. We must continue to preserve the character of our town and protect it from being developed,” said Daddario in the press release.
A graduate of George Washington University and Vermont Law School, D’Addario is president of Hi-Ho Energy Services. He lives in Easton with his wife, Caroline, his two-year-old son, Fritz, and his dog, Bonaparte. In addition to serving on Easton’s Planning and Zoning Commission, he serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors for the Child and Family Guidance Center in Bridgeport and as chair of the Board of Directors for the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, according to the press release.
In a statement Bindelglass touted D’Addario’s experience on the P&Z commission and his non profit and charitable work.
“He represents a younger generation of leadership, which we need in our town, and he shares my strong commitment to protecting the things that make Easton so special — our open spaces and farms, our top-tier schools, and our commitment to senior services,” said Bindelglass.
Bindelglass was elected first selectmen in 2019, leading the first Democratic majority with a Democratic first selectmen in nearly 40 years. He was re-elected in 2021 with an historic 56% turnout in Easton.
Lessler, who has served on the Board of Selectmen for 24 years, currently maintains the Democratic majority on the board.
“Nick will be a terrific selectman. Like me, he will join the board as a relative newcomer to Easton. But also, like me at the time, he is no stranger to Easton. Just as my family roots in Easton go back for generations through Snow’s farm, Nick’s family has been a part of our community for decades. Easton has always been a part of our lives,” said Lessler in a statement.
Easton Democratic Town Committee Chair Nanette DeWester said the party was thrilled D’Addario was running for the Board of Selectmen.
“Nick will bring energy and expertise to the Board of Selectmen and maintain the Democratic majority that has helped Easton solve long-standing problems like South Park while ensuring we have an inclusive local government responsive to our needs,” she said.
