Editor’s note: The Easton Courier asked candidates to submit a profile and statement discussing three top issues facing Easton and how the candidate will help address them. Thomas “Tim” Hughes Jr., Democratic candidate for Treasurer, submitted the following response.
Profile
Thomas F. Hughes Jr. (Tim), grew up in Greens Farms, Westport, attended Staples High School and Central Connecticut State University, where he cultivated his love of playing guitar, singing, and writing songs and supporting young talent.
He went on to co-found Connecticut Children’s Musical Theater out of Greenwich with musical partners Don and Ledell Mulvaney for many years, then became co-director of Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center, in Sharon, CT for 13 years, where he successfully managed million-dollar-plus annual budget and a multi-million dollar capital campaign and strategic plan.
He moved to Easton in 2016 with his wife, Anne. Tim continues to practice guitar, banjo and ukelele, play in pick-up bands and has recently concluded his tenure as Executive Director of Horton Center camp and retreat center in New Hampshire. He is delighted to step up to serve as Easton Town Treasurer and use his experience and expertise in non-profits implementing good budget practices and careful fiduciary oversight on behalf of the Easton community.
Statement
As Easton Town Treasurer I will safely, honestly and accurately manage the incoming and outgoing money for the town as directed by the First Selectman. I will participate in the budgeting process with integrity and have current information ready when it is needed during town meetings and other town financial processes.
Easton is currently the only town in Connecticut that has the two distinct positions of Treasurer and Finance Officer being performed by a single individual. The residents of Easton deserve the best fiscal practice of these two financial functions being fulfilled by two different people. I would be honored to serve as Easton’s Treasurer alongside the current Financial Director to restore the intended staffing structure and balance.
It’s important that the town’s funds are safely invested to get the maximum return as well as being available when required to meet the Town’s financial obligations. I will be responsible for that.
In the position of Treasurer, I will help get the work done on time and provide the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance with the vital financial information they need to make informed decisions about the town’s financial status and to respond to needs as they arise.
With my experience as Executive Director at two different faith-based camp/conference centers, as well as running my own small business, I know I have the understanding and experience with revenue / expense as well as financial planning, to be an asset to the town financial team.
I look forward to serving Easton and all our residents in the position of Treasurer once elected.
