Behuniak
In 2015, at the age of 23, after a lifetime of Seymour residency and a longtime interest in politics, I made the decision to run for the Board of Selectmen.
I worked hard along with a great slate of candidates, brought my message directly to the people, and learned a great deal more about my community.
We did not make the kind of gains that we had hoped for in November, but the people of Seymour elected me Selectman.
Since then, I have done everything in my power to be the best and most responsive representative that I can be. The people of Seymour put their trust in me then and now I am asking Seymour to put that same trust in a few others.
Like me in 2015, we have several people on the ballot who are relatively new to politics, but not lacking in great ideas and passion.
Rob VanEgghen embodies the best of what it means to be a Valley guy. He is running alongside me to become a Selectman. Rob has given a tremendous amount to his community already. He has dedicated his time and skills to the Valley United Way, Salvation Army, and Exchange Club among others.
He is thoughtful, passionate, and tenacious in doing what is right. Rob and I share a strong belief that the Economic Development in Seymour needs serious revitalization. Rob has a vision for the community and a track record of seeing visions through to completion.
Rob and I have been door-knocking and talking to residents all over Seymour who are seeing the kind of enthusiasm and pragmatic leadership that Rob possesses. You can do no better than Rob VanEgghen as one of your Selectman.
Like Rob, this is Jeff Hanewicz’s first time on the ballot, but not his first involvement in the community. Jeff’s service to Seymour began at an early age.
An active Boy Scout for many years, Jeff earned Eagle Scout status in 2010 after completing much-needed repairs at the Seymour Historical Society. Upon returning to Seymour after college, Jeff dove headfirst into municipal government. Jeff was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission last year.
Since then, I have seen Jeff take a strong interest in responsible Economic Development and growth. He also sits on the Executive Board of the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats (NVYD). Jeff is an asset to this town and deserves to continue his work on P&Z.
In addition to Rob and Jeff, we have 3 more fresh faces running for election this Fall.
Kwame Dunbar is running for Board of Assessment Appeals. He has an Actuarial Degree from Uconn and a Masters in Finance from Sacred Heart University.
Kristyn Hanewicz is running for Board of Finance and is a member of the Executive Committee of the NVYD as well as a member of the Community Causes subcommittee of the Seymour DTC.
Audrey Lenhard is running for the Library Board. She is also on the Executive Committee of NVYD and is a marketing and social media wizard.
All three are longtime Seymour residents.
Seymour, you put your faith in me in 2015. Please allow me to use whatever goodwill I have with you to ask you to put your faith in all of the excellent candidates that I have mentioned above.
Thank you!
The writer is a member of the Seymour Board of Selectmen.
Views expressed in guest columns (aka ‘letters to the editor’) and press releases do not necessarily reflect the views of ValleyIndy.org. The Valley Indy has a 550-word limit on guest columns.
