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Putting Chester First

My name is Lauren Gister, and I am the first selectman for the Town of Chester. Chester has a vibrant community spirit, with people who work hard and care deeply for their families and for their neighbors. I am incredibly proud to serve them.

As I write this we are four months into the fiscal year without a state budget. There is a great deal of uncertainty about what will happen with revenue and the effect on local taxes. We continue to be conservative about spending and to seek every opportunity to find efficiencies and opportunities to save taxpayer money. In the past two years, my administration has put in motion projects such as LED streetlight conversion, upgrades to the Chester Meeting House, additional solar at our elementary school, restructured police staffing, and many other creative endeavors to reap long-term benefits. Clearing weeds from Cedar Lake, maintenance of our roads and bridges, management of storm water, urban forest management, and keeping merchants and other businesses thriving—all are integral parts of caring for Chester. We plan for tomorrow and beyond, for the protection of our seniors and the future of our children.

During the next term, we still have work to do. Finding new revenue sources, becoming less dependent on the whims of the state, and controlling taxes will be priorities. We will develop a strategic planning document to help guide future decision making. I will continue to make myself available to residents, to listen carefully, and encourage their input and participation wherever possible. I will always put Chester first, learning from the past and planning carefully for the future.

I respectfully encourage your readers to vote for me on Nov. 7.

First Selectman Lauren Gister

Chester

Democrat Lauren Gister is seeking re-election in November.