2025 Patch Profile: Barbara Ausiello​, Avon Town Council

AVON, CT — Avon Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Barbara Ausiello is running for the Avon Town Council as a Democrat.

The following is Barbara Ausiello's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Barbara Ausiello

What office are you seeking? Avon Town Council

What town do you live in? Avon

Campaign Website: https://avonctdems.com/

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Realtor

Family: Husband, a producer at ESPN, and two daughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes. Avon Town Council, 2021-present; Avon Recreation and Parks Commission, 2017-21.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for re-election to Town Council because I care deeply about this town and its success. I want to continue to find ways to build community and make Avon a welcoming home for all residents.

Volunteering my time to give back to the town we call home is important to me.

I have truly enjoyed my time as a member of the council over the past four years, as I have been able to meet so many wonderful residents and get to collaborate with the hard-working members of our town staff, schools, boards, and police and fire departments.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the cost of living.

As a member of the Town Council, I will continue the work we have done over the last four years to keep taxes at or below the rate of inflation, have lower taxes compared with our neighboring towns, and continue to provide or expand services through proper planning, budgeting, and the use of grant funding.

Additionally, I will support housing opportunities that grow our grand list and provide housing for a range of income levels.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I strive to maintain Avon's AAA bond rating and support budgets that carefully preserve or expand town services, properly plan for funding for larger projects (giving breaks to seniors and veterans whenever possible), all while maintaining excellent schools, which boost property values.

For too many decades, the Republican-led Council and boards kicked the can down the road on projects.

As part of the Democrat-led Council, we have been able to catch up on some of these projects and plan for future ones, all while keeping tax increases in control.

I support our volunteer fire department and want to see them receive new buildings and equipment at the proper price tag.

Whenever possible, I would like to see environmentally conscious choices made in planning and completing projects.

I support affordable housing opportunities in Avon that will grow the grand list and provide housing so that seniors can stay in Avon if they choose to, and young people can return to Avon and make it their home.

I feel strongly that there is no room for hate or marginalizing members of our community. We are all neighbors and should work together for the betterment of all of Avon's residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

I have served two terms on the Avon Town Council and have work experience in housing as a Realtor, and with managing large-scale budgets as a manager in television production.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The days are long, the years are short. Stop to take it all in, even when life feels chaotic.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have really enjoyed my two terms on council and would like to continue to see some of the current projects come to fruition. I enjoy speaking with residents regarding all kinds of issues that are important to them, and trying to find answers and solutions. Every day is a learning experience, and even after 18 years here, I have gained so much knowledge about our beautiful town