Cheshire Election 2025: A. Fiona Pearson Running For Town Council

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Cheshire with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission and more.

Cheshire Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

A. Fiona Pearson is running for re-election to the Cheshire Town Council as a Democrat.

What office are you seeking?
Town Council - At-large

Occupation:

Professor - Central Connecticut State University - 20 years

Family:
Scott Ellis - Spouse
Seneca Ellis - Daughter
Danielle Ellis - Daughter

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes,
Town Council - At-large (elected)
Commissioner - Parks and Recreation (appointed)

Why are you seeking this office?
We need to continue our collaboration with regional and state-level stakeholders, enriching our economy to address our aging municipal infrastructure, while protecting and preserving our open spaces and farming community.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
"increasing household costs" - Most residents have seen their household costs increase dramatically in recent years as a result of higher than usual inflation, decreasing federal and state assistance, and state-wide housing re-evaluations that increased rent and mortgage payments. This last budget cycle the Town Council faced an unprecedented budget gap of $15 million dollars between expected expenses and revenue. Most of that gap was the result of our beginning to pay debt service for our much-needed, two new schools, the loss of $4.5 million in federal and state support, as well as flat grand list growth. We were able to find savings to carry us forward, but with many folks experiencing flat wages, we understand that such increases are unsustainable. Next year, we will begin to see our grand list increase as current development in the North End comes online and those residents and businesses contribute to our tax base. We will also work with our state legislators to recoup some of our lost state funding. We are also in the process of changing our budgetary culture and processes. In past decades, the Town Council has regularly moved maintenance items to the capital budget as a way of keeping the operating budget numbers down. This practice results in our spending more in the long run--for every maintenance item we move to the capital budget and therefore bond, we end up paying 40% more (e.g. every $1 million dollars borrowed costs us $1.4 million over 20 years). The Democratic-majority Town Council is now changing that practice and if elected, we will continue to seek those long-term savings, rather than seek short-term political and "seemingly" financial gains.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My experience in education and sustainability provide me with an understanding of social issues that center the public good and our environment.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Enriching Open Spaces and Parks: I will continue to advocate for a detailed plan that protects our parks, trails, and green spaces, while providing diverse and accessible recreational opportunities for residents of all ages in our community and region.

Quality Education in Schools: Cheshire is well known for its great school system, but we must continue to address our aging infrastructure that affects the prosperity of our community.

Sustainable Solutions: In supporting renewable energy adn more efficient waste management, we will ensure a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future that preserves the beauty of our town and region.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Before being elected to Town Council and in my role as Executive Director of the local non-profit Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire, I worked with the Town Council's Solid Waste Committee to bring a municipal pilot composting and food-waste diversion program to Chapman Elementary School. Once elected, I both chaired and changed the name and purview of the Solid Waste Committee to the Sustainability Committee, which now oversees not only waste management but also energy and additional sustainability-related town responsibilities. As Chair of the Sustainability Committee, I led the expansion of our schooling food waste diversion programs to two more schools and collaborated with the Board of Education on expanding solar and other cost-saving energy solutions. I also serve on the Town Council Budget Committee and Chair our Audit Committee, ensuring that our town maintains its strong bond rating. Finally, I serve as the liaison to the Parks and Recreation as well as the Energy Commissions and direct Cheshire’s Sustainable CT Team. This past year, Cheshire’s Sustainable CT Team successfully collaborated with municipal leaders as well as local businesses and nonprofits to earn Bronze certification with the state-wide initiative Sustainable CT. In my paid day job, I teach Sociology at Central Connecticut State and am Vice Chair of CCSU's University Budget and Planning Committee.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Avoid the static noise, listen, and be guided by what you know is true and good.