2011 Voter's Guide: Additional Offices

The information below was compiled by the  for its 2011 Voter's Guide. For details on the guide, voting information, and a full rundown of candidates on the ballot in Darien, visit here.

Questionnaires were submitted to all candidates, asking one or more specific questions. Responses, which were limited to a specific word count, are printed exactly as submitted. Any responses over the word limit could not be printed in full. Photos (if submitted by the candidates) are available in the gallery at right.

An asterisk signifies that the candidate is an incumbent.

TOWN CLERK

• The town clerk directs the administrative work of the town according to state statutes. Examples are issuing and filing of licenses, permits, filing town minutes and keeping town records.
• Term of office: two years (salaried)
• The candidate for town clerk is unopposed.
• Question: How is technology changing your job?

Donna E. Rajczewski (Republican)*

• 15 Bayberry Lane
• DRajczewski@darienct.gov

I have had the privilege of serving Darien since January 2000 and have seen many technological advances over the years. While the duties of the clerk’s office have remained virtually the same, technology has enhanced communication and dissemination of information. As a certified Connecticut town clerk, I keep current on technological advances affecting the clerk’s office/procedures, by attending conferences and workshops offered by the Connecticut Town Clerks’ Association and various state agencies.

TOWN TREASURER

• As custodian of the town’s funds and securities, the town treasurer invests and reinvests them, and manages cash flow.
• Term of office: two years (salaried)
• The candidate for town treasurer is unopposed.
• Question: How has the current interest rate environment changed your investment strategy?

Joan D. Hendrickson (Republican)*

• 97 Hoyt Street
• jhendrickson@darienct.gov

The low interest rate environment has changed my investment strategy. The challenge is to make investment income in a down market with the federal funds rates artificially held low (0-25 basis points) by the Federal Reserve. I exceeded my budgeted revenue in 2011 by pushing some investments out to longer maturities. We try to get money in quickly, keep it invested longer, and now use a controlled disbursement system.

TAX COLLECTOR

• Responsible for assuring the town receives the monies due from taxes levied, the tax collector issues tax bills and uses a combination of customer service and legal means to collect payments in a timely manner.
• Term of office: two years (salaried)
• The candidate for tax collector is unopposed.
• Question: How is technology changing your job?

Robert A. Locke (Republican)*

• 53 Echo Drive North

No response.

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

• The Board of Assessment Appeals hears citizens’ cases for adjusting the grand list values determined for their properties.
• Term of office: four years (unsalaried)
• The candidate for the Board of Assessment Appeals is unopposed.
• Question: How is technology changing your job?

Richard P. Dolcetti (Republican)*

• 4 Chester Road

No response.