2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Mary Cardin, Board Of Selectmen, Ellington

ELLINGTON, CT — Mary Cardin is running for the Board Of Selectmen in Ellington.

Candidate's Name:
Mary Cardin

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in?
Ellington

Campaign Website
https://www.elldtc.org/

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Attorney for 33 years; now working in Privacy & Cybersecurity Law

Family:
My husband Mike Taft is retired from a long career as a Roads Foreman with Vernon Dept. of Public Works. We have Michael’s two children and three grandkids who all live within an hour of us, and our son Joe, who graduated from EHS, and is married and works in midCoast Maine for a land conservation organization.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I am currently serving my first term on the Board of Selectmen (elected 2 years ago). Prior to this I served for a year as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and I served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for more than ten years, and was chairperson for most of my tenure on the ZBA.

Why are you seeking this office?
It has been an honor and privilege to represent Ellington residents on the Board of Selectmen, and to be able to serve the town. I believe being a member of the Board of Selectmen is a way to give back to Ellington. I grew up in a family where public service was very important - both of my parents served on boards for many years.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
I think the most pressing issue for town residents (across the spectrum—whether as a young family or as senior citizens who want to be able to remain in town for their retirement years) is being able to afford their living expenses.
Also, taxpayers are concerned about maintaining services. As a Selectman I will continue to ask questions and advocate for taxpayers, and ensure that the Board considers the taxpayer’s viewpoint on the issues and decisions that come before the Board.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I will continue to ‘do the homework’- not only reading all the material provided on issues that come before the Board but also talking with taxpayers, town staff and any others with relevant information to help make the best decisions for the town and its residents. I will ask questions and understand the various sides of a proposed action, and I will always work collaboratively with fellow Board members and town staff.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I will listen to the town residents to understand their issues and concerns. I will continue to work to improve access to information for town residents, to make it easy for residents to be heard and to participate in discussions and decisions on town issues. Also, it is important that the Board be creative to be fiscally responsible while supporting our schools, our senior citizens, and other services that are important to all residents, such as Ambulance, Fire Dept and public safety services.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Throughout the last 2 years on the Board of Selectmen as well as my years of service on the ZBA and PZC, I have demonstrated that I will study the issues, that I will listen to town residents and town employees, and other stakeholders, and that I will ask questions to fully understand an issue before casting my vote. This has been my approach throughout the time I’ve served on Boards and Commissions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Keep an open mind; Listen first and speak later.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
If you re-elect me to serve on the Board of Selectmen I will continue to do the work of studying issues, listening and keeping an open mind before I vote on issues. I also will always advocate for transparency for our residents and taxpayers, and will make decisions for the benefit of our beautiful, peaceful, rural Ellington.