Patch Candidate Profile: Laura Erickson For Greenwich Board Of Estimate And Taxation

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Laura Erickson

What office are you seeking?
Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET)

What town do you live in?
Greenwich

Campaign Website
https://greenwichdemocrats.org

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
I'm a former commercial banker. Since moving to Greenwich in 1993, I've been an active member of the community serving on a number of non-profit Boards. I'm a current member of the Norwalk Community College Foundation. I previously served on the Boards of the Greenwich Alliance for Education and the Greenwich United Way. I volunteered with the PTAs for many years and am a past PTA Co-President at Greenwich High and Riverside Schools.

Family:
My husband Dave and I will celebrate our 36th anniversary this year. We have three adult children who attended Greenwich Public Schools K-12.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I've served two prior terms on the BET, on the Budget and Audit Committees (Dec 2019- Dec 2023). In 2013, I ran in a competitive election for the Board of Education and was elected Chair in 2015 by a bipartisan vote. I was first appointed to the RTM back in 1999 and then was elected for six terms. I served on the Finance and Health & Human Services Committees.

Why are you seeking this office?
I'm seeking to return to the BET because I have served in Town government for 21 years and understand how things should be done right. I've seen firsthand how poor leadership and dysfunction in the BET Republican caucus has hurt our Town and cost taxpayers money. The repeated use of tie-breaking votes by Republican Chairs over the last several budget cycles demonstrate a clear lack of respect for community input and professional experts. The Democratic slate is comprised of six candidates with multiple years of experience in accounting, banking, municipal finance, investment and risk management and the legal profession. We will do the work based on facts, not opinions. We will collaborate with all stakeholders to find efficiencies and formulate a prioritized capital plan that can be executed.

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 our residents is affordable, predictable taxes. The Democratic slate is committed to listening to the community and delivering town services efficiently to keep operating costs down. We are also committed to replacing infrastructure before it falls apart. Maintaining deteriorating assets and kicking the can down the road is costly. Our team of six proven financial professionals will collaborate to prioritize our capital needs and execute the plan.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
In my opinion, the voting records of the Republican and Democratic BET members provide a very clear contrast. Democrats have consistently supported public safety, the schools and an accurate capital plan. We have actively listened to the needs of the community. Republicans on the BET have shown a lack of respect for the community and professional experts. A leadership change is needed.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The BET is responsible for setting spending levels and rates of taxation. Budgets are an expression of values. There are many issues that residents are concerned about including traffic speeds, congestion, public safety, schools, ADA compliance and planning for flooding due to more severe weather and sea level rise. The BET needs to be proactive and responsible in addressing all of these known issues and to adequately set aside reserves for the ones not anticipated.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I would cite my prior experience in Town government and my voting record as evidence.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change." My approach is to listen and try and understand different perspectives and points of view. In this divisive political era in which we find ourselves, we all need to listen, find common ground and dial up the kindness.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I grew up in New Hampshire in a single parent household. I've pretty much held a job since I was eleven years old (mother's helper, babysitter, burger flipper at Burger King, grocery store employee). My husband grew up in a small town in South Dakota and we lived in Boston and London before settling in Greenwich. We feel so fortunate to live in this great place and to have raised our family here. Keeping taxes low is important, and so is making sure residents are heard.