2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Laurie Mazich Semprebon, Willington Board of Finance Alternate

WILLINGTON, CT — Laurie Mazich Semprebon is running for A Willington Board of Finance Alternate position.

Candidate's Name:
Laurie Mazich Semprebon

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance Alternate

What town do you live in?
Willington

Campaign Website
https://www.willingtondemocrat...

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Retired teacher (of almost thirty years)

Family:
We have two daughters, one a third-grade teacher and the other a store manager at Westfarms Mall. Both went through the Willington Schools and E.O. Smith High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
NA

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Willington Town Treasurer 3 1/2 years - first appointed, then elected (March 2020-Dec 2023)
Willington BOE 8 years, Chair for 2 - elected (2000-2008)
Willington Board of Assessment Appeals - elected (2019-2023)
Willington Board of Finance - 2 years
Willington Planning & Zoning (1 1/2 years) - appointed
Willington Conservation Commission (4 years) - appointed

Why are you seeking this office?
I care about our town and want to have responsible people willing to work with others on our boards and commissions. Having previously worked on all the revenue for the town as treasurer, budgets and negotiations on the BOE, and developing and approving budgets on the BOF, I feel well-qualified to be up-to-speed immediately on the BOF.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Affordable taxes for our town. We must take advantage of any state and federal funding to help us continue providing for the town while looking to the future. We also need to encourage new businesses in town to offset the tax burden on homeowners.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am willing to work with others and to compromise, which has not always been the case on the current board. I also understand the finances of the town and the needs of the various departments. We must serve the town for today and looking toward the future.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
We need to stop the hate towards those who are different from ourselves. We should serve on boards and commissions to do what's best for the town without rancor.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I was primarily a middle school teacher for thirty years, dealing with the emotions and stress of young teenagers. I have also served in many capacities for the Town of Willington and am willing to do so again. I am willing to put the work in that's needed to represent the people of the town on the Board of Finance.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." – Abraham Lincoln

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am good with numbers and math and willing to work for the best for Willington. I served my country in the U.S. Army, Reserves, and Connecticut National Guard and have served Willington for over 20 years. I'm happy to continue serving.