Candidate Profile: David Lee, Stonington Board Of Education

STONINGTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Stonington and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Stonington Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

David Lee is a Pawcatuck Republican running for a seat on the Stonington Board of Education.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

A very young 69 years old

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.facebook/davidleeforstoningtonboardofeducation

Education.

Western Connecticut State College. Music Ed.

What is your occupation?

Retired after 43 years in the local retail lumber industry, 35 of them in professional sales positions.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have been married to my wife Rhandi for 38 years. Of those 38 years, we have lived in the Town of Stonington for 36 of them. We are the proud parents of a daughter, Erin, and son, Ryan. They both went through Stonington Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My mother was seated on the Board of Education in Montville. No family members work for Stonington government.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I want to ensure that our students receive the education which will allow them to succeed in whatever life-path they choose.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

unfunded state mandates which place the funding responsibilities on local government and taxpayers. I would work with our state legislators to reduce this burden.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

In spite of rising costs due to inflation, I believe we must do everything possible to minimize the increase.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I am not challenging an incumbent. I am campaigning for an open seat on the Board.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

That parents are essential partners in their child's future, and we must ensure that communication between parents, teachers, administrators, as well as the Board, is clear, transparent, and caring.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Professional sales requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of your products, and the ability to make that mass of information easily understandable to your client. Customer service demands you listen to your customer's wants, needs, desires, and complaints and understand the emotion and reasons behind them. Management asks you to set aside the emotion and make an analysis of competing choices and arrive at the best solution, knowing that you will not please everyone. These are the skills I intend to bring to the Board.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen to those around you, they may know more than you.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am not afraid of hard work and the commitment of time needed to serve on this Board. Now that I am retired I have the time to devote to this very important position.