Candidate Profile: Deborah Downie, Stonington Selectman

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.

Stonington resident Deborah Downie tells Patch why she should be elected as Selectman.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

64

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Bachelor of Science Degrees in Geology and Biology; Masters Degree in Geology, specialization in Hydrogeology

What is your occupation?

Environment Consultant/Licensed Environment Professional (35 years).

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

Married for 35 years, three adult children and three grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have been Stonington Selectman for two terms (since 2019) and prior to that I served two terms on the Stonington Board of Education. I have also served in Stonington Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (including as Chairman and Vice Chairman), Stonington WPCA, K-12 Building Committee, Stormwater Task Force

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?

During my last two terms as Selectwoman, I have been able to contribute and use my professional skills to help advance local projects, bring in over $1,000,000 in grant money for Brownfields projects and save the town many thousands of dollars in consulting fees. I would like the opportunity to see some of these projects through to completion.

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

Smart development. Our POCD advocates for sustainable development and green space. At no cost to taxpayers, I helped to preserve over 200-acres of pristine woodlands and valuable aquifer land which provides more passive recreation opportunities for the public. I believe the Town should factor greenspace, protection of natural resources, and quality of life into our developments and infrastructure. I will continue to work on solutions that balance smart development with land preservation, and protection of groundwater, surface water and other natural resources which we can’t get back once they’re gone.

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

Experience. I have broad-based knowledge of the job and beyond and I have professional skills that I have consistently been called upon to use to save the Town time and money.

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

I am the incumbent.

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

There are a number of important but incomplete projects that my skills particularly benefit and where the Town has already invested significant time and money. These include the redevelopment of the Thread Mill, the Mystic River Boathouse Park, The Stillman Avenue Mill site cleanup, and the Pawcatuck Water Loop to name a few. I have the necessary institutional knowledge to continue moving these along and would like the opportunity to see them completed.

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

I have demonstrated my ability to work effectively in a team over my past two terms as Selectman. During that time I have leveraged my local and professional experience to bring in over $1,000,000 in grants for these projects which has helped lighten the load on Stonington taxpayers. I have authored reports, collected, and reviewed data, and met with regulators and stakeholders, saving the town many thousands of dollars in consulting fees

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always be kind.

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

I have always believed it is important to use your skills to give back to your community.