Patch Candidate Profile: Dan Lent For Easton First Selectman

EASTON, 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 their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Dan Lent

What office are you seeking?
First Selectman

What town do you live in?
Easton

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Patent attorney

Family:
Yes, wife Kira, Nurse Practitioner, 3 Children 20, 18, 16 years old.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Member of Easton Conservation Commission

Why are you seeking this office?
Land use and protecting Easton from outside developers.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Easton is at a true “watershed moment.” The greatest challenge facing Easton today is that our town is under environmental and developmental attack. Outside developers are pressuring us to abandon our three-acre, reservoir-protection zoning — the foundation of our environmental stewardship since 1941. These developers, motivated by profit, seek to build dense housing and commercial projects that will likely pollute the public drinking supply water to Bridgeport and southern Connecticut.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My opponent says the First Selectman has little influence over Planning and Zoning decisions. That is false. Past First Selectmen like Bill Kupinse and Tom Herrmann were very involved in land use. By rule, the First Selectman is an ex officio member of all town boards and commissions, empowered to attend meetings, speak, and guide policy. The First Selectman also oversees the hiring of Planning and Zoning staff and can engage independent experts to analyze and challenge proposals that threaten our town’s future. I will bring transparency and accountability to land-use decisions and ensure residents are informed and involved.

I will also rebuild Easton’s Affordable Housing Committee — which was disbanded under the current administration — to find responsible, locally driven solutions such as using our old school buildings for affordable senior housing like Westport did. Accessory dwelling units and tax incentives must also be used, rather than surrendering control to outside developers.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I am also committed to restoring educational excellence in Easton’s schools so they can once again perform and be ranked on par with our peer DRG-A towns, like Weston. Sadly, when I attended the Easton schools years ago they were better than when my children attended recently.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I would suggest voters "Google" me to see my long history of fighting for Easton in court at my expense to prevent destruction of wetlands and to fight commercialization. I donated several acres of my own land to Easton for conservation. I served on Easton's Conservation Commission, the Ethics Ordinance Drafting Committee, the Helen Keller School Climate Committee on bullying and as a youth lacrosse head coach for RELAX for the K -7th grade teams. I am an equity partner at one of the largest patent law firms in the USA. I was also the Commodore of the Black Rock Yacht Club where I helped run a multi-million dollar restaurant and club with tennis, sailing and swimming operations including a 16 member volunteer board of governors. I frequently attend land use and selectman meetings and have a successful legal track record of challenging the town when it fails to protect the environment by enforcing its zoning rules. I will stay away from divisive national politics and have a hyper-local focus on improving our schools, protecting the watershed, and making Easton more affordable.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Family and faith come first. Work hard and never make excuses. Pay attention to the details and never quit.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am a proven fighter, I will always fight for Easton.