Patch Candidate Profile: Josh Bailey For Easton Board Of Finance

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: Josh Bailey

What office are you seeking? Board of Finance

What town do you live in? Easton

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: CFO - 21 years

Family: Yes, married with 3 boys (14, 12 and 9)

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes - I was appointed to the board of finance to fill a vacancy last year.

Why are you seeking this office? I’m running for Easton’s Board of Finance because I believe our town deserves thoughtful, responsible financial leadership. Easton is a special place — from our working farms to our open space and our schools — and I want to make sure these values are protected while keeping the town affordable for families and seniors. Serving on the Board of Finance is my way of giving back to the community that holds my children’s childhood, which is truly precious.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The biggest challenge is balancing the cost of living in Easton with our community priorities — especially our schools, emergency services, and town infrastructure. I want to ensure families, seniors, and long-time residents can afford to stay here, without sacrificing the quality of life that makes Easton special. I’ll work to make budgeting decisions that are careful, transparent, and always in the best interest of the whole town.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? My professional background is in finance — I currently serve as Chief Financial Officer for a global commodities company. I bring decades of experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing complex financial operations. What sets me apart is not just this expertise, but also my collaborative approach: I believe in asking tough questions, listening carefully, and finding solutions that reflect the needs of the entire community, not just one group or interest.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? Beyond the town’s fiscal health, I want to focus on transparency and accountability in financial decisions. Residents should feel confident they understand where their money is going and why. I also believe the Board of Finance must plan proactively for the future — whether that’s investing in long-term capital projects, maintaining infrastructure, or ensuring our volunteer emergency services remain strong.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? As CFO of a global company, I oversee financial strategy, risk management, and multi-million-dollar budgets. I’ve successfully guided organizations through volatile markets and complex challenges while maintaining stability and growth. In addition, as a longtime Easton resident and parent of three children, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to safeguard the services and character of our town. My professional track record and personal commitment give me the skills and perspective to serve Easton effectively.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice I ever received is: “Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” It’s a principle I try to live by every day, whether in my career, with my family, or in my community. Integrity and accountability are the foundation of trust, and I believe they should guide every decision in public service.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Easton has been a wonderful place to raise my family, and I want to make sure it remains that way for future generations. I am committed to bringing fiscal expertise, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making to the Board of Finance. My goal is simple: to serve the people of Easton with integrity, responsibility, and respect.