Patch Candidate Profile: Lauren Traum For Weston Board of Selectmen

WESTON, 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:
Lauren Traum

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in?
Weston

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Attorney - 19 Years

Family:
I am married and have two children who are eight and twelve years old.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
Weston is facing critical decisions around school infrastructure, long-term debt policy, and the future of large-scale multifamily development. These are big choices that will shape the character and finances of our town for years to come.

Unfortunately, too many of these decisions are made behind closed doors, without meaningful community input or transparency. That's not how local government should work, especially when the stakes are this high.

We deserve leadership that values open dialogue, respects differing opinions, follows the Town Charter, and works with residents, not around them.

I believe we all care about the same things: great schools, thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, and preserving what makes Weston unique.

I'm running to bring people together, regardless of political affiliation and to focus on practical, community-driven solutions.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is Weston’s need for a clear, long-term vision. For too long, we’ve deferred maintenance on both our school buildings and town infrastructure (like roads and municipal facilities) until problems become too big to ignore. This approach leads to rushed decisions, higher costs and heavier debt burdens.

Instead, we need a proactive and comprehensive capital plan that reflects our priorities and values. It is imperative that we develop a plan to upgrade our school infrastructure in a way that maximizes educational outputs and is financially sustainable.

Weston deserves a thoughtful, transparent and fiscally responsible approach, one that ensures we’re not just reacting to problems, but building a stronger, more resilient community for the long term.

I will:
• Advocate for a town-wide strategic planning process that brings the community together (including residents, educators, and local officials) to define a shared vision and long-term priorities for Weston.
• Push for a clear, data-driven capital improvement plan that addresses urgent infrastructure needs while anticipating future growth and sustainability challenges.
• Ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in how we fund capital projects, with careful evaluation of costs, long-term impact, and trade-offs.
• Champion investment in our schools that prioritizes high-quality teaching, innovative learning, and the well-being of every student.
• Promote community engagement and accountability, making sure residents have a voice in decision-making and understand how and why investments are made.

Weston deserves leadership that truly listens to its residents, values community input, and makes decisions in an open, transparent way.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
A major difference between me and the other candidates is that I bring a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to rebuilding trust in local government. Too many decisions have been made behind closed doors, leaving many residents feeling unheard and disconnected from the process. I believe in open, transparent governance that actively invites community input and values honest dialogue. My goal is to restore confidence by making sure residents are not only informed but truly included in the decisions that shape our town’s future.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Other key issues I intend to address during my campaign include restoring transparent and accountable governance, starting with reinstating public comment and ensuring residents receive meaningful responses at town meetings. Open dialogue shouldn’t be optional; it’s a cornerstone of good government. I also support common-sense, responsible investment that reflects the town’s long-term priorities without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. Just as importantly, I will advocate for strict adherence to the town charter and the law, because trust in local government begins with following the rules and honoring the processes that protect our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
A key accomplishment that demonstrates my ability to effectively serve on the Board of Selectmen is my nearly decade-long career as an Assistant District Attorney. In that role, I represented victims of violent felonies and sexual offenses. This work required not only legal skill and sound judgment, but a deep empathy and strong sense of responsibility to the public. That experience instilled in me a lasting commitment to public service and to ensuring that every voice is heard, especially those who are often overlooked. It’s a perspective I will carry with me in serving our community with integrity, fairness and accountability.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received is that hard work gets results. That simple but powerful message has stayed with me throughout my life and career. It has driven me to take on challenges with determination, stay focused on my goals and never underestimate the impact of hard work and perseverance.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want voters to know that I’m running because I genuinely love our community and believe it’s time residents had a stronger voice in local decisions. My goal is to ensure that every neighbor feels heard, valued and represented. Even when we disagree, there should always be space for respectful discussion that welcomes all perspectives. We’re at a critical moment in Weston’s future, and the decisions we make now will shape our town for years to come. My goal is to help us strike the right balance: preserving what makes Weston special while approaching any potential growth with care, transparency and community input.