Patch Candidate Profile: Lise Fleuette For Easton Library Board of Trustees

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: Lise Fleuette

What office are you seeking? Library Board of Trustees

What town do you live in? Easton

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: I am a pursuit manager in global healthcare consulting.

Family: Husband Joe, son Chandler who live here in Easton. Daughter Emma & future son-in-law Cameron Bartow, who live in Brookline, MA.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Secretary, Daland Memorial Library Board of Trustees in Mount Vernon, NH; Alternate, Library Board of Trustees, Easton, CT; Alternate Board of Assessment Appeals, Easton, CT; Member, Easton Energy & Environment Task Force.

Why are you seeking this office? My skills and experience will allow me to contribute well to the Board as it helps the library meet its mission to advance literacy, foster creativity, and enhance lives.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The political divide in America today is hindering our ability to create and evolve good public policy. We need to connect better as a community to help close that divide.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Libraries in the United States were formed to promote education and free access to knowledge. The Republican party candidates running for this office, while certainly being decent, community-minded people, are likely to be influenced by conservative advocacy groups and highly vocal far-right Easton residents who seek to ban content they find inappropriate. These individuals or groups often disingenuously frame book bans as efforts to "protect parental rights." I, on the other hand, believe the government has no business telling citizens what is acceptable to read and what is not, and I will always stand up for the freedom of Easton citizens to decide what is appropriate for themselves and their families.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I hope to stand up for freedom of expression and personal liberty in our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Previous role on Library Board of Trustees; professional writing credentials.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? You can go a long way even when you are tired.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am openly progressive politically and I believe strongly in secular government (aka the separation of church and state).