Patch Candidate Profile: Nick D'Addario 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:
Nick D'Addario

What office are you seeking?
First Selectman

What town do you live in?
Easton

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
President of Hi-Ho Energy Services—a fourth generation family owned and operated home heating fuel delivery and HVAC service business.

Family:
My wife Caroline, my four-year old son Fritz, and our dog Bonaparte.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I currently serve on the Board of Selectmen. I previously served on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running because I love this community, and I want to ensure that we continue to build on our recent successes. I believe that Easton can progress into its future, while preserving our past and everything that makes our town so unique. I am for ‘Preservation with Progress.’ ‘Preservation’ means we need to preserve farms and protect open space to maintain Easton’s rural character and heritage. ‘Progress’ means a renovated EMS building, upgraded radios for our emergency services, improved recreational facilities (i.e. pickle ball courts), an expanded library, and continued investment in our schools’ infrastructure. I believe in a local government that listens, stays focused, and works for everyone – whether you’ve lived in Easton for four generations or four months.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Preserve farms and open space to protect Easton’s rural character and heritage. This is what makes Easton so special.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a local businessman, I bring pragmatism and managerial experience to my elected role. I know how to solve problems under pressure, manage people and resources, and make tough decisions with both short-term and long-term impacts in mind. I have successfully negotiated with unions. As a Selectman, I have applied those same skills to public service–listening to residents, working collaboratively with others in town government, and ensuring that Easton’s values guide every decision. I have a record of practical experience and results that will guide me in office. Leadership requires one to have the right temperament. My combination of business discipline and public leadership experience makes me well prepared to guide Easton forward.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Support Seniors & Families – Expand tax relief, resources, and services that help seniors age in place and create more recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Invest in Education & Community – Strengthen our schools, library, and recreational spaces that enrich life for every resident.
Promote Inclusion & Community Spirit – Ensure Easton remains a welcoming, safe, and culturally vibrant town.
Lead with Transparency & Results – Advocate for state grants, govern openly, and deliver responsible, effective leadership.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Under Bindelglass/D’Addario leadership, we have kept property taxes reasonable while continuing to support our schools, expanded recreation for families, and strengthened services for seniors. We spearheaded the EMS Building Project and approved updated radios for our emergency services, prioritizing health and public safety. I’ve championed civility in local governance and reached out to all voters, regardless of party affiliation.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
“You can’t complain unless you’re willing to get involved.”

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I think it’s important to highlight the Bindelglass-D’Addario record on preservation. In the last six years, we passed a land use ordinance that gave residents — not the Board of Selectmen — final control over the acquisition and sale of town land. Alongside the Aspetuck Land Trust and the State of Connecticut, we preserved major properties such as South Park. We reconstituted the Land Acquisition Authority. As a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, I voted for regulations to provide a conservation development option for builders that would preserve more open space and offer an alternative to 8-30g applications in Easton. I also voted to allow accessory use dwellings—in particular the option to deed them affordable which helps Easton work towards an 8-30g moratorium. Recently, when a statewide housing bill threatened to override local authority, our direct conversations with the Governor and outreach to his office helped secure his veto. Our approach is action, not rhetoric: preserving land, working with partners, and protecting Easton’s rural character.