BIO
Board of Finance - Candidate
How ELLIOT FUESSENICH embodies
COMMUNITY FIRST
Elliot is a fourth-generation born and raised Litchfield’er. Over the past century, the Fuessenich family has been involved within the community by way of philanthropy, volunteering, law enforcement and serving local and state government. Elliot’s bid for election is a natural progression, following in the footsteps of his ancestors to contribute to the community that has given his family so much.
Elliot’s fondest early memories are of his grandparents. Listening to his grandmother Margaret play the piano at the First Congregational Church and of his grandfather John, excavate many of Litchfield’s roads and ponds for which he as a small boy would eagerly try to lend a hand. The moral lessons and work ethic of his grandparents impressed upon Elliot, instilling a natural willingness to help his fellow neighbors when in need.
Elliot attended Wamogo and through his education there, now owns and operates a successful landscaping and excavation business. He values the trusted and solid client base he has built over the past 6 years through his hard work and reliable reputation. Elliot’s long ties to the Litchfield community have made him well connected with the local business and agricultural community, giving him the perspectives of what resources are needed to build for today and our future.
Elliot loves Litchfield for many reasons, mainly for it being a quite small town, a great place to raise kids, and where everybody knows everybody. He cherishes the tight knit community and believes in preserving our (Litchfield) way of life.
INSURING OUR FUTURE
"Litchfield’s greatest assets are its children, working families and small businesses - they are our heartbeat. The budget is the lifeline that keep’s our towns heartbeat strong and should be handled just like we would balance our own household budget - with care, accuracy and choiceful decisions.
As Litchfield works to regain its footing after the 2020 pandemic year, it is critical we elect the proper leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility for the future of Litchfield. As a small business owner, I understand what a balanced budget means to the bottom line. I love Litchfield and have a vested interest in the short and long-term economic health of our community. "
My Pledge to the Community of Litchfield
“My pledge is to approach the town’s finances as if I were running my own business. I will look at the bigger picture and tie things together to balance opposing interests, when necessary, to promote the best interests of the town and its fiscal health. I will be transparent and reach out to the public to gain input before making any decisions.”
BIO
Board of Finance - Candidate
How PATTY DAUTEN embodies
COMMUNITY FIRST
Born in Terryville, Connecticut, Patty was raised by her mother, a seamstress and father a lineman for SNTC. She grew up on her German immigrant grandparents farm and at an early age help agriculturally to bale hay and manage the animals. Her parents taught her the value in caring for others and at the age of 13 she cared daily for an elderly neighbor. During Patty’s high school years, she understood the importance of civic duty, taking on the role of class President.
Patty went on to attend Johnson and Wales School of Culinary Education and later pursued a position as chef at Lake Waramaug Country Club in New Preston. A year later she moved to Litchfield, where she met her husband Peter of 33 years. Through hard work and a dream, Patty opened her own business in 1996 called Patty’s Restaurant, which has become a staple in the town of Litchfield.
Patty and her husband raised two children. Her daughter Lisa, a Wamogo Alumni who pursued a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine and now owns her own practice in Litchfield, and her son Peter who obtained a bachelors degree in business administration and is a sales representative for Goff’s Equipment Service in Litchfield.
A dedicated volunteer, Patty has helped with the Local 4-H groups and Boy Scout Troop 29 of Bantam, where my son earned Eagle Scout award in 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active by running, swimming, and biking. These activities allow Patty to relax, get outdoors and enjoy White memorial that we are all so fortunate to enjoy, right in our own backyard!
INSURING OUR FUTURE
"All who come to the town of Litchfield have an appreciation for its history, beauty, familial sensibility and educational system, making it a wonderful place to live. To sustain the charm of Litchfield, it is vital to have an attitude of full disclosure and provide the community with constant access to the budget and plans for our funds. As a successful business owner, I know the importance of balancing a vision for long-term financial success with the ability to take care of the everyday small details. Attention to detail is required especially when it comes to balancing a budget.
As a member of the Finance Board, it is important to see the bigger picture, to know what can be improved to better serve the community today and for the future."
My Pledge to the Community of Litchfield
“I promise to ensure Litchfield remains in good financial health and take on initiatives that will benefit the community by doing what is best for the majority of our residents and not just the favored party.”
BIO
Board of Finance Alternate - Candidate
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How MATTHEW O. TOBIN embodies
COMMUNITY FIRST
Matthew grew up in Maryland, where his father was the County Attorney and his mother a stay-at-home mom who raised 5 children. In high school, he excelled as a wrestler and in his studies, graduating as Salutatorian. Matt attended the United States Naval Academy and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied Civil Engineering and played Rugby.
As a Civil Engineer, Matt worked on projects for the United States Navy, Port of Houston, Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, and the Smithsonian Institute where he worked building a research facility on Barro Colorado Island located in Lake Gatun in the Panama Canal. Matt led major construction projects and oversaw each project budget. He currently works for O&G Industries in Torrington as an Engineering Manager in the Power Division, where he heads up the engineering teams responsible for building fossil fuel power plants and alternative energy power systems in southern New England.
In 1977, Matt moved to the Litchfield area. His wife is a 4th generation Litchfield/Northfield native and together they raised a son, who followed in his grandfather's footsteps and became a lawyer. Matt volunteers as an Educational Counselor for MIT and helped draft Litchfield's Equity Statement for SustainableCT, where his efforts were focused on affordable housing.
A lifelong naturalist and outdoorsman, Matt enjoys backpacking, hiking, running, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. He has competed as a triathlete and has proudly run the Litchfield Hills Road Race about 30 times. He was the scrum half for the Litchfield Hills Rugby Club. Matt is a frequent backpacker on the Appalachian Trail. Matt is a blue ribbon winning gardener and a fierce combatant of the many invasive plants and insects now found in Litchfield which threaten our native flora.
INSURING OUR FUTURE
"The number of rural areas, including small towns like Litchfield, in the eastern U.S. are shrinking dramatically, and is a reminder of what I saw growing up in rural Maryland, where development swallowed up the small town I lived in. The rural nature of Litchfield, along with the area's special places like Topsmead, Whites Woods and Bantam Lake, are worth preserving for our children and future generations.
The needs and resources of a small-town are different than those of an urban community. Education; housing for future generations; and building a growth environment for small business, agriculture and entrepreneurs are all important as we evolve as a town and a community."
My Pledge to the Community of Litchfield
“I pledge to bring my vast experience managing multi-million dollar budgets to the table, ask the right questions, understand the value and return for every dollar we spend. I will put the people first and make decisions based on what is best for this town.”
BIO
Board of Finance Alternate - Candidate
How ROLAND GREENWOOD JR. embodies
COMMUNITY FIRST
Roland grew up in Thomaston in a family of eight children. His parents taught him about service and that it is important to set aside differences and barriers for the betterment of the future and the world. This led Roland to spend 33 years in the Military, in several different branches, the US Army, US Navy, and the Air Force Reserve. During his time in the Military, Roland was stationed in Georgia, Germany, Maryland, and Massachusetts. In 1990, he was activated for Desert Storm and again after 9-11, where he flew war missions and humanitarian missions.
Since 1995, Roland has run his own business, Stump Thumpers LLC which has serviced, homeowners, golf courses, institutions, and municipalities within the Litchfield community. For the last 12 years, he has lived in Northfield. Notably, Roland volunteers by fostering pets from the Spotty Dog Rescue and donates stump grindings to the Possum Queen, an organization in Litchfield helping residents in need.
INSURING OUR FUTURE
“Any time you sacrifice your own well being for the benefit of your country, you’re serving your nation. I have served the nation in the military and have wanted to make a difference and help people on the worst days of their lives. Over the course of the many years, I have lived in Litchfield, I have come to love its beauty, people, and the spirit the town possess.
Litchfield is home to many because of the wonderful outdoor activities one can partake in, like flying, hiking, boating, and skiing. This is one of the most magical places in the state, country, and world. Running a local business, I know how critical it is to make tough decisions with finances and resources. With this knowledge I want to contribute to the town that I love.“
My Pledge to the Community of Litchfield
“I pledge to evaluate all decisions fairly and honestly for all residents of Litchfield. It is about the people, their needs, and keeping a local mindset when approaching the finances of this town.”