Meet the Candidates for Durham First Selectman

Laura Francis (R-Incumbent)

Age: 51

Family: Married to Robert Francis for 30 years. Mother to Jillian, 26 and Eric, 23.

Education: B.A. Political Science/Public Administration - Providence College

Occupation: First Selectman

Offices Held: Assistant Town Clerk, Town Clerk, Charter Revision Commission

Civic Affiliations: Past President, Durham Woman's Club, Durham Fair Foundation, Durham Fair Director, Assistant Secretary, Durham Cemetery Company, Destination Durham production team, Chairman of Middlesex County Revitalization Commission, Middlesex Businesswoman's Alliance Steering Committee 

Personal Statement: It has been an honor to serve the Town of Durham as First Selectman. Together with staff and volunteers, we have been able to hold the line on town spending while still improving government services.  If re-elected , I will continue to foster an environment that promotes civil discourse and open participation; continue to develop our staff to deliver the most cost effective and efficient services;  and to do whatever I can to keep Durham a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

With gratitude and respect, I ask for your support on November 8.

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Roger Kleeman (D)

Age: 62

Family: Carol Kleeman, wife, Kristen Kleeman, daughter

Education: New York State University at Sullivan

Occupation: Retired DOT Engineer III. Owner, RSK pool service

Offices Held: Director/Member Connecticut Chapter APSP (Association of Pool &
Spa Professionals), Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Commission, Recreation Committee, Building Code Board of Appeals

Civic Affiliations: Received public service award from the Town of Durham for 25 plus years of service to the town, past Director/Superintendent /Resident Director of the Durham Fair, past volunteer of Washington Trail 10k race, past Controller and Evaluator, Town of Durham for Northeast Utilities nuclear power plant response exercise, served as a member on the Democratic Town Committee, worked with the Town of Durham highway department as an extra for chip sealing roads and snow removal before union was in place

Personal Statement: Durham is a wonderful community to live in and bring up a family. We need to preserve and build a financially stable community for ourselves and our children for generations to come. People know me as an advocate for long term fiscal responsibility, savings in government spending, and protecting our taxpayers from unnecessary spending. You can be assured that I will treat your tax dollars as if they are my own!

I have the necessary dedication, the attention to detail, and the knowledge of where to turn for assistance in order to effect savings for the town. 

I look forward to serving our town and protecting your tax dollars.