Meet the Candidates for Durham Selectman

John Szewczyk (R-Incumbent)

Age: 34

Family: Mary Ann Adams, Mother; John Szewczyk Sr., Father; Angela Adams Zwarycz, Sister; Alison Adams, Sister; Andrew Adams, Brother

Education: Coginchaug Regional High School, 1995; Trinity College, B.A. Political Science and Education, 1999; University of Connecticut, MBA Program (currently attending part-time)

Occupation: Police Officer, City of Hartford, 2002-Present

Offices Held: Board of Selectmen 2007-Present; Board of Assessment Appeals 2003-2007; Public Safety Committee 2005-2007

Civic Affiliations: Former Athletic Coach CRHS; Founder of the Connecticut Coalition of Police Officers to Prevent Domestic Violence

Personal Statement: I am seeking reelection because I believe Durham needs a continued voice of fiscal responsibility on its Board of Selectmen.  I believe that keeping town spending at a minimum and our property taxes affordable is paramount.  At the same time my family and I have also been the beneficiary of all Durham has to offer, including a terrific school district, open space, recreation, and accessible government.  I think that over these past four years I have been able to strike a good balance of responsible expenditures to ensure the safety and well being of our residents while at the same time eliminating excessive government spending.

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Dr. Steve Levy (D)     

Age: 62

Family: Wife, Dede Levy; daughter, Hilary; son-in-law, Josh; grandson, Jacob Beler.

Education: East Meadow High School (NY); Bard College (NY); University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1977 (Class President all 4 years, graduated with High Honors) Advanced Training in Medical Acarology (tick biology and diseases).

Occupation: Veterinary Clinician, Fox Memorial Hospital of the Connecticut Humane Society, Newington, CT

Offices Held: Fire Chief, Durham Volunteer Fire Company; Deputy Director Emergency Management Durham Department of EM; Emergency Management Director, Durham Department of EM; Member of Committees: Ackerman House Committee, Emergency Complex Renovation Committee.

Civic Affiliations: Past-President Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association; Connecticut State Police Canine Unit Police Surgeon; Emergency Manager of the Year - New England States Emergency Management Consortium; Connectricut's Bravest Firefighter of the Year (Exchange Club) - Durham; Recognition by Connecticut State Police for service to Canine Unit; Arthritis Foundation CT Chapter - Award for Public Education in Lyme disease; River Valley Services - recognition for services donated to River Valley Services clients; Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association - Veterinarian of the Year; 2008 Proclamation of Recognition for Service to the Town of Durham by Board of Selectmen. 

Personal Statement: I am Dr. Steve Levy and I have lived in Durham for 30 years.  For 29 years I owned the Durham Veterinary Hospital and during those years I served the community as volunteer  Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director.  I know that I have assisted many of Durham's residents in those roles and  ask for your support in my bid for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.  I will be practical in shaping the future of our Town and put my experience as a successful business owner and manager to work for the people of our town. 

My promise is to listen to your concerns, consider what is best for Durham, and to always act on what is best for Durham and its citizens.