Sharon F. Waagner

Democrat, Torrington City Council Employer: Communications Director/Torrington Downtown Partners Education: High school, Ridgewood, N.J.; Empire State College, Bachelor — Educational Studies; postgrad degree: SUNY Albany — Master of Library Sciences

Incumbent: No

The top issue you will address if elected: My main focus is economic development to increase our grand list and to lower the mill rate. Transparency and strong community commitment requires a serious investment of time and effort. We need to work together to find solutions to budgetary concerns as we move forward.

Other issued of importance: Communication and transparency are important. Residents and business owners need to know how their tax money is being spent and that their questions are valued. As a retired teacher, I feel we also need to work closely with the BOE on behalf of our local students and assure they have the best education we can provide.

Tell us about your family: My husband Lou and I moved to Torrington in 2008. We have two adult children. I was a K12 school librarian in Long Lake, N.Y., and also served as an AEMT on the Long Lake Rescue Squad. I was also a cofounder of the Long Lake Library. When I first moved to Torrington, I was the school librarian for St. Peter/St. Francis School for two years. I then began working with Torrington Downtown Partners in 2010 and serve as their Communications Director. Elected offices held or community groups involved with: I was a member of Arts, Culture, Torrington for 4 years; I serve the Board of Directors of the Torrington Library; on the Executive Board of the NWCT Economic Development Corportation; Torrington Trails Network and I am on the Torrington Planning and Zoning Board. I am a member of the Torrington Community Emergency Response Team and a cocaptain for Torrington Neighborhood Watch.

www.torringtondems.com