Craig Donovan

Party: Democrat

Age: 61

Incumbent: No Current job: Chair and Professor of Public Management/Kean University/ College of Business and Public Management Education: Rancho Santiago Adult education Center (at Santa Ana College); University of California; University of Washington

The most important issue in this election: We need to prepare for the changes that are happening around us and to create our own longterm vision—a vision for the town that is economically sustainable and financially responsible, implemented by clearly articulated processes, supported by my direct and open communication with all our residents and elected officials.

Other issues: Keeping our 19th century charm while implementing a #1 ranked, 21st century infrastructure and town government, that is transparent, diverse and inclusive is vital. Using best practices to tap our full potential including a NonProfit Alliance, Arts Commission, Public Safety Council, roads and telecom, and a public biweekly CoffeewithCraig.

Family: I was raised primarily by my grandparents who lost everything in the Great Depression and moved west to support the war effort. They shaped who I am. My wife, Liz Gores Donovan — daughter of Harvard Five architect Landis Gores — was born and grew up here. We have raised six children, three of whom our fosters that we adopted. We have four grandchildren: the youngest, Daphne Ruby, was born this 4th of July! Liz and I now care for Liz’s mother Pam, whose own family has been in New Canaan for nearly nine decades. With our own children grown and gone, we now foster and rescue diabetic dogs and cats.

Previous elected offices, community group affiliations: I have been elected to almost all of the major academic offices at Kean as well as two terms being the President of the International Honor Society for Public Policy, Affairs and Administration—Pi Alpha Alpha. Rather than run myself, my role has been to train and support public officials and city managers. I have cofounded the nonprofit Future City, Inc., where I am still on the Board, and I have served a number of others. I have worked with and served Rotary, Rotaract, and the Small Business Council, as well as towns, cities and Business Improvement Districts for more than two decades.

Campaign website: craig4first.com