Denise Hall, candidate for East Lyme's Board of Finance, may be a new name to many locals. As a newcomer to Niantic, I was delighted to see recent lawn signs announcing her candidacy. Previously a West Hartford resident for 35 years, I had the privilege of following Denise's stewardship there as minority leader for eight years on the Town Council, playing a key role in managing a $285 million annual budget. Before that, she had volunteered on West Hartford's Investment Advisory Committee, the Risk Management and Investment Advisory Board, and as treasurer of the West Hartford Veterans Memorial Committee. She has also volunteered as an MDC commissioner, helping oversee a $2 billion infrastructure project. She also served on the Board of Fellowship Housing, as president of the Board of Mercy Housing and Shelter, with UCONN's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Advisory Board, and as a founding Board member of the Institute for Women's Leadership at Nichols College. Most recently, and very locally, she has been appointed to the East Lyme Pension Committee. In short, Denise Hall is smart, experienced, professional. Her depth and breadth of experience in municipal financial affairs is unmatched.

Jim Schepker

Niantic