Today, Democrat David Cohen announced his campaign for a seat on the North Haven Board of Selectmen, challenging twelve year incumbent Sally Buemi for the Democratic nomination to serve on the town board.
A husband, father, North Haven volunteer firefighter, North Haven small business owner, and in-house counsel for a Connecticut-based Fortune 500 manufacturing company, David promises to bring new energy, new ideas, and a new set of experiences to the North Haven Board of Selectmen.
"When my wife and I moved here over a decade ago, North Haven welcomed our family with open arms. Since then, we've built a life here, and we're raising our two kids here. I own a small business here, and we've been deeply involved in the life of our community. Over the years, I've served our town in every way I know how — as a volunteer firefighter, a small business owner, and a civic leader. This town has given us so much – and, now, I want to give back even more,"
said Cohen.
"It has become abundantly clear that we need change in the Democratic Party. We need elected officials who understand and advocate for the priorities of our residents — not elected officials who condemn parents for voting to support our schools. We are facing challenging times as a town with even more challenging times ahead, and we need a solutions-oriented leader who is going to stand up for North Haven values and help move our town forward."
Cohen was an outspoken supporter of the town's new budget, approved via townwide referendum by nearly a 2 to 1 margin, which will provide critical new funding for North Haven public schools, police and fire departments, and other essential town services and programs. In contrast, Buemi was a vocal opponent of the budget and even criticized the local PTA and parents for encouraging people to vote, suggesting the PTA's distribution of popsicles that day somehow inappropriately swayed voters to support the budget referendum.
"Parents don't vote because you give them a popsicle. Parents vote because they care about their kids' education. Residents approved the budget by a 2 to 1 margin because they have informed, principled positions on the direction of our town. To suggest otherwise is insulting to North Haven voters and our current Democratic selectperson is clearly just completely out-of-touch."
said Cohen.
"I voted yes because that's what North Haven families and children deserve—our support."
Cohen's priorities go far beyond the town budget and referendum. As the next Democratic Selectman, he will bring his unique set of skills and experiences to Town Hall to help grow North Haven's local economy, support our small businesses, keep our families safe with investments in public safety, protect our vibrant quality of life, and most importantly, work to build a stronger community.
Cohen, who is also a member of the local North Haven Democratic Town Committee, announced his campaign to voters today with a campaign video, found on his newly launched campaign website, davidcohenct.com, where North Haven residents can learn more about the campaign and get involved. Voters can also stay connected to the campaign via social media @davidcohenct on Instagram and Facebook and by signing up for campaign updates on the website.
"North Haven is facing real challenges: rising costs and tightening budgets at the local level, and chaos and uncertainty at the federal level. We need someone with David's experience who is in-touch with the people of North Haven and supports our efforts to improve its future. It is time for change, and I am thrilled to see him run for the Board of Selectmen and challenge the status quo."
— Jamie Krzmarzick
"I am so excited about David's campaign. He brings the experience, passion, and heart we need in elective office — and most importantly, he will listen to people, protect and preserve our quality of life, and keep North Haven moving forward. I cannot wait to vote for him in the upcoming election."
— Hilary Sisco
The North Haven Democratic Town Committee is scheduled to select its party nominee on July 15th and the Democratic primary is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th, with early voting occurring between September 2nd and 7th.
"This is a grassroots campaign. I'm going to be knocking on doors and speaking with voters all summer long to earn their vote. I love North Haven, I want to see our town continue to thrive, and I would be honored to serve my fellow residents as North Haven's next selectman."
Cohen concluded.
Trip Holtgrewe
trip@blueedgestrategies.com
(425) 985-5029