Sally Buemi shares with Patch why she should be re-elected to the North Haven Board of Selectmen.
NORTH HAVEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in North Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.
Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Board of Finance, Town Clerk/Tax Collector and more.
North Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.
Sally Buemi is running for re-election to the North Haven Board of Selectmen as a Petitioning Candidate.
Occupation: Lawyer, 42 years
Family:I have an older sister and brother and 3 nephews and one niece and one great nephew
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?no
Previous public office, appointive or elective:Yes. 12 years on Board of Selectmen (I am the incumbent Third Selectman), first elected in 2013. Also, elected to the Board of Finance and served 4 years. Also, appointed to the Community Services Commission and served 2 years.
Why are you seeking this office?I am a lifetime North Haven resident and I enjoy giving back and helping my hometown. As Third Selectman for the past 12 years, I have worked hard to help my community and I want to continue to do so. There are many challenges ahead, and I think I have the experience and knowledge to contribute positively and collaboratively.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:Taxes. We need to reduce our rate of spending increases. I have been fighting for controlled spending for years. We must make some difficult budget decisions. We must look, line by line, at each budget request and use our existing resources more efficiently. We must have a moratorium on creating new positions in future budgets, at least until we are able to increase our top line revenue sources through economic development. Three years in a row of significant tax increases are breaking the backs of our taxpayers, especially senior citizens and young working families.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?I have 12 years of experience as a Selectman. I have knowledge and expertise of our town budget, our Town Charter and state statutes. My opponent for Third Selectman has no experience in town government and no experience in municipal budgets. I am a lifetime resident with a proven record of community involvement.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?We need to amend our Senior Tax Freeze Ordinance to increase the number of people who can apply. We recently amended this ordinance to include a "claw back" provision which requires the town to be reimbursed at a later date for the tax savings. Because the town will eventually be paid back, I think it is appropriate to increase eligibility.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?I have been a very impactful and influential Third Selectman for the past 12 years. Besides my Selectmen meetings, I regularly attend the Board of Finance meetings and offer my opinions and suggestions, especially for the budget, during public comment. I work collaboratively with my colleagues, and I support and even enhance many of the First Selectman's initiatives. For example, I initiated the 3-tiered tax phase-in plan for our Tax Incentive Ordinance. My plan was ultimately included in the Ordinance approved by the town meeting. I have kept people informed about town affairs in my local newspaper column called "I was just thinking." I have also performed very well the ceremonial functions of the Board of Selectmen. I organized a special tribute to World War II veterans, World War I veterans and Vietnam veterans. I initiated the 9-11 ceremonies on the Green. I participated in Dr. Suess reading programs at Clintonville School, and many other similar events. I also wrote significant provisions in our First Responder Surviving Spouse Benefit Ordinance and I extended the benefits to volunteer firefighters. I have developed positive relationships with most department heads in town. I have always put the best interest of the town as my priority, and I have earned the respect of my colleagues in town government. Many citizens contact me by phone or email, and even by letter, asking for my help. They contact me because they trust I will do my best to help with the situation. As an attorney, practicing law in North Haven for 40 years, I have the legal knowledge that helps me contribute positively and effectively to the many legal issues that come before the Board of Selectmen.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?My father always told me that hard work pays off.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?I will continue to do my best to make my hometown an even better community for all of our citizens.