Christy Zelek (U-Petitioning): Candidate for Lyme First Selectman

Biography: 

Christy Zelek, a 17-year resident of Lyme, has worked in marketing, senior living, special events and real estate, and stayed home to raise her children while managing commercial real estate rentals and running a network marketing business. She co-chaired parent-teacher organizations at Lyme School, the middle school and the high school; served as vice president of the Lyme Ambulance Board; and held leadership positions with Scout Troop 26 and Cub Scout Pack 32. She also assisted with marketing for the Friends of the Lyme Library book sale. She holds a bachelor’s Degree in English and Communications from Alfred University.

1. Why are you running for the Lyme Board of Selectmen, and what skills or experiences make you the right candidate for that role?

I see this opportunity as a chance to give back to the town that I love on an even more meaningful scale. One thing my parents firmly instilled in me is giving back wherever I can. I’ve spent a lot of time in our community doing just that – helping out in our schools, Scouts, civic committees and the Lyme Ambulance. 

Years ago, Lyme School’s principal, Jim Cavaleri, suggested I run for Lyme First Selectman and that idea has stayed with me. My boys are older and more independent now and I’m in a position where I can do more for this town. I love Lyme and care about all its residents. My mother, who also lives in town, still reminds me it’s our civic duty to give back to the community. Serving Lyme as First Selectman is an opportunity to bring my skills, experience, and abilities to help lead Lyme into the future in a sensible and sustainable fashion. 

I am Unaffiliated and have voted for both Republicans and Democrats. Being unaffiliated reflects my values of caring more about issues and people than party lines. I have friends on both sides of the aisle with whom I have had respectful discussions. My goal is always to build up and not tear down; and to deliver for every citizen of Lyme.

My experience working with people has taught me that with calm and respectful conversation, there is always a path forward to progress and positive change. My listening skills help me relate to people with differing viewpoints by reflecting rather than over-reacting. I work closely with people to get to solutions that work, helping them to use all available information, tools, and talents to make situations better – pivoting and improving as things develop.

I am a strategic thinker without an ego, which enables me to consider many sides and ideas, working to find the best solution for each situation. I will bring a new energy to the Board of Selectmen and offer long-term continuity to the office.

2. Lyme, like the other municipalities in the state, is being called upon to increase the availability of affordable housing. What is your view on the need for affordable housing in Lyme, and how should the town balance state requirements with local calls to preserve its rural nature? 

Like other parents in town, I know that it would be nice for my own sons to be able to afford to move out of my house and into their own homes. While out talking one-on-one with voters during this campaign, I have heard a lot about housing needs for our first responders and teachers.

There are many possible paths that Lyme could pursue to address affordable housing and, while we haven’t agreed on one yet, with some grit and determination, I believe our boards, commissions, and citizens are up to the task of developing a clear plan that allows us to offer some form of affordable housing in keeping with our beautiful, rural, conservation-minded community. 

On Monday, Oct 6th we will all have a chance to review the results found in the Plan of Conservation and Development, which give us some additional insights into townspeople’s preferences and how to best move forward for Lyme. It sounds like there is work to do as we want to keep our spaces open and create a variety of housing solutions.

It will take all of us working together to move forward in a united, realistic, and feasible direction.  As First Selectman, it will be my job to work closely with our boards, commissions, and residents to come up with the best possible solution for Lyme.

3. Lyme proudly relies on its volunteers to create a safe and supportive community, from fighting fires and responding to medical calls to sitting on boards and commissions. With volunteer numbers shrinking and a limited pool to pull from, what ideas do you have for encouraging more people to serve the town? 

Recruiting and organizing volunteers is an ongoing marathon, but I do believe people love to help, they just need to be asked. All of the years I have spent volunteering for our schools, civic groups, and Ambulance Association have given me solid insights on how to find, manage, and motivate volunteers.

I find that volunteers who feel appreciated are often willing to do even more. We have a treasure trove of people in this town with all kinds of gifts to contribute. Most everyone I know volunteers for something, in some way. We need to recognize that and appreciate that, while empowering them to do some additional good for our town.

I strongly believe that giving back to our community is part of our civic duty and, if elected, will work to improve our communications about the town’s volunteer needs. As a long-term volunteer myself, I am not shy about asking people to step up.

4. In order of importance, what do you see as the top three challenges facing Lyme over the next two years? 

1. Keeping our budget in check – which includes supporting our schools, keeping our town well-maintained, and our taxes low. Keeping our taxes low is one of the top responses we’ve gotten from our conversations knocking on doors and talking one-on-one with Lyme residents. They’ve also told me how proud they are of our high-ranking schools, so there is a balance we need to maintain. Our incredibly talented Board of Finance continues to do an excellent job balancing our town budget. Maintaining our roads, bridges, trees, and equipment is also important because it keeps us safe and helps keep our budget numbers in line for long-term sustainability.

2. Supporting our emergency services. The fact that our emergency services in Lyme are all volunteer has definitely helped with our annual budget. This saves us the costs of hiring employees 7 days a week, 24 hours every day, plus overtime and holidays. But, because we have a small number of residents, we also have a small pool to ask to volunteer.  A lot is often required from people when they do agree to volunteer – physically, mentally, and timewise. To be a first responder takes a lot of ongoing training and recertifications. I would like to see us, as a town, come together to provide as much support as we can to the generous volunteers who serve our Fire Company and our Ambulance Association.

3. Road Safety. In the time I’ve spent door knocking and talking with residents, I’ve repeatedly heard how people love Lyme and want to keep it a quiet, respectful town. I have heard a number of concerns about speeding, particularly on the bigger state roads (Routes 156 and 82), as well as the winding back roads. Bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians fear catastrophe. I would like to make this a focus of the Board of Selectman –- looking for additional ways that we can work together to improve the safety of everyone on our roads.