Politics & Government

Meet Kathy Devlin, Candidate for Somers Board of Selectmen

Devlin has been on the board for several years and is the Democratic candidate.

Name: Kathy Devlin

Age: 68

Family: Married; Three children (one daughter and two sons) who were raised and educated in the Somers School District.;  seven grandchildren.

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Office Sought: Selectman - have been serving in this capacity for 10 years, seeking re-election

Occupation: Recently retired from Johnson and Johnson. Member of Bay Path College Advisory Committee, Committee on Policy and Health Advocacy for Connecticut Council of Municipalities. 

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Education: BS Biochemistry; advanced degree- Pharmaceutical Sales & Marketing through NSPST; negotiations- Northwestern University

Government and/or other experience qualifying you for office: 

  • Town of Somers Library Board of Directors- 27 years, 24 as Treasurer
  • Town of Somers Board of Selectmen- 10 years
  • Business experience:  managed sales staff, negotiated large contracts for Roche and Johnson and Johnson, comprehensive role representing J&J with the Fortune 40 employers, liaisoning resources across 252 operating companies under the corporation. 
  • Designed and implemented employee development and performance measurement programs, prepared annual budgets, instituted and trained communications programs as a large account annual business plans.

Major issues you are focusing on:

  • Attaining Federal and State support through grants and resources to bring heart healthy programs to the residents of Somers.  Collaborate across the spectrum of stakeholders (school, local hospital, VNA, merchants and age groups to cultivate programs that engage the community in healthier lifestyles.
  • Maintaining a sound financial, physical, and environmental infrastructure
  • Maintain collaboration between the school district and town government to best serve the community and taxpayers.

How you intend on addressing these issues:

  • Healthy Lifestyle program: 
    • Build the program one block at a time. I have already tested the concept with Senior Advisory Committee. Twice a month, heart healthy breakfast options are available at the senior center. We are encouraging a walking program. Additionally, working with the Girl Scouts, a project at the Senior Center provided an opportunity for Brownies and Girl Scouts to meet with seniors and learn more about their lives and the history of Somers. The next goal is to extend the program to action. I would also like to form a committee representing all the stakeholders and set a path forward that is strategic, measureable, actionable, and realistic. 
    • Goal two - maintaining infrastructure - this must be an ongoing process, requiring cooperation with Town departments for asset evaluation. Build a dynamic long-range strategic plan with the CFO, supervisors, and the Board of Selectmen. (Invite public participation)

This is an ongoing process. The goal is to begin planning for next year in December - sharing needs and goals and determining ways to either internally or externally share services and resources.


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