6 minute read
Excellence On Display
A look at this year’s individual awardees
You may have noticed that CCM hands out awards every year — to towns and cities, municipal employees who go above and beyond, folks who champion municipalities year in and year out, and even middle school and high school students who know what is cool about local government. If we awarded everyone who goes above and beyond for their municipality, we might still be giving out awards, but here’s who we awarded this year.
#LoCoolGov
Middle School: Charlotte Couture, 8th Grade, Glastonbury
What is so cool about local government is that it is run by people in the community. Those people know what the community needs because they live in it, and they will experience the changes themselves, which makes them care. They also know what the community values, and if they don’t, they have access to the public to ask them. I have participated in many local election campaigns, and have met many different candidates from both parties. There is one thing I have noticed that all candidates have in common: even if they disagree, they both really care about the community and about making it a better place for everyone.
High School: Brianna Mowad, 10th Grade, Waterbury
“I thought back to a time when I didn’t have my own room.. or a house... or even a family. I thought about more than six years of my life moving from foster home to foster home. I thought of all the workers who supported me and my brother and worked hard to find the perfect family for us. I thought of the Judges and Attorneys who made decisions on our behalf, the teachers that were our mentors and friends, and all the community events we would attend. I remembered my favorite Librarian who knew exactly what books to put aside for me because she knew that books helped me escape. I didn’t realize that at the time it was the local government workers and laws that made the difference in my young life but looking back now I see that bigger picture.”
Municipal Excellence
Joel Cogen Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert “Bob” Skinner, Former CAO, Canton
In the 16 years before his retirement in August 2024, Bob made significant and unique contributions to the Town of Canton. His unwavering dedication to advancing the Town’s best interests; his relentless promotion of governmental efficiency; his practical and pragmatic approach to address complicated issues in a timely and cost-effective manner; his uncanny ability to communicate effectively across various audiences; his creative and outside-the-box thinking; his unrivaled work ethic; and, perhaps most importantly, his compassion and respect for Town residents and employees, have made Canton an extraordinary place, one that cares about its citizens, community and environment.
Bob’s innumerable achievements and indelible mark on Canton could not possibly be summarized. He was instrumental in capital projects, finances, legal matters, environmental stewardship, human resources and General Administration/Civic Engagement. In addition to the normal rigors associated with being CAO, each week Bob handled hundreds of emails, calls and inquiries from residents, staff and agency members, which is a seven-days-a-week process. He is proof that dedication lasts a lifetime!
Richard C. Lee Innovator Award: Gerard “Gerry” Smith, First Selectman, Beacon Falls
An innovator is someone who introduces new ideas or methods — someone who does something new or different to create value. Gerry began his service to the Town decades ago, volunteering and chairing the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Finance. From 2011 to 2013, and again since 2019, he has served as First Selectman, transforming Beacon Falls through his visionary leadership.
Gerry’s faith guides him, treating his role as a true calling. His compassion flows through his work and reaches the people he serves, thriving on the connections he builds. He prioritizes strong partnerships with local nonprofits and neighboring communities, understanding that Beacon Falls is part of a larger regional landscape. By collaborating beyond town lines, Gerry enriches the lives of both Beacon Falls and Valley residents. His emphasis on teamwork and genuine care for his team make him a remarkable manager. He makes decisions thoughtfully, after listening to his team and weighing their input. Like other small towns in the state, Beacon Falls operates with limited resources and a small staff who wear many hats. Gerry has a talent for bringing out the strengths in each team member while encouraging us all to think outside the box to improve the town. Gerry’s vision and approach have impacted every department, leading to numerous accomplishments over the past five years.
2024 Municipal Champions
Jennifer Lineaweaver - Town of Stonington
John Chaponis - Town of Colchester/Andover
At CCM, we celebrate all municipal employees, every area of work is crucial — otherwise we wouldn’t be doing it. This year, we are celebrating Jennifer Lineaweaver of Stonington and John Chaponis of Colchester/ Andover for their work as the chairs of the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers. Without their leadership and expertise, many harmful policies — up to and including their work helping to secure a special legislative session to fixthe new motor vehicle tax law — might have caused significant problems for towns and cities, ultimately becoming a burden on the local taxpayer. Too often, the individuals in these positions go unsung, despite the value of their hard work being obvious every budget season.
Josh Brown - Domus Kids
For people who have been following the work of CCM around at-risk and disconnected youth, Josh Brown will be a familiar face. But he didn’t start out that way. Way back at our very first roundtable, he stole the show during the questions and comments portion of the evening, telling his story of disconnection — of homelessness and troubles with education — and how the right help put him back on the path. He participated in our 119K Commission, and as co-chair, he has been a driving presence in the work to reconnect young people because he knows all too well the troubles of disconnection. His efforts make him not just a municipal champion, but a champion for all of the residents of this state. To paraphrase a favorite saying of his — this is Connecticut, we can do this.
