Nick D'Addario's Closing Statement: This Comes Down to Leadership

Below is the statement Nick prepared for the Easton Courier, which recently notified us they will not be running candidate statements this year as they had originally planned. Here Nick responds to questions originally posed by the Courier about challenges facing Easton and his priorities if elected as First Selectman

STATEMENT

My vision is simple: “Preservation with Progress.” I love this community, and I’m running for

office to ensure that we continue to build on our recent successes. We can prepare for Easton’s future while protecting everything that makes our town unique. Preservation means protecting Easton’s farms and open space to safeguard the rural character and heritage that make our town so special. Progress means making smart, responsible investments that improve quality of life for all residents: a renovated EMS building, upgraded radios for our emergency services, improved recreational facilities like pickleball courts, an expanded library, and continued investment in our schools’ infrastructure.

As Selectman, I’ve seen firsthand some of the most pressing issues we face. A common thread for the past two years, and the most important to me, is protecting open space while balancing the needs of residents. That means supporting seniors through expanded tax relief and programs that allow them to age in place, while also creating new recreational opportunities for families. It means investing in education, the library, and community spaces that bring residents together. It means keeping Easton welcoming and safe, leading with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and results.

Under Bindelglass/D’Addario leadership, we’ve kept taxes reasonable while we’ve supported schools, expanded recreation for families, strengthened services for seniors, and spearheaded key public safety projects. I am ready to build on this record with civility, vision, and results.

Easton deserves a leader who combines proven business experience with a deep understanding of how our town government works. I bring both. I have managed a complex local business, navigating the challenges of growth, budgeting, and decision-making that affect employees, customers, and the bottom line. That experience has taught me how to lead with accountability, to manage resources wisely, and to build consensus around difficult choices—skills that directly translate to running a town.

For the past two years, I have also had the honor of serving as a Selectman alongside First

Selectman David Bindelglass. In that role, I have gained firsthand experience with the intricacies of municipal government: balancing budgets, weighing competing priorities, and working across differences to make decisions in the best interests of our residents. This service has given me not only knowledge of how Easton works but also relationships and insights that will allow me to step into the role of First Selectman with confidence and readiness.

For Nick, public service isn’t about politics—it’s about community.

As a father, husband, and

neighbor, he is dedicated to preserving what makes Easton special while ensuring progress for generations to come.

I believe leadership is not only about experience but also about temperament. I have shown

that I can listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and treat every resident with respect—even

when we disagree. Easton needs a steady hand, someone with the skills and the patience to

guide us through challenges while keeping our small-town character strong. I am ready to lead Easton forward, and I ask for your support.

About Nick

Nick D’Addario currently serves as a Selectman for the Town of Easton. Born in Bridgeport and raised in neighboring Fairfield, Nick has deep family roots in our community and a lifelong commitment to the region. A graduate of The George Washington University and Vermont Law School, Nick is President of Hi-Ho Energy Services—a fourth-generation, family-owned heating and HVAC company based locally. His professional experience leading a complex business has given him the financial discipline, problem-solving skills, and pragmatic leadership he brings to public service.

Public service has always been central to Nick’s life. Before joining the Board of Selectmen, he served on Easton’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He is also Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Child and Family Guidance Center and serves on the boards of the Barnum Festival and the Cardinal Shehan Center. Through these roles, he has seen firsthand how collaboration and responsible leadership can strengthen families, education, and the arts across our region.

Above all, Nick is personally invested in Easton’s future. He and his wife, Caroline, chose to raise their young son, Fritz, in Easton because of its beautiful farms, open spaces, and excellent

schools.

For Nick, public service isn’t about politics—it’s about community. As a father, husband, and

neighbor, he is dedicated to preserving what makes Easton special while ensuring progress for generations to come.