Joan Hammond - Board of Finance - Full Seat - Term to 11/31
Joan has had connections to Washington for more than 40 years. She has worked as a business manager and independent bookkeeper for various local businesses and non-profits. Her two sons attended Region 12 schools and she currently has two granddaughters at WPS. She also served as Vice President of a condo board of directors for 5 years where she learned to balance the needs of a 1000-person community with fiscal constraints. Prior to moving to Washington in 1981, Joan worked as a lab research assistant at several large universities. She retired in 2023 and would like to volunteer to serve the community in which she feels so fortunate to live.
Patrick Horan – Board of Finance - Incumbent - Full Seat – Term to 11/31:
Patrick co-owns Waldingfield Farm, a certified organic vegetable operation on 4th generation family land here in Washington. He currently holds two board memberships, serving on the Washington Park Foundation, better known as Judy Black Memorial Park and Garden, and as Vice President of CT Northern Organic Farming Assoc. Prior to farming full time, Patrick worked for 10 years for R.G. Niederhoffer Capital Management, a NYC based hedge fund, where he was Director of Bank and Middle Office Operations.
Jillian Kauff – Board of Finance Alternate - Term to 11/31
Jillian moved to Washinton 12 years ago, after living in Bethlehem for 30 years. She joined the Washington Garden Club in 2000, served as its President for 2 years, and continues to serve on its board as Vice President. As part of the WGC, she was instrumental in working on the club’s programs with Washington Primary School and Judea Gardens. She is a longtime member of the Washington Club’s golf section. Jillian served on the board for the Bellemy- Ferriday House in Bethlehem and did fundraising for it and for the Bethlehem Land Trust. Professionally, Jillian owned her own interior design business in New York for 25 years, designing both corporate and residential spaces. She and a partner also owned and operated an antiques store in Woodbury.
Valerie Andersen - Board of Finance Alternate - Incumbent - to serve remainder of Term to 11/29
Valerie and her husband, Chris, have lived in Washington for over 30 years and raised two successful women with the help of our great school system. She has always been involved in Town issues and has represented Washington on the Region 12 Board of Education for 20 years, serving as Treasurer and Finance Committee chair and on the AgSTEM Building Committee. Valerie currently serves as a full member of the Zoning Commission. She retired as an international and commercial banker in New York City and brings that background and experience to Washington’s Board of Finance.
Robert Weber –Board of Assessment Appeals - Incumbent - Term to 11/29:
Bob has served on the Board of Finance, Inland Wetlands Commission, and currently serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He is an active member of the Washington community; volunteering for Region 12 after school programs, consulting with Gunn Library, and serving on the Region 12 Technology Committee. Bob’s interests and education enable him to contribute to effective Town government. He is an electrical engineer with an MSEE from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from the University of New Haven. Bob and his wife, Mary, have lived in Washington for 41 years and raised two boys who attended Region 12 schools.
Karen Silk – Board of Assessment Appeals - Incumbent - to serve remainder of Term to 11/27
Karen has lived in Washington since 1982. She was formerly a psychotherapist and a teacher and is currently a broker at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. Her knowledge and experience in real estate are valuable in her service on the Board of Assessment Appeals. Karen is the current president of the Washington Environmental Council. She is a past Poet Laureate of Washington and has served on the boards of Pilobolus, United Way, Girl Scouts of America, and Prime Time House.
Catharine Sweeney - Zoning Board of Appeals - Full Seat – Term to 11/29
Cathy has been a Washington resident from 1980-83 and from 2012 to the present. She loves the rural character of Washington combined with its fabulous businesses and community spirit and believes the arts and cultural opportunities it offers make it a special place. She enjoys giving back to the community, which is why she has served as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals since 2021. Cathy has an excellent attendance record at ZBA meetings and would like to fill the open seat this election cycle.
Janet Hill - Zoning Commission - Incumbent - Full Seat - Term to 11/31
Janet has lived in Washington for 45 years. She began her career in municipal land use in 1981 clerking for boards in area towns and working as the administrative assistant to Woodbury’s Town Planner. She has over 35 years full-time land use experience. She is a CAZEO certified zoning enforcement officer. Her responsibilities as Washington’s Land Use Administrator included reporting on Zoning special permit applications and drafting amendments to the Zoning Regulations. Janet was elected a full member of the Zoning Commission in 2019, led its subcommittee to adopt Multifamily Housing regulations, and currently serves as its chair.