Bob Namnoum for First Selectman

Canton may be a small town, but we have no shortage of diverse opinions and people ready to announce them — as well as a significant number of quieter folks whose thoughts are just as important, but who may not feel they have the opportunity to voice them. Luckily for us, Bob Namnoum is exactly the kind of First Selectman candidate we need to identify and address these kinds of communications and transparency issues for our citizens.

Now retired, having raised 3 children with his wife in Canton, and now the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren, Bob has spent his career as an educator and a negotiator, with a foot firmly in public service as well.

Twenty-three years spent teaching high school English in Granby led to twenty-five years representing teachers statewide for the Connecticut Education Association, and Bob currently serves as an advocate arbitrator for teachers.

This distinguished career has prepared Bob for the hard work of maintaining open channels of communication — and an open mind — as he listens to the concerns and thoughts of constituents across the spectrum of beliefs, politics, and backgrounds. He knows how crucial it is that our citizens feel that they have a voice in the process of running our town, and he has the experience to know exactly how to make that happen.

To quote Bob, “As a member of the commission on municipal opportunities and regional efficiencies’ special education working group, I traveled the state listening to various issues regarding special education programs and issues. I will bring to the job a deep knowledge base regarding ways to maintain programs and means to address costs. As a lobbyist, I frequently testified to insurance costs and coverage. This experience has led to an awareness of ways to control costs without a diminishment of coverage. My 25 years of successfully representing teachers of various sized towns and cities has given me a wealth of experience dealing with local governments.”

Further, Bob has already established a strong track record of service to Canton. As the chair of the Canton Energy Committee, he supported the installation of solar panels on town buildings and the implementation of a residential solar program to enable residents to install solar at a lower cost. He also helped launch and transition the Collinsville hydropower turbine project. Bob has been involved in many of the moving parts of our town government and has the background and understanding needed to build those connections — and take action when needed.

Bob has identified three key issues to tackle in Canton:

1. Road safety and traffic – there are increasing concerns about the level of safety around our roads, for drivers, pedestrians, and bike riders. Bob would prioritize developing an action plan to address this issue.

2. Affordable housing and zoning – as housing development has grown in Canton, so have the number of voices talking about it. Affordable housing is needed, but there are concerns about our zoning and regulations. Bob is ready to take a close look at our housing needs — and find the best ways to address those needs.

3. Education — as an educator himself, Bob deeply understands how important it is to Canton that our schools continue to be a shining example of public education, and will be a champion for our schools, our teachers, and our students.

While the bona fides are important — and Bob has many of them — it’s also important to know that Bob is a warm, understanding listener who brings a natural intelligence and grace to his communications. We need a First Selectman who is capable of bringing each of our residents into the fold and ensuring they feel heard — but who is also willing to make tough decisions when necessary and to focus with clarity on the issues at hand. Bob Namnoum is that person.