​Candidate Spotlight | ​Jason L. Kemp | Regional Board of Education


When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
I have always been an avid reader of the news. If I have a little bit of free time, I will usually take advantage of that to read a mix of local, national, and international news. When I was in college, I found myself using breaks between class to check out the news, which eventually led to my government/political science major choice. I have continued that habit in various forms in the over 20 years since.​
​What inspired you to run for local office?
​I decided to run for the Regional Board of Education in Old Lyme because I care greatly about the wonderful school system we have and I hope to be able to give to our town through this position. I have lived in Old Lyme for about ten years, joining my wife, Kimball Robbins, who already had two daughters in the school system. We now have another child, in 1st grade, and I have seen why this town draws so many families concerned about their children’s development. My household has a mix of skills, needs, and ages. Our schools should be a place for all children to develop academically, athletically, musically, and artistically, from wherever he or she may start. At the same time, we must be fiscally responsible to protect the interest of every town resident, with or without children in our town. I believe that my education in law, as well as my career spent mediating and evaluating family disputes through the court system, has given me the experience and skills to critically assess the requests of the school system and balance the needs of our children and all residents of our town. I intend to ensure that our schools continue to be the pride of our town!
Picture
What’s your favorite place in Old Lyme?
While I love many places in Old Lyme, I particularly enjoy a visit to Soundview. We enjoy getting Italian Ice from Vecchittos or ice cream from the Carousel Shop, maybe after a meal at Kokomo’s or Beach Bums. A walk down to the water to listen to the waves and see the sunset, while feeling the sea breeze, is a perfect cap to the trip.