Candidate Spotlight | Jim Lampos | Board of Selectman & Planning Commission
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What drew you to Old Lyme?
I was born and raised here in Southeastern Connecticut, and have been living in Old Lyme for over 40 years—first as a summer resident, and since 2005 as a full-time resident with my wife Michaelle and our children Phoebe and Van. We chose to live in Old Lyme for the same reason so many others do—the transcendent beauty of our natural environment, the excellent school system, cultural institutions such as the Florence Griswold Museum and Musical Masterworks, and most of all, the proud tradition of our civic life, which predates the founding of our nation by over a century. |
Why are you qualified for Selectman and Planning Commission?
As a historian who has written several books about Old Lyme, I understand how decisions made long ago, even on matters that were seemingly small at the time, continue to resonate and influence our daily lives. I will bring a broad perspective and awareness to the Board of Selectmen, along with a practical skill set for problem solving, policy analysis, and the tough-minded fiscal prudence that our town requires.
As the owner and head chef of a high-volume restaurant, I’ve successfully navigated the Great Recession, the early days of the pandemic, and the disruptions of the re-opening. I know that each day presents a fresh set of challenges that require the ability to adapt to new conditions and forge effective solutions. As a restaurateur, I know how to watch every penny and dime, and I will bring the same tough scrutiny to our town budget, ensuring that residents get the best value for their tax dollar.
The education and training that has served me well as a businessman is even more applicable to the job of Selectman. I received my BA in political sociology from Brandeis University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. I was awarded a Kaplan Fellowship to attend the New School where I received my MA in policy analysis and was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public affairs and administration. I worked on many urban renewal and planning projects in New York City, including the successful redesign of Union Square Park, and served as Director of Development for Community Access, a nonprofit agency building housing for the homeless and mentally disabled. This portfolio of skills along with my ability to listen to the concerns of all stakeholders, renders me uniquely qualified to run for Selectman and Planning Commission.
What are your top 5 issues?
- Environmental preservation and protection of natural resources
- Support for our schools and development of additional resources for our town's children and young families
- Encouragement of smart development that will support our village districts with neighborhood appropriate housing and retail establishments.
- Attention to impacts of climate change and development of forward-thinking resiliency strategies
- Economic strategies to support our arts, agriculture, business, and health services to strengthen our economic base and community security
What would you like to accomplish during your first three months in office?
-Set a tone and practice of inclusiveness and forward thinking rather than exclusion and resistance.
-Conduct a review and analysis of the current budget to identify appropriate funding levels in terms of current and future need, and identify potential savings and efficiencies.
-Meet with the chairs of all the major commissions and committee in town to get a clear needs assessment and review strategic vision.
-Initiate the development of a strategic plan for Old Lyme, based on views of residents and business owners as identified in the Old Lyme Economic Development Study. (2020)
-Implement policies and initiatives that have wide consensus among residents and the business community.
Where do you see Old Lyme in 20 years?
I see a community that has preserved its great natural beauty and resources, embraced and enhanced its historic and cultural resources, and further developed its educational, recreational and economic assets in a way that encourages both preservation and inclusiveness, taking advantage of the opportunities the future presents in terms of technology and innovation while maintaining our small town values.
As a historian who has written several books about Old Lyme, I understand how decisions made long ago, even on matters that were seemingly small at the time, continue to resonate and influence our daily lives. I will bring a broad perspective and awareness to the Board of Selectmen, along with a practical skill set for problem solving, policy analysis, and the tough-minded fiscal prudence that our town requires.
As the owner and head chef of a high-volume restaurant, I’ve successfully navigated the Great Recession, the early days of the pandemic, and the disruptions of the re-opening. I know that each day presents a fresh set of challenges that require the ability to adapt to new conditions and forge effective solutions. As a restaurateur, I know how to watch every penny and dime, and I will bring the same tough scrutiny to our town budget, ensuring that residents get the best value for their tax dollar.
The education and training that has served me well as a businessman is even more applicable to the job of Selectman. I received my BA in political sociology from Brandeis University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. I was awarded a Kaplan Fellowship to attend the New School where I received my MA in policy analysis and was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public affairs and administration. I worked on many urban renewal and planning projects in New York City, including the successful redesign of Union Square Park, and served as Director of Development for Community Access, a nonprofit agency building housing for the homeless and mentally disabled. This portfolio of skills along with my ability to listen to the concerns of all stakeholders, renders me uniquely qualified to run for Selectman and Planning Commission.
What are your top 5 issues?
- Environmental preservation and protection of natural resources
- Support for our schools and development of additional resources for our town's children and young families
- Encouragement of smart development that will support our village districts with neighborhood appropriate housing and retail establishments.
- Attention to impacts of climate change and development of forward-thinking resiliency strategies
- Economic strategies to support our arts, agriculture, business, and health services to strengthen our economic base and community security
What would you like to accomplish during your first three months in office?
-Set a tone and practice of inclusiveness and forward thinking rather than exclusion and resistance.
-Conduct a review and analysis of the current budget to identify appropriate funding levels in terms of current and future need, and identify potential savings and efficiencies.
-Meet with the chairs of all the major commissions and committee in town to get a clear needs assessment and review strategic vision.
-Initiate the development of a strategic plan for Old Lyme, based on views of residents and business owners as identified in the Old Lyme Economic Development Study. (2020)
-Implement policies and initiatives that have wide consensus among residents and the business community.
Where do you see Old Lyme in 20 years?
I see a community that has preserved its great natural beauty and resources, embraced and enhanced its historic and cultural resources, and further developed its educational, recreational and economic assets in a way that encourages both preservation and inclusiveness, taking advantage of the opportunities the future presents in terms of technology and innovation while maintaining our small town values.