Stephanie Mickle | Zoning Board of Appeals 

What do you want voters to know about you?
I am an experienced Zoning Board of Appeals member, and I really care about our town.
Education
BA, Central Connecticut State University
MS, Weslyan University 

What inspired you to run for local office?
I have served on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for six years, and understand the importance of balancing the need to provide relief to property owners who can demonstrate a legal hardship with the need to protect the greater good of the community.  While supporting the rights of property owners I also hope to protect the beauty and environmental health of our town.  I also want to give back to our beautiful community. Living in town for almost 40 years we have benefitted so much. For example, our kids received excellent educations here and are successful adults today. 
Bio and Qualifications
As a retired Earth Science teacher, I led the science education of thousands of students. I also served as East Lyme's Planetarium Director, Diversity Club advisor in East Lyme and Groton high schools, and was the KAST advisor (a state wide high school science competition). Previously I worked in social services as a battered women and rape crisis counsellor and office caretaker for a non-profit agency.  I am serving on the Board now and understand the importance of making fair and legally compliant decisions that avoid costly legal appeals while supporting the rights of property owners. I always prepare for meetings so that I can constructively contribute to the proceedings. I have attended several training sessions in Connecticut Land Use and Procedures and am continuing to take more.
Volunteer Activities
In addition to serving on the ZBA, I volunteer with the Old Lyme Land Trust as both a steward and on the education committee. In the past I was on LOL high school’s safe graduation committee, a church school teacher, rape crisis and battered women's counsellor, and served as East Lyme’s planetarium director.
What is one "fun fact" about you?
I dance at the 'drop of a hat' for fun and exercise! And Spanish language lessons are a new passion!
What’s your favorite place in Old Lyme and what do you do in your spare time?
In addition to outdoor activities, hiking, kayaking and skiing, I regularly enjoy live music concerts.