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 2023 RTC-endorsed Candidates 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Neighbors you know, Leadership you can trust.

John Mesham.jpg

John Mesham
First Selectman

John has extensive management and executive administrative experience.  He oversaw daily operations and managed the staff at two of the largest State Police barracks in the State of Connecticut. He handled dispute resolution, staff communication, scheduling, and union negotiations. In addition, John developed community programs with municipal governments and fostered public outreach.

    John also managed police personnel in Old Lyme, Westbrook, Essex, and Deep River for a number of years as a resident state trooper sergeant. Hence, he is very familiar with the policing needs in our town.  This management and community government coordination and expertise makes John the ideal selection for First Selectman of Old Lyme. He is measured in temperament, principled, fair-minded, and has the right communications and management experience.

 

Other career highlights:

  • Distinguished career of 29 years in law enforcement as a patrolman and then trooper with the Connecticut State Police.

  • Served our country in the US Marine Corps as infantryman deployed on the USS Iwo Jima and at the Marine Barracks in our nation’s capital.

  • Local Union President, Guilford Police

  • Resident Trooper, Essex

  • Executive Officer, Troop G Bridgeport and Troop E Montville

 

Education:

  • B.S. in Criminal Justice from Charter Oak State College


Personal:

John has lived in Old Lyme over 30 years; he is married to Nancy and they have three children who all attended Region 18 schools.       

 

Civic contributions:

  • 29-year distinguished career in law enforcement

  • Served in the US Marine Corps

  • Scoutmaster, BSA Troop 26 Old Lyme & Lyme — 10 years of leadership positions

  • Currently serves on Old Lyme Inland Wetlands Commission

  • Instrumental in the 36-1 Buttonball Committee recommendation to the Board of Selectmen

  • Trustee, Hamburg Cove Yacht Club, Lyme
     

Judith Read.jpg

Judith “Jude” Read
Selectman

Jude has been a dedicated public servant, serving for two decades on the Board of Finance.  She is knowledgeable in all aspects of the town’s finances and budgeting.  During her years on the BOF, taxes have been kept low and with NO recent mill rate increase.  Jude is dedicated to keeping taxes reasonable and ensuring sound fiscal policies for Old Lyme.  She is well respected by town residents for her intelligence, impeccable ethics, and sincerity. 

     Jude also completed a term on the Board of Education and has served Old Lyme with distinction on other community boards.  Her commitment and in-depth knowledge of all town departments and her finance experience makes her uniquely qualified to serve as Selectman in Old Lyme.

 

Other career highlights:

  • Small business owner providing business management services.

  • Serving on the MacCurdy Salisbury Education Foundation for over 18 years and as Treasurer for three years.

 

Education:  Studied Business Administration at Central Connecticut State University

 

Personal:    Married to Sloan Danenhower and they have two adult children, both of whom attended Region 18 schools.  Jude has lived in Old Lyme for 40 years.

 

Civic contributions:

  • Decades of service on Board of Finance

  • Served on Board of Education

  • Past Girl Scout leader and other elementary school activities

  • Delivered meals on wheels during Covid

  • Served on board of OLHSI

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