My name is Heather Goetz, and I am running for re-election to the Simsbury Board of Selectmen.
These past two years, I have had the honor of serving as a Selectman. My philosophy of representative service is to listen first. I believe good policy comes from listening to different perspectives and leveraging that with pragmatism. Throughout this time, I put a focus on budget discipline, supporting local businesses, and transparency/accountability in governance. When it comes to budgets, I believe they need to serve the needs of the community always respecting the taxpayer. It is my belief that there are ways through efficiencies, process, and discipline to deliver better value to the community, while lessening the tax burden on our residents. I think it’s vitally important that our local businesses are supported as they not only meaningfully contribute from a tax perspective, but more importantly, they are a vital component of the social tapestry of Simsbury. My efforts also focused on improving transparency and accountability of our town government and raising public awareness of town issues through a regular email update to residents.
By way of further background, my husband and I moved to Simsbury in 2006 and since have had the great privilege of raising our three children in this special community.
Prior to moving to Simsbury, I had a broad professional background, initially as a financial trader for Goldman Sachs International in London. Years later, upon returning to the USA, I attended Cornell Medical College becoming a surgical Physician’s Assistant.
Over the past twelve years, I have had the pleasure of participating in a number of community facing roles. I served six years on the Tariffville PTO Board, including two years as President. I have also spent time as Henry James Middle School PTC Vice President, as well as Secretary of the Simsbury High School PTC. Additionally, I was a member of the Simsbury Public Library Board of Trustees, where I co-chaired the Strategic Planning Committee. I have spent several years as chair of the Historic District Commission, and I recently became a member of The Simsbury Granby Rotary Club.
Throughout all these experiences, it’s the people of Simsbury that make this town a true gem to live in and be a part of. I am grateful to be raising my children in a community that embodies great citizenship.