Board of Finance
Over the past two years, the Democrat majority on the Board of Finance has made major investments in key strategic projects like the Main Street crosswalks which have been talked about for years but never implemented. In addition, these Democratic leaders placed significant emphasis on long term financial planning to ensure the Town invests in the highest priority projects in the future. . This led to substantial investment in a critical coastal resilience fund and a Parks and Recreation sinking fund, the creation of the first five-year capital plan and vital investments in social services like the Estuary and Shoreline Pantry. In addition, they ensured that the town was better supported by human resources, and additional land use staff even in the face of resistance to adding much needed overhead.
Moving forward, our Board of Finance candidates believe we must:
- Manage the use of annual surpluses so that they benefit the town strategically and can be accumulated over several years to fund larger projects.
- Address our shrinking school population and exploding per-pupil costs with substantial input from both the Board of Education, OSPS administrators and the community.
- Work closely with the Board of Selectmen to issue any new debt at the best rate and for the most effective uses.
- Anticipate and plan for the possible loss of important grant opportunities as a result of the Trump Administration’s cuts, particularly around issues of environmental preservation and climate change.
- Ensure that the significant cost of handling waste water for the 600+ homes in beach areas is effectively managed through the judicious use of surplus funds and debt financing.
Mark Hand
Mark loves numbers. So it’s no surprise he’s worked in finance for the past 20 years. An independent financial advisor, Mark holds several professional licenses and maintains a broad spectrum of ongoing client relationships which have benefited from his strategic, growth-oriented advice and planning solutions.
As he specializes in crafting and maximizing investment plans, Mark believes his contributions to Old Saybrook’s financial plans will help the town modernize—and flourish. If elected to the Board of Finance, he’s committed to keeping taxes low and spending money in a way that reflects the town’s priorities for the future. As a dad to three- and five-year-old daughters, he also believes in supporting Old Saybrook Schools and creating more housing options for young families. In his spare time, like many Old Saybrook residents, Mark loves sailing and experiencing the natural beauty of Old Saybrook with his family. Fun fact: he’s a private pilot, too.
Jeff Kotkin
Prior to retiring in 2023, Jeff spent 30 years working in the financial sector for Eversource Energy, an S&P and Fortune 500 company. He managed Eversource’s relationships with its stock and bond investors and was responsible for the company’s investor communications, including earnings news releases, annual reports and investor presentations in the US and abroad.
A committed public servant, Jeff was elected 5 times to the Wethersfield CT Town Council and served on the council’s Budget and Finance Committee for 10 years, 4 years as chair. He was also an active member of the Wethersfield Democratic Town Committee for 36 years.
If elected to Old Saybrook’s Board of Finance, he will strive to maintain the town’s strong financial profile while making strategic, long-term investments in the town’s infrastructure. When it comes to municipal budgeting, Jeff emphasizes cautious spending based on carefully considered priorities that benefit Old Saybrook taxpayers as a whole.
Although Jeff and his wife, Ginger have owned in Old Saybrook for just 7 years, he’s no stranger to our beautiful town. His first job as a journalist was at The Middletown Press. His beat in 1978 covered Old Saybrook, including Board of Finance meetings.
Susan Spence
Before retiring from FedEx in 2023, Sue was the company’s Chief Procurement Officer responsible for 250+ team members and successfully managed $17B of company contracts with a department operating budget of $47M. Prior to FedEx, she spent 28 years at United Technologies where she led her award-winning team as Director of Supply Management and was honored by the YWCA as a Woman Achiever in Business. Through her extensive professional experience, Susan is considered one of the foremost experts in the current state of the manufacturing industry and has even been featured as an expert on CNBC.
If elected to the Board of Finance, Sue is committed to keeping the mill rate low for Old Saybrook taxpayers in a challenging economy. She also understands the importance of creating the additional housing that is so much needed for young families, aging seniors, and the workforce that keeps Old Saybrook running.
Sue moved to Old Saybrook in 2018 while working remotely for FedEx in Memphis. She’s thrilled to be living here fulltime, loves the New England charm of our walkable Main Street, and frequents many of our beloved small businesses—especially the restaurants.