Norm Needleman

Norm Needleman earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Adelphi University. His professional experience includes working as the CEO and founder of Tower Laboratories. His organizational affiliations include the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments.[1]

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

My top three priorities will be growing our state's economy with targeted investments and a long term economic plan, balancing our state's budget to invest more in our local education system, and protecting women's rights.[4][5]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

I am personally passionate about budgets, taxes, and job creation. As First Selectman of Essex, I brought Democrats and Republicans together, found consensus, solved problems, and kept property taxes among the lowest in the state without cutting services. Using my over 35 years of experience running a manufacturing company I have also helped Essex grow businesses and create jobs. By leading new economic development initiatives our town is now home to over 700 businesses.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[5]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Norm Needleman answered the following:

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Building positive relationships with other legislators is critical for getting work done. In Essex, almost all of our votes on the Board of Selectmen are bipartisan. That's the kind of teamwork I will bring to Hartford.[5]

[the profile publisher] biographical submission form

The candidate completed [the profile publisher]'s biographical information submission form:

First Selectman of Essex. I am in my fourth two-year term[5]

—Norm Needleman[1]

Needleman's campaign website highlighted the following issues:[6]

Norm is an independent problem solver. In Norm’s business, the best idea wins, no matter who proposes it. As First Selectman, he has worked closely with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents and opposed Governors of both parties when the town’s best interests required it. Norm will work across party lines and call for shared contribution to fixing our problems.

Norm’s top priority is economic growth. He understands that the path forward is fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets. He believes in significant economic development investment, and opposes onerous taxes on businesses and individuals. He will be a leader in promoting bi-partisan collaboration to solve the state’s fiscal problems.

Norm will foster job creation. Norm knows how to create good jobs – he’s done it for decades. As a CEO, Norm understands that flawed government policies can prevent companies from achieving their potential. He will strengthen small business incentives and cut red tape.

Norm understands that education and the environment are key to our future. Norm’s children and grandchildren have attended local schools. He knows an excellent education system is key to our quality of life. Having supported local conservation groups for many years, he understands the priceless heritage of our river valley. Norm will continue to pursue innovative measures to protect our natural resources and keep our parks open and clean.

Norm will make Hartford more responsive to our towns. He has a proven track record of effective and efficient town governance. Norm will work to build a state budget process that doesn’t burden our towns with uncertainty, and he will fight to save the state grants that fund essential local services.[5]