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Unopposed, Needleman Seeking Sixth Term as Essex First Selectman

In the upcoming municipal election that will be held on Nov. 2, incumbent Democrat Norman “Norm” Needleman is seeking his sixth term as first selectman of Essex. He is running unopposed.

Prior to his time as chief elected official in Essex, Needleman served on the town’s Economic Development Commission from 1995 to 2003 and the Zoning Board of Appeals from 1997 to 2003. He has served on the Board of Selectmen (BOS) since 2003.

Needleman also is currently serving his second term as state senator for the 33rd District, which serves 12 towns including Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Westbrook, and part of Old Saybrook.

He is the founder and owner of Tower Laboratories, Ltd., which is based in Centerbrook. The company develops and manufactures a variety of effervescent products such as denture cleansers, and those offering antacid and cold relief.

Needleman said that his ability to “bring people together and find common ground” is a motivating factor in his bid for first selectman of Essex.

“In Essex, we have worked collaboratively to do continual improvements to the town and at the same time do it in a way that was sufficient and effective and kept taxes very low and that is really what I’m most proud of,” said Needleman.

He gains a sense of satisfaction from the quality of work now being done at Town Hall.

“I think I’ve been part of building a great team that does the work of the town in a very efficient and welcoming way,” said Needleman.

Various improvements to the streetscapes in each of the three villages, including pedestrian infrastructure that was funded in large part through state grants, is a hallmark of his tenure.

“At the railroad right now, they’re finishing the last piece of sidewalk and a crosswalk that will connect, literally, Bushy Hill Road in Ivoryton all the way to the waterfront, [with] sidewalks that are pretty much all new and in good shape,” said Needleman.

Other improvements include the revitalization of a Village Center at Main Street and Summit Street in Ivoryton and the Civic Campus project. The Civic Campus project entailed replacement of the Grove Street Park Playscape, expansion of the Town Hall parking area, upgrades to the tennis courts, and better connectivity between the Town Hall and Library.

“I look at the role of government as to do our best to facilitate improvement by maintaining the quality of life in town, by maintaining schools and infrastructure and parks,” said Needleman.

The town is currently waiting to hear back about a federal grant application for an infrastructure project that would entail replacing the Falls River bridge and the installation of sidewalks from Essex Village to Heritage Cove.

“We think we’re on the short list for a federal grant, but nothing has been approved yet,” said Needleman. “So, if that happened, that would be very, very exciting for the town.”

Another project that he would like to see completed as first selectman is the rebuilding or raising of Ferry Street by 12 inches. This street is prone to flooding. A $100,000 appropriation for the project from surplus funds was approved by the BOS and Board of Finance in September.

“We’re never going to be able to solve the problem of the flooding down there in certain tidal conditions 100 percent, but I think that we’ve figured that the 12 inches can solve it 75 percent of the time and that would be a huge step forward for not that much money,” said Needleman.

The installation of sidewalks on that strip of roadway would also improve public safety, he said.

“Plus, we want the sidewalk on Ferry Street because a lot of people come off the ferry from Essex Island and they’re walking up Ferry Street in the middle of the road,” said Needleman. “So, we really want to make that safer.”

In November, other familiar names will grace the ballot including incumbent Democrat Stacia Rice Libby and incumbent Republican Bruce Glowac, both of whom have served with Needleman for four out of his five terms as first selectman.

“I don’t think people should do these jobs forever, but when you are here for a while, you have a chance to work out a vision and that’s pretty much what I’ve tried to do here, execute against the vision that’s not only mine, it’s Bruce’s, it’s Stacia’s, it’s everybody’s,” said Needleman. “And I think we’ve done a good job of it.

“My whole thing is being grateful for being here and this is my way of giving back,” he added.