All of our accomplishments have been thanks to the positive partnerships with many different members of the Town and School staff, Commission volunteers, other elected officials, as well as our nonprofit, business and community partners. Below are a few of the many highlights over the past, nearly, four years of Danielle’s time as First Selectman. 
 

• Secured the preservation of over 200 acres of land for recreational use (Copps Brook Preserve), and supported the preservation of 42 acres of farm land (Wehpittituck Farm). 

​​

• Crafted fiscally prudent budgets, focused on addressing both short- and long- term needs, while keeping our tax rate one of the lowest in our region. 

​​

• Launched the ‘Pink Bag’ textile recycling program, followed by our new ‘Green Bag’ food composting pilot program. 

​

• Developed a transparent and collaborative process to find the right balance for allocating ARPA funding. 

​​

• Created a new, shared position between Human Services and Stonington Police to provide dedicated outreach to residents in need. 

​

• Lead with compassion and agility through a pandemic, including creating a business advisory group, supporting Stonington Feeds Stonington, coordinating PPE distribution, testing sites and ensuring the needs of our residents, including our most vulnerable, were met. 

​​

• Implemented a Housing Repair Loan pilot program, allowing income restricted residents access to funds to make needed home repairs & created a Housing Opportunities Commission comprised of residents with diverse views & backgrounds. 

 

• Created the Stonington Veterans Monument, which honors veterans who have called Stonington home. 

​

• Maintained the Town’s AAA bond rating, while obtaining a $10 million sewer infrastructure bond.

​​

• Working to create a new public park, with recreational fields and river access along the Pawcatuck River, at the ‘Circus Lot’.

​

• Crafted and negotiated two long-term lease agreements for the Mystic River Boathouse Park and the former West Broad Street School. 

​​

• Built strong relationships at the local, regional, state & federal level.  

​​

• Grants have included:

  • $1.95 million to create a water loop, as requested by a local fire department; 

  • over $1 million to address infrastructure needs at the Town Dock;

  • $550,000 to implement a Town-wide composting pilot program

  • over $700,000 towards improved sewer infrastructure;

  • nearly $800,000 the Mystic Boathouse Park; 

  • nearly $250,000 for ADA accessible sidewalk ramp improvements;

  • $600,000 for the long-anticipated Route One sidewalk efforts.

​

• Selected to serve as:

  • Chair, Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments 

  • Board Member, Sustainable CT

  • Co-Chair, Policy Committee on Environmental Management and Energy, CCM 

  • Board Member, The Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) 

  • Board Member, Southeast Area Transit District 

  • Board Member, Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance