Julianne (Julie) Ingham, a Connecticut State Marshal and lifelong Thomaston resident, is seeking a seat on the Board of Selectmen. Her case centers on steadier town government and a focus on keeping Thomaston affordable. This profile takes a closer look at her background and priorities ahead of the Sept. 9 Republican primary.
Ingham says she’s running for the Board of Selectmen to bring a steadier, more collegial tone to Town Hall while keeping Thomaston affordable and focused on the future of the schools and housing needs. She adds that she wants to make sure any housing initiative proposed by the state meets the needs and resources of Thomaston. A lifelong resident, she points to decades of civic involvement and hands-on town experience as the foundation for her bid.
Ingham has served in numerous community and political roles over the years, including chairing the Republican Town Committee in the 1990s, managing campaigns for State Rep. John Piscopo, and holding seats on committees such as Long-Term Planning for the schools, the Black Rock School Building Committee (as vice chair), the Board of Assessment Appeals (as chair), and the Hillside Cemetery Committee (as chair), where she notes she helped secure adjacent land to expand the cemetery.
Ingham says that though she values her role as a state marshal, her “real passion” has remained community service. “I consider myself more of an activist than a politician,” she said, adding that she has petitioned for local referendums on issues of local concern — most recently, an effort to implement a fine ordinance for zoning violators — and submitted an application, with public support, to change local zoning regulations that would make it possible for Clocktown Brewing Company to open. She also organized a drive to add fresh produce to the food pantry’s holiday offerings. “When something needs doing, I am always ready to step up to the plate,” Ingham says.
Her reasons for running, she says, are rooted in tone and trust as much as policy. “Divisiveness has crept into our town. It’s petty, self-serving and non-productive.” In describing the present environment, she argues that meeting conduct and party dynamics have too often overshadowed collaboration and problem-solving. She also emphasizes a need for bipartisanship after the election which would attract more residents — Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated — to volunteer on boards and commissions.
Ingham, who has spent years engaged in school-related committees and debates, says the Board of Selectmen plays an important leadership role in identifying and recruiting candidates for the Board of Education — a responsibility she says she has recently taken on in practice, helping to bring forward prospective nominees.
As a candidate, Ingham frames her temperament as a selling point in a close election year. “I can work with anyone and will not let my personal feelings about a person affect my opinion. I’m very resourceful in gathering people together for a cause and having fun doing so. If there is friction or discord, I won’t participate.” That stance, paired with her long list of committee work, is how she says she would approach the job if elected.
Ingham will face Michael Burr in the Republican primary for Selectman on September 9, 2025. Early voting for the Republican primary begins Tuesday, September 2, and extends through Sunday, September 7.
For more on this race and other local contests, find continuing coverage on the Clocktown Chronicle’s Election page, which will be updated with additional candidate profiles in the coming weeks.
