Jeff Dunn, a lifelong resident of Thomaston and current member of the Board of Selectmen, is running to be the town’s next First Selectman. Since 2019, he has served on both the Board of Selectmen and the Police Commission, gaining what he describes as “invaluable hands-on experience in municipal governance.” His civic involvement also includes the Opera House Building Committee, the Economic Development Commission, the Rotary Club of Thomaston, and regional organizations supporting arts and tourism. He has been a Corporator for the Thomaston Savings Bank for over twenty years.

Dunn is best known locally as Executive Director of Landmark Community Theatre, where he has overseen the transformation of the Opera House into a year-round operation powered by hundreds of volunteers. Beyond theatre, his background includes work in retail, marketing, and public relations — experiences he says taught him how to listen closely to people and communicate clearly with the community.

Dunn says his choice to enter the race followed months of consideration. “Having spent my entire life here and worked extensively in both the nonprofit and municipal sectors, I understand how to bring people together to achieve great things.”

If elected, Dunn says he would step back from day-to-day leadership at Landmark to focus on town responsibilities and avoid conflicts of interest, though he emphasized the economic importance of the Opera House and theatre programs to the downtown business district. “My priority would be ensuring a smooth transition that protects the organization I’ve helped build while allowing me to focus fully on municipal responsibilities,” he said.

Education is another area Dunn highlights as central to Thomaston’s future. He described the First Selectman’s role as a collaborative partner to the school system, particularly in ensuring sound fiscal management and supporting infrastructure. On the current feasibility study, Dunn said: “Whatever the study recommends, my approach will be to bring all stakeholders — parents, taxpayers, educators, and community members — together to find solutions that serve our children’s needs while being fiscally responsible.”

When we asked about how he would lead Thomaston, Dunn drew on his experience organizing the volunteers at the Opera House. He said he would expand opportunities for residents to be heard, not only through in-person forums but also through digital access to meetings, materials, and discussions. “Parents with young children, residents who work evening shifts, people with mobility challenges, and those who simply can’t make it to Town Hall should all have meaningful opportunities to engage with their local government.”

Looking ahead, Dunn emphasized consensus as the foundation of his candidacy. “Most conflicts arise from people feeling unheard or misunderstood…The key is patient listening, transparent communication, and keeping the focus on making Thomaston the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”