Board of Selectmen - 2025 Candidate Comparison
Election Date: November 4, 2025
Seats Available: 1 (Second Selectman position)
Vote for: One candidate
Term Length: 2 years
Position Overview
The Board of Selectmen is Weston's chief executive and administrative body, consisting of three members serving two-year terms. The Second Selectman works alongside the First Selectman to manage town operations, oversee departments, develop budgets, and set policy. This position requires understanding of municipal finance, personnel management, and community engagement.
How to Vote
Voters will elect one Selectman (the "Second Selectman" position). The First Selectman (Samantha Nestor) is running separately and unopposed.
Candidate Summary Table
| Attribute | Tony Pesco (D) | Lauren Traum (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Party | Democratic | Republican |
| Status | Incumbent | Challenger |
| Background | Financial Services Executive, Former Board of Education Chair | Former Brooklyn Prosecutor, Financial Regulation Attorney |
| Key Strength | 8 years town government experience | Legal expertise, fresh perspective |
| Professional Expertise | Wall Street risk management, PhD in Chemical Engineering | State prosecution, financial fraud enforcement |
| Local Experience | 30+ years Weston resident, 6 years BOE, 2 years BOS | Recent Weston resident (moved 2020s) |
For detailed source citations: See individual candidate profiles (Tony Pesco | Lauren Traum)
Detailed Candidate Comparisons
Professional Background
Tony Pesco (Democratic - Incumbent):
- PhD in Chemical Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Columbia University
- 27+ years on Wall Street:
- Credit Suisse: Global Head of Equity Derivatives (18 years, led 500-person team generating $2B annually)
- Managing Director and Deputy Head of Strategic Risk Management
- Head of Trading Risk during 2008-2009 Financial Crisis (managed distressed assets)
- Also worked at Banco Santander, AIG Financial Products, J.P. Morgan
- Current: Founder of PeachTree Ventures, Senior Advisor at Star Mountain Capital
- Early Career: Research Scientist at AT&T Bell Laboratories
- Nonprofit: Board Member, Norwalk/Stamford Grassroots Tennis and Education
Lauren Traum (Republican - Challenger):
- Law Degree (J.D.) from Brooklyn Law School
- 18+ years legal experience:
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Delaware (2010-2016) - 6 years prosecuting federal crimes
- Principal Regional Enforcement Counsel, FINRA (2016-2017) - investigated financial fraud
- Currently: Counsel at OlenderFeldman LLP (2017-present) - employment law
- Early career: Brooklyn District Attorney's Office
- Admitted to New York Bar (2006)
- Specializations: Federal employment crimes, embezzlement, trade secret theft, fraud investigations
Relevant Experience
Tony Pesco:
- Town Government: 8 years total experience
- Board of Education (2017-2023): 6 years, including 3 years as Chairman
- Board of Selectmen (2023-present): 2 years as Second Selectman
- Key BOE Accomplishments:
- Led school reopening during COVID-19 pandemic
- Selected new Schools Superintendent (Lisa Wolak, 2021)
- Implemented student safety improvements
- Returned excess budget funds to town
- Oversaw school facilities planning
- BOS Accomplishments:
- Supported town budgets with fiscal oversight
- Worked on infrastructure and safety initiatives
- Donated to Ukraine children's camp fund
Lauren Traum:
- First-time candidate - No prior elected office experience
- Community Involvement:
- Currently suing Town of Weston over Phase 3 sidewalk project on Old Hyde Road
- Recent switch from Democratic to Republican Party (early 2025)
- Professional Litigation Experience:
- Successfully tried criminal and civil cases to juries
- Experience with complex investigations and regulatory enforcement
- No documented town board or commission service
Policy Positions
Tony Pesco (2025 Platform):
- Continuing strong budgetary initiatives - Track record of fiscal discipline from BOE tenure
- Infrastructure improvements - Strategic planning for roads and town facilities
- Safety enhancements - Supporting Police, Fire, and EMS
- Collaborative governance - Works across party lines (current board includes Republican member)
- Evidence-based decision-making - Applies analytical and scientific background
Lauren Traum (Limited Public Information):
- Sidewalk Project Opposition: Actively litigating to block Phase 3 sidewalk
construction on Old Hyde Road
- Claims town doesn't own the road (property lines extend to center line)
- Project is $2.2M pedestrian safety initiative (80% federal funding)
- Town maintains it has proper right-of-way authority
- General Republican Principles (per RTC):
- Conservative fiscal management
- Preserving Weston's rural character
- Community-based solutions
- Note: Traum has not released detailed policy positions or campaign platform as of October 2025
Campaign Platform
Tony Pesco:
- Running on Record: Emphasizes proven leadership and results
- Fiscal Responsibility: Track record of budget discipline (returned excess BOE funds)
- Education Legacy: Strong schools remain priority from 6 years on BOE
- Infrastructure & Safety: Continuation of current BOS initiatives
- Collaborative Approach: "Ready to continue strong budgetary, infrastructure and safety initiatives"
- Professional Expertise: Brings Wall Street risk management and financial analysis skills
Lauren Traum:
- Fresh Perspective: First-time candidate bringing new viewpoint
- Legal Expertise: Emphasizes prosecutorial and regulatory experience
- Challenge to Status Quo: Defeated incumbent Republican Kerem Dinlenc in primary (52-15)
- Party Switch Narrative: Recently changed from Democrat to Republican (timing and reasons not publicly explained)
- No detailed public platform available as of October 2025
Community Involvement
Tony Pesco:
- 30+ years Weston resident - Raised two children in town
- Board of Education service (6 years): Deep engagement with school
community
- Served as Chairman for 3 years
- Led through COVID-19 challenges
- Current town leadership: Active Second Selectman for 2 years
- Nonprofit board service: Grassroots Tennis & Education (youth development)
- Humanitarian support: Ukraine children's camp donation
Lauren Traum:
- Recent Weston resident (exact tenure unclear)
- Residential address: 18 Old Hyde Road, Weston, CT
- No documented volunteer work or civic engagement in available public sources
- Current activity: Leading lawsuit against town over sidewalk project
- Republican Town Committee: Recent participation after party switch
- Professional career: Brooklyn, NY to Connecticut (maintains NYC law practice)
Key Differences
Experience
- Pesco: 8 years of town government service (6 BOE + 2 BOS), 30+ years in community
- Traum: First-time candidate, newer to Weston, no prior board service
Professional Background
- Pesco: Wall Street financial executive with risk management expertise, PhD scientist
- Traum: Former Brooklyn prosecutor and financial regulation attorney
Approach to Governance
- Pesco: Collaborative, evidence-based, track record of working across party lines
- Traum: Legal rigor, prosecutorial approach (inferred from background)
Party Affiliation
- Pesco: Long-time Democrat, 8 years in elected/appointed positions
- Traum: Recent party switch from Democrat to Republican (2025)
Current Relationship with Town
- Pesco: Serving as Second Selectman, working within town government
- Traum: Currently suing the town over sidewalk project
Communication
- Pesco: Active public statements, media interviews, accessible via town email
- Traum: Limited public statements or campaign materials available
Key Similarities
Professional Credentials
- Both bring significant professional expertise to the role
- Both have experience with complex financial matters (Pesco: Wall Street, Traum: FINRA)
- Both are analytically rigorous in their professional approaches
Educational Background
- Both hold advanced degrees (Pesco: PhD, Traum: J.D.)
- Both attended prestigious universities
Commitment to Service
- Both seeking to serve the community (though through different paths)
- Both have experience in leadership roles
Critical Issues for This Race
1. Experience vs. Fresh Perspective
- Pesco's Advantage: Proven track record, institutional knowledge, established relationships
- Traum's Advantage: New viewpoint, outsider perspective, legal expertise
2. Sidewalk Lawsuit Controversy
- Key Question: Should someone suing the town also serve on the Board of Selectmen?
- Potential Conflicts: Would Traum recuse herself from sidewalk-related votes?
- Different Perspectives:
- Some voters may see lawsuit as problematic conflict of interest
- Others may view it as standing up for property rights and accountability
3. Party Switch Timing
- Traum switched from Democrat to Republican shortly before seeking GOP endorsement
- Questions raised: What motivated the switch? Does it reflect genuine ideological shift?
- Context: Defeated sitting Republican incumbent Dinlenc 52-15 in caucus
4. Public Information Gap
- Traum has released minimal public policy positions despite being nominated in July
- Pesco has extensive public record from 8 years of board service
5. Community Integration
- Pesco: Deep roots (30+ years), raised family in Weston schools, extensive civic involvement
- Traum: Newer resident, limited documented community engagement
Questions for Voters to Consider
About Experience
- How important is prior town government experience for this role?
- Does Pesco's 8 years of service represent valuable continuity or "business as usual"?
- Does Traum's fresh perspective outweigh lack of municipal experience?
About The Sidewalk Lawsuit
- Should a candidate suing the town serve on the Board of Selectmen?
- How would this affect Traum's ability to participate in related decisions?
- Does the lawsuit demonstrate principle or create conflict?
About Party Affiliation
- What motivated Traum's recent party switch from Democrat to Republican?
- How did she defeat sitting Republican incumbent Dinlenc so decisively?
About Qualifications
- Which professional background is more relevant: Wall Street finance or state prosecution?
- Is Pesco's BOE experience valuable preparation for Selectman role?
- Is Traum's legal expertise beneficial for town governance?
About Policy & Vision
- What is Traum's vision for Weston beyond the sidewalk issue?
- Do you support Pesco's continuation of current BOS initiatives?
- How would each candidate approach budget, development, and infrastructure?
About Community Connection
- How important is length of residency and community involvement?
- Does Pesco's 30+ years in Weston matter?
- Can Traum quickly develop the relationships needed for effective governance?
Electoral History & Context
2023 Results (Pesco's First Election)
- Tony Pesco (D): 1,802 votes (64.11%)
- Kerem Dinlenc (R): 1,009 votes (35.89%)
- Margin: Pesco won by nearly 2-to-1
2025 Republican Primary Context
- Lauren Traum: 52 votes
- Kerem Dinlenc (incumbent): 15 votes
- Significance: Republican voters decisively rejected their own incumbent
Republican Strategy
- Did not field candidate for First Selectman (Nestor runs unopposed)
- Focused resources on Selectman race (Traum vs. Pesco)
- Chose fresh candidate over sitting member
Voter Turnout Considerations
2023 Turnout: 2,811 total votes for this position Expected 2025: Municipal elections typically see 40-60% turnout
Factors that may affect turnout:
- Pesco's strong 2023 performance
- Controversy surrounding Traum's lawsuit and party switch
- Republican focus on this race (no First Selectman candidate)
- National political climate
Resources
Full Candidate Profiles
- Tony Pesco: View Profile
- Lauren Traum: View Profile
Contact Information
Tony Pesco:
- Email: tpesco@westonct.gov
- Office: Board of Selectmen, Weston Town Hall
- Phone: (203) 222-2616
Lauren Traum:
- Residential Address: 18 Old Hyde Road, Weston, CT 06883
- Contact through: Weston Republican Town Committee (westonrtc.org)
Additional Resources
- Town Website: westonct.gov
- League of Women Voters: Non-partisan candidate information
- Weston Today: Local election coverage
- Sample Ballot: Available at Town Clerk's office
Voting Information
- Election Day: November 4, 2025
- Early Voting: October 20 - November 2, 2025
- Polls: Check westonct.gov for locations and hours
- Absentee Ballots: Available through Town Clerk
Last Updated: October 15, 2025
Note: This comparison is based on publicly available information as of October 2025. Voters are strongly encouraged to:
- Attend candidate forums
- Request detailed policy positions from both candidates (especially Traum)
- Review town meeting minutes and board records
- Make informed decisions based on direct candidate engagement
Important: Lauren Traum's profile notes significant information gaps regarding policy positions, community involvement, and reasons for party affiliation change. Voters seeking this information should contact her campaign directly through the Republican Town Committee.