Lauren Traum - Republican Candidate for Board of Selectmen

Election: November 4, 2025 Party: Republican Position: Board of Selectmen Residence: 18 Old Hyde Road, Weston, CT 06883

Executive Summary

Lauren Brooke Traum is the Republican-endorsed candidate for the Board of Selectmen in Weston's 2025 municipal election.¹ A first-time candidate with an extensive legal background in employment law and financial regulation,² Traum won the Republican endorsement over incumbent Selectman Kerem Dinlenc by a decisive margin of 52-15 at the July 15, 2025 caucus.³ Notably, Traum recently switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party before seeking the GOP nomination.⁴ She is currently involved in litigation against the Town of Weston regarding the Phase 3 sidewalk project on Old Hyde Road, where she resides.⁴

Biographical Information

Personal Details

• Full Name: Lauren Brooke Traum⁵
• Age: 45 years old (as of 2025)⁶
• Birth: September 1980⁶
• Residence: 18 Old Hyde Road, Weston, CT 06883-1724⁶

Education

• Law Degree: Brooklyn Law School (J.D.)²
  • Note: Some sources also reference Fordham University School of Law;⁵ exact details may require verification
• Undergraduate: The College of New Jersey (B.A., 1999-2003)²

Professional Background

Lauren Traum has built a distinguished career in law with a focus on criminal prosecution, financial regulation, and employment law.

Current Position

Counsel, OlenderFeldman LLP (2017-present)²

• OlenderFeldman LLP is a boutique corporate law firm providing full-service representation for middle market companies
• Offices in Summit, NJ and New York, NY
• Focus: Employment law matters²

Previous Legal Positions

Principal Regional Enforcement Counsel, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (2016-2017)²

• Based in New York
• Investigated and arbitrated matters involving:²
  • Employee embezzlement
  • Theft
  • Regulatory violations in the securities industry

Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Delaware (2010-2016)²

• Six-year tenure prosecuting federal cases
• Successfully tried both criminal and civil matters to juries
• Focus areas:²
  • Federal employment crimes
  • Embezzlement cases
  • Trade secret theft
  • Fraud investigations
  • Financial fraud enforcement

Brooklyn District Attorney's Office

• Early career position
• Specific dates and role details not publicly available

Bar Admissions

• Admitted to practice in New York (2006)⁵
• 19+ years of legal experience (as of 2025)⁵

Political Career

Party Affiliation

• Current: Republican (switched in 2025)⁴
• Previous: Democrat (until very recently before July 2025)⁴
• Timing of Switch: Traum changed her party registration shortly before seeking the Republican endorsement for Board of Selectmen⁴

2025 Board of Selectmen Campaign

Republican Nomination Process:

1. Republican Town Committee Endorsement (June-July 2025)

   • Traum won the RTC's endorsement to challenge incumbent Republican Selectman Kerem Dinlenc⁴
   • The RTC expressed a clear preference to replace their own incumbent with Traum⁴

2. Republican Caucus (July 15, 2025)

   • Vote Result: Traum 52, Dinlenc 15³
   • Decisive 37-vote victory margin
   • Location: Caucus of registered Weston Republican voters
   • Outcome: Secured Republican nomination for Board of Selectmen³

Election Context:

• Election Date: November 4, 2025¹
• Early Voting Begins: October 20, 2025⁷
• Position: Board of Selectmen (3-member body, 2-year terms)⁸
• Status: First-time candidate⁴
• Opponent: Traum defeated incumbent Republican Kerem Dinlenc, who had won election in 2023⁹

Policy Positions and Campaign Platform

Known Issues and Positions

Old Hyde Road Sidewalk Project Opposition

Traum is actively engaged in litigation against the Town of Weston regarding the Phase 3 sidewalk project:⁴

The Lawsuit:

• Plaintiff: Lauren Traum and other Old Hyde Road residents⁴
• Defendant: Town of Weston
• Objective: Block construction of Phase 3 sidewalks on Old Hyde Road⁴
• Legal Claim:⁴
  • The town does not own Old Hyde Road
  • Property lines extend to the road's center line
  • Therefore, the town lacks authority to construct sidewalks

Project Background:

• Part of a multi-phase pedestrian safety initiative¹⁰
• Phase 3 extends from Norfield Congregational Church on Norfield Road approximately 2,300 linear feet east to the intersection with Old Hyde Road, then northerly along the west side of Old Hyde Road for approximately one mile¹⁰
• Total project cost: Approximately $2.2 million¹⁰
• Funding: 80% federal grant (Transportation Alternatives Program), 20% town budget (already approved in prior years)¹⁰
• Design status: 30% complete as of October 2025¹⁰
• Construction timeline: Summer 2026¹⁰

Town's Response (First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor, April 2024):¹¹

• Town claims right-of-way is at least 50 feet wide based on historical maps and surveys¹¹
• Evidence includes:¹¹
  • Property tax assessments based on deed descriptions showing front property lines 10-15 feet from paved road
  • Existing town infrastructure (drainage systems) in the contested area
  • Confirmation from CT Department of Transportation
  • Town Attorney's legal opinion
• Nestor stated there was "overwhelming support" for the sidewalk project¹¹

Status: Lawsuit ongoing as of July 2025 (specific court status not publicly available)

Campaign Platform - General Themes

Based on the Republican Town Committee's stated values (from westonrtc.org), the endorsed slate likely aligns with:⁷

• Conservative Principles: "Common-sense, conservative principles that honor the legacy of Weston's farms, schools, and volunteer spirit"⁷
• Community Engagement: "Listen first, draw neighbors together, and roll up our sleeves to solve the practical challenges facing Weston families"⁷
• Preserving Rural Character: Focus on "stone walls, sugar maples, and close-knit neighborhoods"⁷
• Fiscal Responsibility: Emphasis on responsible budget management⁷
• Volunteer Spirit: Supporting community-based initiatives⁷

Note: Traum has not publicly released detailed policy positions, campaign statements, or a comprehensive platform as of the available research date. Her specific views on town issues beyond the sidewalk controversy are not documented in public sources.

Electoral History

2025 Municipal Election (Upcoming)

• Position: Board of Selectmen
• Status: Republican nominee (secured July 15, 2025)
• Election Date: November 4, 2025
• Campaign Status: Active

Prior Electoral Experience

• None documented: This is Traum's first run for public office

CRITICAL: Conflict of Interest - Old Hyde Road Sidewalk Project

STATUS: ACTIVE CONFLICT - Candidate is currently suing the town while running for board that oversees town projects

The Conflict

Lauren Traum is actively suing the Town of Weston to block the Phase 3 sidewalk project on Old Hyde Road, where she resides. If elected to the Board of Selectmen, she will be required to vote on this project during the 2026-2027 term, creating a direct conflict of interest.

Key Details

The Lawsuit (Verified: Weston Today, July 14, 2025):⁴

• Plaintiffs: Lauren Traum and other Old Hyde Road residents
• Legal Claim: Town does not own Old Hyde Road; property lines extend to the road's center line
• Status: Ongoing litigation as of July 2025
• Personal Interest: Traum lives at 18 Old Hyde Road in the project area⁶

The Project ($2.2 Million, 80% Federally Funded):¹⁰

• Official Name: Weston Town Center Pedestrian Improvements Project
• Scope:
  • 2,300 linear feet of sidewalk on Norfield Road east of Norfield Congregational Church
  • Approximately 1 mile of sidewalk along west side of Old Hyde Road
  • 1,200 linear feet of multi-use trail connecting to high school
• Funding:
  • 80% federal grant (Transportation Alternatives Program)
  • 20% town funding (already approved in prior budgets)
• Design Status: 30% complete as of October 2025
• Construction Timeline: Summer 2026 (during candidate's potential term if elected)

Board of Selectmen Decision Points (Required during 2026-2027 term):¹⁰

• Set and hold required public hearing on project¹⁰
• Vote on proceeding with project¹⁰
• Approve final design elements¹⁰
• Oversee construction decisions¹⁰

Town's Position (First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor, April 10, 2024)

The town asserts clear legal authority to build sidewalks based on:¹¹

1. Right-of-way documentation: Maps and surveys dating back many years show Old Hyde Road right-of-way is at least 50 feet wide
2. Historical town maintenance: Town has maintained drainage systems (catch basins, pipes) in the construction area for many years
3. Property records: All property deeds along Old Hyde Road show front property lines 10-15 feet away from paved road
4. External confirmation: Connecticut Department of Transportation and Town Attorney confirmed town's legal right
5. Public support: "There has been overwhelming support of the sidewalk project"

Quote from Nestor:¹¹ "First and foremost, there is evidence of the Town's right to construct sidewalks adjacent to the paved portion of Old Hyde Road. The Town's analysis has been confirmed by representatives of the State (acting through the Department of Transportation) and by the Town Attorney's office."

Ethical Issues

1. Recusal Questions: Will Traum recuse herself from all sidewalk-related votes?
2. Personal Interest: Voting on a project that directly affects her property creates appearance of impropriety
3. Public Trust: Voters should understand this conflict when evaluating candidacy
4. No Public Statement: Candidate has not publicly addressed how she would handle this conflict if elected

Note: No publicly available court records have been found for this lawsuit, though verified by reliable local news source (Weston Today). The lawsuit appears to be in early stages or filed under lead plaintiff other than Traum.

Other Controversies and Notable Issues

1. Party Switch Timing

• Switched from Democrat to Republican shortly before seeking Republican endorsement
• Timing raised questions about motivations and political convictions
• No public statements explaining reasons for party change found in available sources

2. Challenge to Incumbent from Same Party

• Unusual for party apparatus to endorse challenger over sitting member
• Dinlenc had won election in 2023, serving less than a full term
• RTC's preference for Traum over Dinlenc not publicly explained
• Margin of victory (52-15) suggests significant party dissatisfaction with incumbent or strong support for Traum

Community Involvement

Known Activities

• Old Hyde Road resident engagement (sidewalk opposition)
• Republican Town Committee participation (recent)

Not Documented

Public records do not reveal:

• Service on town boards or commissions
• Volunteer activities in Weston
• Involvement in local organizations
• Length of residency in Weston
• Children/family involvement in schools or community groups

Note: Lack of documented community involvement may be due to:

• Recent arrival to Weston (not confirmed)
• Privacy preferences
• Professional career demands
• Limited public information available

Key Campaign Statements

No direct quotes or campaign statements from Lauren Traum were found in available public sources.

This absence of public statements is notable given:

• She won a competitive nomination
• She is challenging a Republican incumbent
• She switched parties to run
• The election is approximately 4 months away (as of July 2025)

Sources checked:

• Weston Today news coverage
• Republican Town Committee website
• Connecticut Secretary of State candidate information
• Local news outlets (Patch, CT Insider)
• Social media platforms

Analysis and Context

Strengths as a Candidate

1. Professional Credentials: Extensive experience in employment law and financial regulation
2. Legal Expertise: Deep understanding of law, governance, and complex regulatory issues
3. Decisive Victory: Won Republican nomination by a 3.5-to-1 margin
4. Party Support: Strong backing from Republican Town Committee despite being new to GOP

Potential Challenges

1. Limited Public Profile: First-time candidate with no documented community service record
2. Recent Party Switch: May raise authenticity questions with voters
3. Active Litigation: Suing the town she seeks to govern creates potential conflicts
4. Lack of Campaign Communications: No public platform, statements, or issue positions documented
5. Defeated Incumbent: Dinlenc may mount write-in or independent campaign
6. Short Time as Republican: Building trust with GOP base while attracting independents and Democrats

Questions for Voters to Consider

1. What motivated her switch from Democrat to Republican?
2. What is her vision for Weston beyond opposing the sidewalk project?
3. How would she handle potential conflicts of interest related to Old Hyde Road litigation?
4. What specific experience or skills from her legal career would benefit the Board of Selectmen?
5. Why did the Republican Town Committee prefer her over their own incumbent?
6. What are her positions on key town issues (budget, education, development, services)?

Information Gaps

The following information was not available in public sources as of October 2025:

Biographical

• Exact date and circumstances of move to Weston
• Family status (married, children, etc.)
• Community ties and length of residency
• Reasons for choosing Weston as home

Political

• Specific policy positions on:
  • Town budget and taxation
  • Education funding
  • Development and zoning
  • Environmental issues
  • Public safety
  • Infrastructure beyond sidewalks
• Reason for party switch
• Past political involvement or donations
• Endorsements (individuals, organizations)

Campaign

• Campaign website or social media presence
• Campaign staff or volunteers
• Fundraising information
• Planned campaign events or forums
• Campaign materials or messaging
• Positions on pending town issues

Legal

• Specific details of sidewalk lawsuit
• Court filings and legal arguments
• Other plaintiffs in the case
• Current status of litigation
• Legal representation

Sources

Information Verification Status

• ✅ Confirmed: Professional background, caucus results, party switch, lawsuit
• ⚠️ Partially Verified: Education (conflicting sources on law school)
• ❌ Not Verified: Campaign positions, community involvement, specific policy views

Contact Information

Note: No official campaign contact information (website, email, phone, social media) was found in public sources as of October 2025.

Weston Republican Town Committee

• Website: westonrtc.org
• May be able to provide candidate contact information

Residential Address (Public Record)

• 18 Old Hyde Road, Weston, CT 06883-1724

Timeline

Recommendations for Further Research

To develop a more complete profile, the following sources should be pursued:

1. Direct Campaign Contact: Interview or questionnaire with candidate
2. League of Women Voters: Candidate forum participation and responses
3. Campaign Finance Reports: CT State Elections Enforcement Commission
4. Court Records: Superior Court filings in sidewalk lawsuit
5. Property Records: Town of Weston Land Records (ownership history)
6. Local Community Groups: Weston Historical Society, PTAs, civic organizations
7. Professional Organizations: American Bar Association, CT Bar Association
8. Previous Employers: Public information about prosecutorial record
9. Town Meeting Minutes: Any prior public comments or participation
10. Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter for campaign messaging

Document Compiled: October 15, 2025 Research Conducted By: AI-assisted civic research for Weston, CT residents Last Updated: October 15, 2025

Disclaimer: This profile is based on publicly available information as of October 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but voters are encouraged to verify information and seek additional sources. The absence of information on certain topics may reflect limitations in public reporting rather than actual gaps in the candidate's experience or positions.