TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES -
TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES -
Lisa Thomas
Lisa Thomas is the Chairwoman of the Coventry Town Council and is proud of the respectful collaboration she fosters among Town Council members, resulting in less divisiveness and better decision making. She is especially excited about the master plans for Miller Richardson Park and Patriots Park that can be implemented in phases while working towards multi-generational community spaces. To that end, Lisa brought $1,350,000 to Coventry through STEAP grant and State Bond Commission funds.
Lisa serves ex-officio on the Steering and Finance sub committees. Her responsibilities also include chairing Coventry’s Local Emergency Coordinating Committee, as well as serving on the Capitol Region Council of Governments Executive Board, Policy Board, and Legislative Committee. Lisa serves on three statewide councils: the CT Grown for CT Kids Advisory Committee, the Education Mandates Review Council, and the Naturopathic Physicians Board of Examiners.
Lisa and her husband Eric have lived in Coventry since 1988. The Coventry Public Schools played a critical role in the ongoing success of their two adult daughters, one of whom now works in healthcare and the other in strategic communications. Lisa retired from a 37 year teaching career in special education and was named teacher of the year for Clover Street School in Windsor, CT in 2020. During her teaching years, Lisa brought several programs to Coventry including the Future Problem Solving Program (FPS) for which she was the first coach, and the Data Detectives partnership between the Windsor and Coventry School Districts. In addition she coached the Coventry High School FPS C.L.E.A.N. Team which was responsible for the creation of the Coventry Lake Advisory and Monitoring Committee. Lisa continues to support students and education colleagues by substitute teaching in local schools.
Moving forward, during her next term in office Lisa would like to work towards developing better infrastructure for appropriate economic development, establish a town charter revision committee, and continue to provide excellent accessibility to, participation in, and transparency of Town Council decision making.
Peter Larson
Coventry is, and will always be, my home. I moved to Coventry 25 years ago, having grown up here and graduated from Coventry Public Schools. As an alum of Uconn and ECSU who has taught middle school science in Woodstock for the past 6 years, northeastern Connecticut has my heart. Before beginning my career as an educator, I previously served on the Coventry Board of Education from 2017-2019 and currently serve as the co-president of our teacher's union.
I moved back to town a year ago, bringing my two girls who will be entering 1st and Pre-k this year. I operate a small-scale sheep farm and am on the Board of Directors for the Tolland County Farm Bureau, advocating for local farmers and agricultural property rights. I am passionate about supporting our local community through socially and fiscally responsible governance and building relationships across party lines and differences of opinion for the good of the people.
As a teacher, father, part-time farmer, and the youngest person running for a council seat this term, I am constantly thinking of what the future holds. I intend to serve as an advocate for what Coventry could be in 5, 10, and 20 years from now, working to bridge the gap between the leadership of today, and the leadership of tomorrow.
I am part of a chronically underrepresented generation that is working hard to raise families, build businesses, and be the best citizens they can be, even in these unprecedented and economically challenging times. To be a true government of the people, we must work to engage with younger voters and show them that their voices matter. With your support, I hope to help shepherd in a future in which our children have what they need to succeed, our town services are intact and equitable, businesses can begin and grow, and we can work together not as Democrats and Republicans, but at citizens and stewards of our beautiful town, creating a future for this town that we can all be proud of.
Jon Hand
I'm proud to serve on the Town Council to continue to guide our town forward on its journey toward progress and prosperity, without losing its charm and rural character. A successful Town Council must be adept at managing a wide range of challenges and opportunities. I am currently serving in my 4th term on the Town Council. I chaired the Town Council Steering Committee in my first term, was a member of Steering in my 2nd term, served as Secretary of the Town Council in my 3rd term, and I'm currently serving as Chair of the Steering Committee again. I would be happy to continue to volunteer to help lead our community if reelected.
My wife Allyson and I have two daughters in Coventry schools, and education is very important to us. I am a lifelong resident of Coventry (55+ years) and I graduated from Coventry Public Schools where I was an active member of the CHS Concert Band and CHS Jazz Band. I was also active in Coventry Volunteer Fire Association in both firefighting and emergency medical response. I love Coventry and I am proud to give back to my hometown through volunteering to serve.
I am currently a state government analyst at the Department of Labor with 30+ years of service. I earned a degree in economics from UConn, where I was also a member of both the UConn Marching Band and the UConn Pep Band.
Robyn Gallagher
My husband Sean and I moved to Coventry 12 years ago because we wanted both a small-town, close-knit community and a quality school system. We are the proud parents of two, middle-school aged kids, who are growing up in Coventry’s schools.
We are very active in the community, not only am I currently serving on the Town Council but I also served four years as treasurer for either CGS or GHR PTOs and am an active member of the PTO Craft Show Committee. Sean regularly volunteers as a coach for our son's soccer team. My family enjoys the plethora of town events that have become family traditions, including the Coventry Farmer’s Market, Arts on Main, Halloween on Main, and Christmas in the Village.
I have degrees in accounting and law, which provide a unique perspective on the challenges facing town government. I am currently a litigation partner with a large Connecticut law firm. In addition to volunteering in Coventry, I also serve as a Trustee with the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to preserving the stories of amazing Connecticut women and inspiring the next generation.
I am running for my third term on the Coventry Town Council because my unique background, combining accounting and law, means I am well equipped to act on behalf of taxpayers in monitoring the Town's financial and strategic progress. As the Finance Chair for the prior two terms, I provided continuity through significant staff turnover in the finance department - continuity that will help as the next Town Council onboards another new Finance Director. I am particularly proud of the changes to our EMS, bringing paid positions in-house rather than continuing to rely upon expensive outside vendors, all while continuing to celebrate our amazing volunteers. The change in EMS means long-term savings for the Town. I am looking forward to opportunities to use grants to further support commercial development - including in the Village area.
Matthew Kyer
My wife Nan and I have called Coventry home for 18 years, during which time both of our children attended and graduated from Coventry Public Schools. I am proud and honored to serve my community as a member of the Town Council. I teach at Coventry Grammar School and am active in my teachers' union. In the past, I was the Director of Coventry Day Camp at Patriots Park and served on the Parks & Recreation Commission. I am a proud Eagle Scout and continue to serve as a merit badge counselor for Boy Scout Troop 65 in Coventry.