Emily Bradley, current cochair of the Board of Finance, is up for reelection on November 5. She brings a wealth of experience from both the corporate and nonprofit worlds. We recently asked her a few questions.

What town groups or activities have you been involved in?

Bolton PTA: Bolton Center School Book Fair (chair), Bolton Center School Career Day (cochair)
BCS and BHS substitute teacher
Bolton Women’s Club, member and former treasurer
Bolton Scholarship Fund, treasurer
Bolton Land Trust, member
Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, former board member and treasurer
Bolton Board of Finance

What do you think is the biggest single issue facing the town?

State funding continues to get reduced. Balancing the level of  town services and education with the taxes we pay to support these services. I think the town needs to be creative with ways to operate most effectively and look for ways to keep our town moving forward with conservative responsible spending.

How do you think your life experience will help you serve the town?

I am a retired consultant who managed large budgets. I understand the balance of getting things done with the cost of doing them.

What’s something about yourself that others might be surprised to know?

Most people won’t be surprised to know that I enjoy playing tennis, but they might not know that this year I worked with a couple other towns to start a middle school tennis team. The kids are learning how to play the game and have had the opportunity to play against other towns. It’s a new program that I hope will continue.

I also love to cook and and try out new recipes on my unsuspecting friends.

What do you love most about Bolton?

I love the fact that I am surrounded by trees, a river, and wildlife, but still only 15–20 minutes away from Hartford, museums, stores, and restaurants.

Emily Bradley