Durham Democratic Town Committee

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Jim McLaughlin is a 37-year resident of Durham who has served the town as your First Selectman for the last two years. He has brought to the job the same enthusiasm, creativity and dedication, to the office that distinguished his work throughout his professional career.

As First Selecman, Jim McLaughlin has carried through on his pledges to you to create an atmosphere of Open Government, control and reduce Town Expenses, bring Good Business Practices to town management, work for meaningful Senior Tax Relief, and press forward with projects to Meet Town Needs.

Lets keep the ball rolling and bring Jim back for four years so he can continue putting our needs before partisan politics.

Public Service

First Selectnam from 2005 to the present

Jim was honored with a Public Service Award from Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz in 2001 for "25 years of dedicated service to the Town of Durham."

As Historic District Commission, Chairman, 1992 – 2004 he

• Formalized Rules of Procedure for the commission

• Wrote and published the Handbook for Historic District property owners

• Acquired Scenic Road designation for Main Street & Guilford Road

• Coordinated creation and publishing of The Historic District Walking Tour Brochure, acquiring money grants from the State of Connecticut and The Durham Fair Foundation.

During his term, no decision was ever appealed.

He served on the Board of Tax Review (now called the Board of Assessment Appeals) for four, 4- year terms (non-consecutive, 1973 – 1991) that included two town-wide reevaluations. He enjoyed the endorsement of the Republican Party in his last election to the board.  

Jim also served on the Economic Development Commission, DMIAB and the 1974 Charter Revision Commission.  He has been a justice of the peace since 1973.

Employment

Jim is president and CEO of McLaughlin, DelVecchio & Casey, Inc., a New Haven, Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations, founded in 1972. The agency has served regional, national and international clients. His previous employment included the post of Creative Director at Van Leeuwen Advertising, New Haven and on-air work for The American Broadcasting Company (KQV, Pittsburgh), WPOP, Hartford, and WNHC AM, FM & TV, New Haven.

Military Service

Jim served in the US Army with two years active in the Counter Intelligence Corps, stationed at the Pentagon.  He was honorably discharged and completed his military obligation with 4 years in the reserves.

Non-Profit Organizations

Jim was resident director and vice president of marketing for the Durham Fair Association (1974 – 1996) and was a founder and director of the Durham Fair Foundation. He also served as Durham’s representative on the board of directors of the Connecticut River Valley Tourism District.  He was named Tourism Person of the Year, (1993 - 94). Jim is currently president of the Quinnipiack Club in New Haven.

Education

He was educated at Washington and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania public and parochial schools, and the University of Louisville, Kentucky.