Hersam, Corbet Battle for New Canaan Treasurer Job

NEW CANAAN, Conn.  – The race to become a town’s treasurer usually does not draw much excitement. In New Canaan, however, it’s the main event.

V. Donald Hersam Jr., town treasurer since his appointment to the post in 1965, faces an opponent in November’s election: Democratic nominee Kathleen Corbet.

Hersam, publisher of the New Canaan Advertiser, was nominated at July’s Republican Party caucus and says he wants to continue because he likes what he does. Hersam points to his knowledge of town procedures and his experience as reasons he should stay on for another four years.

“I’ve gone through the (Republican Party) procedures, and no one has suggested that I not run,” he said.

Questions about finances have come up since town paid a $650,000 arbitration award to a construction company in a dispute over work at the Lakeview Avenue Bridge. But Hersam says the finance office, under the direction of Gary Conrad, is doing a fine job. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m not going to go into the office and make changes,” he said.

Corbet, a former member of the Board of Finance, said she has been looking at making a run for the job since January. Given her professional experience at Cross Ridge Capital and MassMutual, Corbet said she wanted to find a position that would allow her to use her skills to assist New Canaan.

The treasurer’s job needs more daily oversight given the complexities of New Canaan's finances, Corbet said, including dispersal of funds and management of accounts. She said the role had been viewed as honorary in previous years.

“I would say he (Hersam) has served honorably in the role for 46 years. I have enormous respect for him and the town of New Canaan,” she said. “But the role today demands more active oversight than he has provided in the last 46 years.”

To contact reporter Melvin Mason, email mmason@thedailynewcanaan.com.

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