Mike Paulhus is a lifelong resident of Windham and currently serves as the First Selectman for the Town of Windham. Mike is a dedicated professional with a Masters degree in Public Administration and seven years of day-to-day experience. He continues the work started by Walter Pawelkiewicz and John Lescoe by creating an atmosphere of positive change in Windham. Mike Paulhus has the leadership skills and experience to move the town forward. Mike is committed to "Building Pride in Windham" through economic development and quality of life improvements.

CONTINUED ECONOMIC EXPANSION

The vision for economic recovery that began ten years ago is in full swing today. Mike Paulhus has been an integral part of Windham's economic revitalization having served as the Economic Development Coordinator of the Town until a full-time Director was hired in 1997. Together Mike and Walter Pawelkiewicz, implemented a plan of re-development for the former American Thread Complex into what is now the Windham Mills Complex, they worked to retain Keeper Corporation with a relocation plan, and worked with BrandRex, United Abrasives, and Rogers Corporation on various expansion phases over the past seven years.

Mike Paulhus understands the needs of our local businesses and has worked with them to improve their operations. As First Selectman, Mike Paulhus will continue his efforts to retain and expand our manufacturing, retail, and service related industries. In addition to the aggressive retention and expansion program, the current administration has used the enterprise zone incentives as an effective tool to bring in new business to the Town of Windham. By expanding the tax base and providing quality jobs to residents, Windham taxpayers will have less of a tax burden.

Mike Paulhus has been responsible for overseeing the expansion and developments in North Windham, Main Street, and West Main Street and will continue to promote the Town as a business friendly community, with a renewed focus for Main Street. Mike is committed to restoring pride in our "downtown" and believes the arts and entertainment district designation will be the spark plug needed to bring Main Street alive. The corner stone will be the Capitol Theater as a regional arts magnet school for the performing arts, supported by the Windham Area Arts Collaborative, Windham Theater Guild, and Arts Space all concentrated in our historic downtown.

QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS

With Mike Paulhus as First Selectman, the vision for economic revitalization is balanced with an effort to improve the quality of life in Windham. Priority has been given to addressing the problem of prostitution and drug trafficking in our community. Mike believes that Main Street is the gateway to the community and it should be pleasant and appealing to every taxpayer or visitor and that stronger efforts should be made to eliminate these illegal activities. Mike will continue to seek funding from federal and state sources for community policing and safe neighborhoods programs in order to combat the nuisance that exists in our downtown.

Priority also is given to the following quality of life issues:

• Eliminating blight
• Enforcing housing code violations
• Promoting home ownership
• Promoting the preservation of Open Space
• Promoting increased recreational activities
• Implementing technology for better customer service