Chris Balay - First Selectman
I am running for first selectman to help Durham move forward to a positive and vibrant future, never forgetting our agricultural, small town roots. To accomplish this we must work together, with the surrounding communities and state and federal government to maximize Durhams' potential.
Biography
Chris grew up in New Haven, CT. He graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in 1981. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State College in 1987.
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After college he worked as campaign administrator for Congressman Bruce Morrison. Then as an I.T. support for a couple of companies, before becoming I.T. Director at PEZ Candy Inc. in 2000, where he still works today.
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Chris married Suzanne Jorsey in 2002. At that time they lived in Wallingford.
Looking for a larger home where they could keep some livestock, lead them to
Durham in January of 2002. The prime draws of Durham where the excellent
reputation of the school system and an openness to agriculture and livestock.
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Chris and Suzanne sent both of their children through the RDS13 schools, both of them graduating from Coginchaug Regional High School.
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Chris has been active in the Durham community since arriving here. He has been active
in the Durham Fair Association since 2007. First serving on the Art Committee and later
as Assistant Treasurer and Daily Schedule and Map Director. In that role he developed
the new Durham Fair app that will be available for the first time this year. Since 2018
Chris has served as Treasurer for the Durham Fair Foundation, the non-profit arm of the
Durham Fair Association. Each year he donates time a numerous community booths,
showing up at POPs, DMYFS, Durham Democrats, The Souvenir Booth among others.
As one of three founding members of Paperhouse Productions, a local children's theatre non-profit, Chris was involved in many productions. He served as technical director for many shows and was the groups treasurer for many years. Of the many rewarding productions, his favorites where "Your a Good Man Charlie Brown", stellar cast and "Peter Pan", his favorite set.
For the past four years Chris has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission in Durham. First as an alternate and then as a full member. Some of the notable achievements of P & Z during that time has been the passage of regulations regarding Brewery/Winery/Cider, Cannabis sale and growing, Farm stores and Agricultural Events.
Since Chris joined P & Z, the commission has never rejected a business
application. For the past two years Chris has served on the Inland Wetlands
commission.
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Chris served as treasurer and senior warden and Church of the Epiphany.
He is a two time winner of the CVEF Trivia Bee!
Contact
If you have any question or are interesting in helping out with the campaign, please reach out.
(203) 376-6380