If you grew up in the Easton / Fairfield area, you most certainly have heard the D’Addario name.
Although I knew certain members of the Daddario family growing up, I had never met Nick. I first met him when he voluntarily reached out to me to donate a prize for a silent auction for a benefit concert for Sviatohirsk, Ukraine, Easton’s Sister City.
I asked him about his family’s long connection and legacy to the area:
“My great-grandfather came to Bridgeport from Italy and founded our family business in 1927. I serve as president of Hi-Ho Energy Services—a Division of D’Addario Industries—which is a fourth-generation family owned and operated business in Bridgeport, CT. Many Easton residents are our valued customers.
I was raised in a family with a deep commitment to service, and I have been very active in the local community, particularly the nonprofit area. In addition to serving on Easton’s Planning and Zoning Commission, I am Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Child And Family Guidance Center (Bridgeport), Chair of the Board of Directors for the Klein Memorial Auditorium (Bridgeport), and a member of the Board of Directors of The Barnum Festival (Bridgeport).”
My extended family has lived in Easton for over seventy years. I was raised in neighboring Fairfield. Some of my best childhood memories are spending the holidays in Easton with my family and picking apples at Silverman’s.
My wife Caroline and I moved to Easton, because we wanted to raise our son Fritz in a close-knit community with its beautiful open spaces and great schools. Easton was the only place for us.
We love the fact that there is such a sense of connectivity and community in Easton.
In 2023, I ran for selectman with First Selectman, David Bindelglass, to continue to build on Dave and Bob Lessler’s successes.
Nick is currently running for First Selectman in November with Adrienne Burke on his ticket.
I recently asked Nick a few questions about what he intends on committing to as First Selectman of Easton:
1) What is your overall vision for the future of our town?
My vision is to preserve what makes Easton unique—our open spaces, farms, and small-town character—while ensuring we are a welcoming, fiscally responsible community where families and seniors can thrive. I believe in preservation with progress: protecting our heritage while planning thoughtfully for the needs of the future.
(2) What are the most pressing issues facing our community, and how do you plan to address them?
“The most pressing issues include protecting our open spaces, promoting our agricultural heritage, and maintaining Easton’s rural character, which makes our town so special. We must also support our seniors with increased tax relief and better access to resources and services so they can age in place. At the same time, we need to invest in our schools and recreational opportunities to strengthen Easton for families today and for future generations.”
(3) How has your past experience prepared you for the complexities of local government leadership?
“My experience as a businessman—running a company, managing large groups of people, and making tough financial and organizational decisions—has prepared me to lead Easton with both discipline and vision. I know how to balance budgets, build consensus, and deliver results, and I will bring that same practical, results-driven leadership to the role of First Selectman.”
(4) What strategies will you use to foster open and transparent communication with residents?
“I will expand communication beyond Town Hall by providing timely updates through newsletters, the website, and social media, while also holding regular office hours and attending community events. I also plan to build on the weekly newsletter tradition started under David Bindelglass, keeping residents informed about town business in a clear, consistent, and accessible way.”
(5) How would you encourage greater citizen participation and involvement in town affairs?
Easton is strongest when more voices are at the table.
“Unfortunately, many residents have been reluctant to volunteer for town positions due to the personal attacks and uncivil conduct they’ve seen from a small group of opponents. I’ll work to restore civility by setting the right tone at the top, making participation more welcoming, and highlighting opportunities to serve on boards and commissions so that residents feel valued, not targeted.”
(6) What do you believe is the most effective way to address misinformation or unfounded rumors?
“The best defense against misinformation is proactive, honest communication. When rumors spread, I believe leaders should quickly provide clear, factual updates—always with respect and civility. By building trust through transparency, we can reduce the power of misinformation and keep our community focused on constructive problem-solving.”
Thanks for the interview Nick.
The Cultural Easton 