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n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m | M a r c h 2 0 2 0 | n e w h a v e n B I Z 31 NEW HAVEN POWER 50 >> Public Sector STATE SEN. CHRISTINE COHEN (D-12) OW NER /OPER ATOR, COHEN'S BAGEL CO. DEPUTY PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, CONNECTICUT SENATE Residence: Guilford College(s): Western CT State University, BBA Besieged CT business owners score legislators for being out of touch when they enact business-hostile laws ($15 minimum wage, paid FMLA). But they can't say that about Co- hen, who with her husband Rob helm a thriving Madison bagel business. Bagel job: We founded and creat- ed Cohen's Bagels from concept to construction. Over 17 years, we've realized year-over-year growth and not only run our flag- ship retail store but have a strong wholesale operation. We employ just over 30. How does your business experience inform your role at the Capitol? As a small business owner-turned-leg- islator, I've combined my cor- porate knowledge working for Fortune 100 companies with my small-business viewpoints to be a voice for economic development. The ears have it: I am a great lis- tener and this has served me well all my life. Listening to customers and providing exceptional service is key to success [in business], and as state senator I could not be effective without listening to my constituents. Music soothes the soul: I have an undeniable passion for music. But hand me a microphone and I might break some glass. I am a terrible singer! RICK DUNNE EXECUTIV E DIRECTOR NAUGATUCK VA LLEY COUNCIL OF GOV ER NMENTS (N VCOG) Residence: Derby College(s): Fordham University Energetic and plain-spoken advocate for region working to inject new investment and vitality into the Valley. While respectful of its manufacturing past, Dunne looks to economic development, transportation ini- tiatives (like Rt. 34 renovation in Derby) and brownfields reclama- tion to forge new commercial life for the 21st century. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your professional success? I'm a pain in the ass, so...tenacity. I'm not shy about the things I believe in. What advice would you give up- and-coming professionals in your area of endeavor? First, spend time in the private sector. As public officials we need to first understand what role government can play to facilitate private investment. I see my role as understanding the deal from the private side, providing the public investment required and clearing a predictable path for non-public investments. What don't most people know about you? I dropped out of college to run a number of businesses that I founded or bought in my teens and early 20s. I sold those to work for Paul Tsongas during the 1992 Presidential primaries. Paul instilled in us that, 'You can't redistribute wealth that you haven't yet created.' So I decided that I could best benefit the community working inside of state and local government as a bridge to private investors. JUSTIN ELICKER M AYOR CITY OF NEW H AV EN Residence: New Haven Education: Middlebury College, BA; Yale School of Management/School of Forestry, joint master's degrees Predecessor Toni Harp's was under- stated and so-spoken, but she's a carnival barker compared to Elicker, a 43-year-old NY native and for- mer Foreign Service officer. How do you see the mayor's job? My role is to implement policies so that every resident has the op- portunity to thrive. New Haven is at an inflection point, with many more people deciding to live in our city. My goal is to champion policies that elevate those who have not been heard so they too can benefit from this exciting moment in history. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your success? We can only be successful if we are hard-working, humble enough to learn from others, surround ourselves with smart and ethical people, and don't' give up. I ran for mayor in 2013 and lost. If I had given up, I wouldn't be mayor today. What advice would you give young professionals in your area of en- deavor? ink big, believe in your- self, be persistent, stay the course, don't let others distract you from your goal. Above all, be ethical. What is a characteristic about you that most people don't know? Most people don't know that I'm an introvert. While I love interacting with people and talk with so many every day, I recharge in the eve- nings with my wife and daughters in the quiet of our home. MICHAEL J. FREDA FIRST SELECTM A N/CEO TOW N OF NORTH H AV EN Residence: North Haven College(s): Southern CT State University Elected to a sixth term last fall, Freda, 66, is now the town's longest- tenured chief executive in a century. During his time in office North Haven has balanced 10 budgets (including five surplus years) and maintained a AAA credit rating. e Freda playbook includes growing the grand list (up 2.8 percent in 2019 — including a giant new Amazon distribution center), economic development, delivering services to citizens. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your professional success? Relentless determination to achieve positive outcomes and never allow myself to get discouraged with failure. I use failure as a way to learn and get better. What advice would you give to young people entering public service? In municipal government you must listen to people and pay attention to citizens' needs. Return every phone call, attend every event and be very visible in your community. Having a ball: I pride myself in being in top physical condition with regular aerobic, yoga and weightliing workouts. I have been an athlete all my life and know what it's like to compete, particularly in baseball, where I have played over 1,200 games. Baseball teaches you how to deal with failure.

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