Meet Our Candidates

Jeremy Lingenfelser

for First Selectman

Hello, my name is Jeremy Lingenfelser. I am proud to call Bridgewater my home, with my wife and two sons and I am honored to be a candidate for First Selectman of our wonderful town.

Bridgewater is a town steeped in tradition, with a promising future ahead. My wife, who grew up in New Milford, and I always knew this was the community where we wanted to raise our family. After retiring from the military, I finally had the opportunity to put down roots here. We tuitioned our sons into Burnham School until we were able to purchase a home in town.

A little about me… My life has been defined by service—service to our country, to my community, and to my family. I am a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army, where I spent over two decades leading soldiers, solving complex problems, and ensuring that we always put people first. My military journey took me from earning my commission at Notre Dame, to deployments in places like Egypt and Iraq, and to leadership positions where I was responsible for the well-being and readiness of thousands of soldiers. I am proud to have been recognized with awards such as the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, but I am most proud of the lives I impacted along the way.

Education has always been central to my life. I hold a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, a Juris Doctor with honors and a Certificate in Taxation from UConn School of Law, an MBA, and a double-major Bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame in Government & International Relations and Theology. I’ve also had the privilege of teaching at Quinnipiac University, focusing on community and national engagement, constitutional law, and international human rights.

Community involvement is part of my DNA. I’ve served as Chairman of the Windsor Town Human Relations Commission, where I helped lead the town’s diversity initiatives. I’ve been an active sports official for over 30 years, working everything from local games to state finals in soccer. Here in Bridgewater, I’ve served as PTO President and Secretary at Burnham School, and I’m excited to be launching a youth chess program at Burnham Library this fall. I’m also an Eagle Scout, a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish, and a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus at Notre Dame.

Professionally, I work as a Solutions Consultant for Lexis Nexis, specializing in artificial intelligence solutions for the legal field. I travel across the country helping lawyers and legal professionals harness the power of technology to better serve their clients and communities.

What I Stand For:

  • Fiscal Responsibility & Government Efficiency: I have a track record of saving taxpayer dollars and making government work smarter, not harder. I will always fight for transparent and responsible budgeting.

  • Community Engagement & Unity: I believe in a nonpartisan approach to leadership. I’ve worked across party lines as a town commission chair, and I know that Bridgewater works best when we work together.

  • Support for Education: I will champion our local schools and ensure our children have access to enrichment programs and the resources they need to succeed.

  • Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs: I’m committed to supporting our emergency services and standing up for veterans and military families.

  • Youth Programs & Recreation: I’ll work to expand opportunities for our town’s youth, from sports to chess to community activities.

  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: I support policies that make everyone in Bridgewater feel welcome and respected.

  • Environmental Stewardship: I am committed to preserving our town’s rural character and protecting our natural resources for future generations.

What I’m Against:

  • Wasteful or Non-Transparent Spending: I will not tolerate misuse or lack of accountability with taxpayer money.

  • Partisan Gridlock: I oppose divisive politics that get in the way of solving problems for our town.

  • Neglect of Infrastructure & Essential Services: I will not allow our roads, public spaces, or emergency services to fall into disrepair.

  • Barriers to Community Involvement: I am against any policies that discourage residents from having a voice in local government.

  • Short-Term Thinking: I will always put Bridgewater’s long-term interests ahead of fleeting gains.

  • Disregard for Veterans and Military Families: I will fight any attempts to roll back support for those who have served.

I am seeking the role of First Selectman to offer our town integrity, seasoned experience, and forward-thinking leadership. I am committed to serving with transparency, humility, and a steadfast focus on the issues that matter most to our community. Thank you for considering me, and for placing your trust in my vision for Bridgewater’s future.

Eric Soetbeer

for Selectman

I am Eric Soetbeer, and I’m running for Selectman of Bridgewater. As a proud resident since 1997, I’ve deep roots in our community, and I’m committed to preserving the character of our town while planning for its future.

I’ve been married for 36 years to my wife, Karen Soetbeer, a CPA with an office in New Milford. We’re proud parents of two sons, Mason and Cory, who both attended Burnham Elementary and graduated from Shepaug High School. Our family has always valued the sense of community and connection that Bridgewater offers.

Born and raised in Connecticut, I attended Shepaug Middle School before graduating from Ridgefield High School in 1981. My career began as a retail sales associate from 1979 to 1989, then again from 1989 to 2003. Since 2003, I’ve been a dedicated member of the Bridgewater Public Works Department, and I am honored to serve the town in that capacity.

Community involvement has always been a cornerstone of my family’s values, and we’ve long appreciated the strong sense of connection that makes Bridgewater so special. My mother was a dedicated member of the Bridgewater Women’s Auxiliary and managed their tent at the fair for many years. My stepfather also served the town through his work with the Fire Department and as a past Fair Chairman. That spirit of service continues with my sons—Mason lives in Bridgewater, raising his family here while serving with the Fire Department and working at the fair, and Cory, who lives in New Milford with his family, still gives back by volunteering at the fair every year.

My history of public service in Bridgewater includes my role as a member of the Recreation Commission from 2016-2022, including as Chairman from 2019-2022. I was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 2025 and have also served as the former Chair and Superintendent of Rentals at the Bridgewater Fairgrounds, as well as Engineer and Captain at the Bridgewater Fire Department.

My Stance on Key Issues:

Against:

  • Appointments for Currently Elected Positions: I believe elected roles should be filled by the people, not appointed.

  • Regional Consolidation of Elementary Schools: I oppose regional consolidation that could undermine the personalized education our children receive.

  • Displacement of Historical Town Buildings: Our town’s history is vital to who we are, and these buildings should be preserved.

  • State Oversight of Zoning Rules: I believe local issues should remain under local control. Bridgewater knows what’s best for its residents and towns infrastructure.

For:

  • Lowering the Mill Rate: I support efforts to reduce our town’s mill rate to keep taxes fair for residents.

  • Addressing Speed Issues on Local Roads: Ensuring safety on our roads is a top priority, especially for families and children.

  • Long-Term Maintenance of Town Infrastructure: We need a comprehensive plan to address the ongoing needs of our roads, utilities, and town facilities.

  • Resident-Only Recreation Center: I’m a firm believer in providing spaces for residents to gather, relax, and engage in activities close to home.

  • Maintaining Small-Town Appeal: It’s important that Bridgewater keeps its small-town charm and community feel, even as we grow.

As Selectman, I’ll work tirelessly to represent the interests of the residents, ensure thoughtful, responsible growth, and make sure our town remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place for families.

Thank you for your support!