Betsy Paterson

When former Mansfield Mayor Betsy Paterson decided not to run for reelection, Town Council members looked for a way to honor her years of service. In a fitting tribute to someone who dedicated nearly twenty years of service to the community, the Town Council voted in September 2016 to name the new town square as “Betsy Paterson Square.”

Betsy served first as a Town Council member starting in 1997 and then as Mayor of Mansfield for sixteen years with her final term ending in 2015. During her tenure, Betsy represented Mansfield as a member of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the National League of Cities. She served on numerous community committees and commissions, including the Windham Region Council of Governments and the Eastern Highlands Health District.

One of her signature projects was the redevelopment of Downtown Storrs, on which she began working as a Council Member prior to becoming Mayor. Betsy saw the need not only to diversify the Town’s tax base but also to create a real center for the community.

As an active member of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, Betsy also served on the Advertising and Promotion, Planning and Design, and Nominating Committees. She chaired the Festival committee from its inception in 2003 until 2018.

Betsy has been a tireless advocate for Mansfield residents and always strives to make sure that all residents feel welcome and included. Having a true community gathering space was one of her goals for the redevelopment of Downtown Storrs, so it is especially fitting that the town square bear her name.