Here are the chosen candidates from the November 7th Municipal Town Election, along with their visions for Stratford. The vote totals are courtesy of the Town of Stratford Registrar’s Office:
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
(R) Thomas “Bryan” O’Connor
“My mission is to promote a transparent, accountable, and inclusive government that serves the needs of every resident. I believe in fairness, integrity, and collaboration; and I am committed to working tirelessly to provide fiscal responsibility, support our schools, improve our infrastructure, and help with the successful execution of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). “
“Together, we can achieve remarkable things for our town. I invite you to join me in this endeavor by volunteering, spreading the word about our campaign, and sharing your thoughts and concerns. Together, let us continue to build a community that we are all proud to call home.”
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
(D) Christopher H Green
“I want Stratford to thrive. I want to ensure our plans for budgeting, zoning and growth forge a sustainable path for both the short and long term. Stratford needs to adapt to keep up with the evolving needs of its residents and to meet the fiscal and environmental challenges ahead.”
“I want to make sure all departments and services are structured to maximize impact and quality while minimizing tax payer cost. I hope, as with the impending automation of our garbage trucks, we can find ways to leverage technology, not to cut jobs, but as a means to redirect our limited personnel resources to other areas of need.”
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
(D) Alvin O’Neal
“What is your vision for Stratford’s future? To help with Economic Development: To bring in business that will create new jobs for our community and bring in revenue to our town, business that would benefit the town’s tax base. Our town has so many possibilities, including working together on the Town Council to better all of Stratford, creating a partnership with the BOE to create a top-notch education, having clean and beautiful common spaces, finding efficiencies within the government, and managing a multi-million dollar budget.”
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
(D) Rene M Gibson
“I am ready to represent you in partnership with all elected officials and Town Hall employees on updating the Zoning Regulations from day one, given my years of experience with the Zoning Commission, as a member and an alternate. I have knowledge of the benefits of being located in our historic town, have owned and operated a successful restaurant in town, and I have developed positive relationships that will future the growth of Stratford. Ensuring sensible zoning regulations that support economic development and align with our new POCD priorities, while promoting and protecting residential zoning districts. We have a wonderful opportunity to do something special.”
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 5
(D) Anthony Afriyie
“Stratford has a long history of being an industrial and manufacturing hub. However, the days when low-cost producers of standard quality goods dominated the world are over. In the new world, brains are weapons. Knowledge and technology are the ammunition. Stratford in the future will emphasize knowledge, technology, and efficiency. Government usually forgets that a change in priorities requires giving up old priorities. Frequently our failure to eliminate the old as we adopt the new means fragmented resources leaving neither the old nor new priorities fulfilled. A few new priorities I want for Stratford are a Stratford school-to-work partnership. A comprehensive reform of education in our town to make our schools practical places where students are prepared to compete for jobs in the modern marketplace. Another priority is a complete infrastructure upgrade for Stratford’s Business Services. By spending on making key offices technologically efficient Stratford can facilitate the transaction of businesses and support purchases of those who wish to do business with the town. The Stratford I envision will have a stable, talented, productive workforce and outstanding access to transportation. Through our educational system and accessible infrastructure, we will attract diverse businesses and entrepreneurs who are chasing their American dream right here on our gold coast. “
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
(D) Phil Young, 474
(R) Kerry L Whitham, 485
Editor’s Note: There will be a recount on Monday, November 13th at 10 a.m. in the Town Council Chambers in Town Hall
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 7
(D) Kaitlyn Shake
“Stratford has very dedicated public servants who have stepped up to face challenges, but I have proven that I can effectively work across the political aisle and get things done for everyone. My vision for Stratford includes building the next wave of leaders, continuing to serve my constituents, and using taxpayer dollars effectively so that all Stratford residents can have a good quality of life.”
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 8
(R) Carl A Glad
“My vision for Stratford’s future is a thriving community that embraces and celebrates itself and its diversity. I envision a town where we celebrate our arts and cultural events, beautiful natural resources, thriving small business and restaurants, amazing community organizations and a top-notch education system. Stratford should be on the top of the list when they are looking to buy a home. I believe we have made tremendous strides in recent years and that we are just beginning what will be a renaissance of Stratford. I know we can do this through fiscal responsibility; thoughtful, coordinated, and sustainable development; and effective and efficient services, programs, and events. I am confident about where we are headed and where we will go.”
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 9
(R) Alan D Llewelyn
Editor’s Note: Alan Llewelyn did not submit the Candidates Questionnaire so we have no “Campaign Promises” to report.
TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT 10
(R) Paul T Aurelia
“Stratford is composed of many different unique neighborhoods and is blessed with a broad diversity of cultures and people. Each neighborhood should be supported as each contributes to the overall Stratford experience. In my opinion a well organized and efficiently run municipal government is the key to Stratford’s overall well being. As a Council member, I would work to see that it is the interests of Stratford and its citizens that are the priority, and that Stratford continues to be a desired destination for people looking for a special community in which to live and raise their families.”
BOARD OF EDUCATION
(D) Christopher J Cormier
“The best version of a positive future for Stratford from a BOE view would be a relationship between the Town Council and Board of Education that encourages a positive, bipartisan collaboration between the bodies. This collaboration would be a partnership where the needs of the BOE are viewed by the Council as an investment into our town and encouragement for economic development. Well run schools encourage people to settle and create a life here for their families. When that happens, businesses thrive and expand, and the town and its people succeed.”
BOARD OF EDUCATION
(D) Jill D’Angelo-Powers
“Stratford is an evolving community, and we embrace our differences. With a focus on adequate funding and equity in our education, our school system can regain its once profound status as a top-tier school district, with the added strength of increased racial and ethnic diversity. It is my hope that Stratford may continue to be a hometown that many alumni may choose to remain in or return to, because of the valuable opportunities provided for all residents.”
BOARD OF EDUCATION
(R) William “Bill” O’Brien Jr.
“During the past six years on the Town Council, I have served on the Board of Education Liaison Committee, four years as the Chairman. We have fully funded the BOE each year, proven by their annual surpluses. All my experiences and contacts throughout the BOE give me an advantage stepping into this new position. My ability to collaborate and communicate will also benefit all concerned as we do what is best for our children and our staff.”
PLANNING COMMISSION DISTRICT I
(D) Joseph Gerics
“I envision a future in which our children and grandchildren can enjoy what we all love about our town. First, we need to protect our green spaces like Roosevelt Forest and Stratford Point, while enhancing access to our beautiful waterfront. The development of the Army Engine plant and Shakespeare Theater property present great opportunities for us. Second, I envision more vibrant pedestrian-oriented business districts at Paradise Green and Stratford Center.”
PLANNING COMMISSION DISTRICT II
(D) Maxwell “Max” Dulin
“I believe that Stratford, at its fullest potential, is a destination town. I see a town that attracts families, and most importantly inspires them to stay. Additionally, my experience as a caregiver has given me profound insight on the needs of Stratford’s disabled and elderly residents; if elected, I intend to advocate for disability justice and the right of our seniors to age-in-place.”
ZONING COMMISSION DISTRICT I
(D) Linda Manos
“I am ready to represent you in partnership with all elected officials and Town Hall employees on updating the Zoning Regulations from day one, given my years of experience with the Zoning Commission, as a member and an alternate. I have knowledge of the benefits of being located in our historic town, have owned and operated a successful restaurant in town, and I have developed positive relationships that will future the growth of Stratford.”
ZONING COMMISSION DISTRICT II
(D) JF Ewald Joseph
“Having lived in Stratford for over 17 years, I realized that government decisions could be made differently to improve people’s quality of life. But I did not feel that I was ready to make any difference. Now I believe I can step in. I am a good listener, a quick learner, and my mind is open for constructive propositions and guidance. My pathway has always been led by these two virtues: respect and honesty.”
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS DISTRICT IV
(R) Christopher E Silhavey
From the perspective of the Zoning Board of Appeals, my vision of Stratford’s future is simply that Stratford’s neighborhoods are protected from overdevelopment, its shoreline and natural resources are protected, and we continually attract new businesses to town.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS DISTRICT V
(R) Michael P Carroll
Editor’s Note: Michael Carroll did not submit a Candidates Questionnaire or submit a photo.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS DISTRICT I TO FILL VACANCY FOR TWO YEARS
(D) Paula Sweeley
“I would like to see the Shakespeare Property become a thriving cultural center, and I would like Stratford to be a model of environmental preservation to name two issues that I feel are of prime importance. Beyond that, our schools need proper support so that our young people can be well prepared to go on to higher learning experiences which will equip them for well-paying and satisfying jobs.”
CONSTABLES
(D) William M Boyd, 4,848
(D) Laura Markis Johnson, 5,009
(R) Carol G Cabral, 5,139
(R) Edward J Scinto, 5,005
