Note: All Stratford candidates running for office on November 3rd were sent a Stratford Crier questionnaire. Candidates Jim Feenan, Rick Marcone, Kevin Kelly, and Ed Scinto did not respond.
Office: State Representative District 121
Have you held office before? If yes, when and what?
Two and a half term incumbent as State Representative for the 121st House Assembly District. Also, former Fifth District Town Councilperson and Inland Wetlands Commission member
Whether you have held office or are running for the first time, what is an
accomplishment or project for the town that you are proudest of?
Securing the state bond funds for the expansion/renovation of Sterling House. The town icon is a beacon for sports, services and learning.
What made you decide to run for this particular office?
A promise I made to my predecessor, former State Representative Terry Backer. Also, having worked at the State Capitol, I was familiar with the process and excited about helping our town at the state level.
What would you like to accomplish if you are elected?
Continue increasing the education funds Stratford receives from the state. Also, protecting the phase out of state income tax on social security and pensions. (We are in year two of four-year phase out)
What’s more important for Stratford right now? Building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
I prefer rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing existing homes and commercial areas, like the former Mobil Films Division on Lordship Blvd, which is in the final stages of demolition.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
I would divide the funds between projects that when completed, would add to Stratford’s appeal. I secured $1 million in state bond funds for the Connecticut Air & Space Center a couple years back. I would add to that fund to highlight Stratford’s place in aviation history. I’d also purchase some parcels of land that would add to the footprint of
Roosevelt Forest and try to purchase some land around the South End Community Center so it could be expanded.
How do you plan to engage Stratford residents and make them a part of your decision making process?
I engage Stratford residents through email, e-blasts, FB posts and State Capitol updates they receive in the mail. Many constituents also contact me on my cell phone. I respond to emails and phone/text messages myself.
What is one of your favorite things/places/events in our community?
Stratford Point is a favorite because of its scenic beauty and work done to reclaim the land following remediation. I joined volunteers over the years to remove invasive species, plant natives and plant beach grass to halt beach erosion.
