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.
Name: Philip Young
Office: State Representative 120th District
Have you held office before? If yes, when and what?
Yes, Stratford Town Council District 6, 2015-2017. Current 120th State Representative since March 2017.
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?
One of my favorite accomplishments actually in Stratford was seeing the mayor to prevent the sale of the Water Pollution Control Facility, and the subsequent town referendum to stop the sale. Both were successful.
What made you decide to run for this particular office?
I really want to work on policy issues that will benefit the town of Stratford, as well as the citizens of the state as a whole.
What would you like to accomplish if you are elected?
Update recycling laws and get away from single stream recycling. Introduce a law called the “Cure Act”, which would change the way disease is treated. It would look for the cure of Diabetes and other pre-conditions instead of maintenance-based approaches. Pass legislation for early voting in CT.
What’s more important for Stratford right now: building new homes and commercial space or rehabbing/expanding/better utilizing our existing homes and storefronts?
Both are important, but since Stratford has a lot of properties that are brownfields, I’d like to see them rehabilitated, with new entities to go onto the tax rolls.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
Probably donate half it to the Sterling House so they could expand their youth programs, and the other half to the Baldwin Center to expand their programs for the elderly.
How do you plan to engage Stratford residents and make them a part of your decision making process?
My staff sends out almost daily updates on issues I am working on. I’ve also held community meetings at the library, Baldwin Center and Sterling House to hear what Stratfordites are concerned over. I also work very hard to answer questions sent to my email.
What is one of your favorite things/places/events in our community?
Long Beach, for a good hike or just soaking up some sun.
