Bethel Candidate Profile: Bill Ochs For First Selectman

BETHEL, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Bethel and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Bethel Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

William Ochs IV, 46, is running for first selectman as an independent. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in justice and law administration from Western Conecticut State University.

Ochs and his wife Shannon live in Bethel with their children Sophia, 13, and Billy, 11. He is the former police commissioner, and has 20 Years of corporate marketing experience.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The amount of multi-family apartment and condo style building that is causing higher taxes and increased strain on Town schools and other resources. I will implement the use of all Town building rules and requirements to make sure any proposed residential building conforms and fits into the neighborhood. Seek an immediate 6-12 month moratorium on all residential building except single family homes, have meeting with our State Representatives and leaders to show the impact of state law on local community life.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a life long Bethel resident with family roots going back 5 generations. As the unaffiliated choice for Bethel, I represent the only true change in leadership style. Tough decisions are needed to turn around the current direction our great town is headed. I have 2 kids in our school system and I understand the importance of great schools. All I asked is for all Town departments and School Administrators is to plan your budgets as if the Town Tax Rolls is all the money we have to spend. The Residents of Bethel deserve a break from the last 10 years of property Tax increases."

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Lower Taxes
Controlled Spending
Open and Transparent Government
Controlling the amount of Building in Town
Reforming the small business taxes to help drive growth and keep current business open
Comprehensive audit of all Town spending and current contracts to make sure they are correct and have the best interests for the Town

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Having years of experience with large companies and multi-million dollar budgets and quotas will be a big asset for me and the Town. Only living in Bethel and deciding to raise my family here shows that I am vested 100% in our town. My years of volunteering for the community by coaching multiple sports, shows my dedication and passion to serve my community.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am asking the residents of Bethel to take a chance and truly bring change in the leadership for our great Town and Vote for Bill Ochs on Nov 5th.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Look a person in the eyes when you shake their hand, much can be learned in this moment.