Bethel Candidate Profile: William Ochs IV For First Selectman

BETHEL, CT — Bethel's election season is heating and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to get their name on the ballot for the city's municipal election. One of those contested races is the race for the office of First Selectman.

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

William Ochs IV (Bill), 46, is running for the office of First Selectman as an Independent.

Are you running for office in Bethel? Contact Brian McCready at brian.mccready@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Bethel Patch.

Family: *

Wife - Shannon Raised in Bethel
Daughter - Sophia, 13
Son - Billy, 11

Sister- Alicia Craybas Raised and lives in Bethel
Sister- Cathy Ochs Raised in Bethel
Mother- Carol Ochs Lived in Bethel for 30 plus years
Father- Bill (deceased)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? *

NO

Education: *

Bethel High School Class of 1991

B.S Western CT State University, 1996, Justice and Law Administration
Dean's List Recipient

Occupation: *

20 Years of Corporate Marketing experience. Working for Top Industry Agency's : Acxiom, InfoGroup, Merkle and smaller local CT agency's: List Services, Impulse Media and Macromark.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Former elected Police Commissioner (4yr term)

Campaign Website: *

www.voteforbillyochs.com
www.bethelrunsonlowertaxes.com

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 he 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.

The current leadership has done a good job over the past years, but has lost focus of what is important to the majority of town residents and the willingness to listen to these individuals. Town Traditions that are 45 plus years old,( like the nativity on the green ) must be preserved at all costs !! Small groups of residents should not be allowed to have control over the majority. Controlling spending and making sure town approved projects are completed on time and on budget. Every large project that I can recall has not gone as approved by residents. By not providing an open and transparent government makes working with and finding required public notices and documents very difficult for the majority of residents.

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.

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.

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.