Candidate Profile: Penny Kessler​, Bethel Planning & Zoning Commission

BETHEL, CT — The 2023 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.

Penny Kessler, 68, is running for re-election to the Bethel Planning & Zoning Commission as a Democrat.

Education.

1993 Masters Degree in Sacred Music/Ordination Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, NYC; 1975 BA Brooklyn College, NYC

What is your occupation?

In June I retired as Cantor of the United Jewish Center in Danbury after 28 years. I have served the area Jewish community since 1985.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband, Stanley, is a retired dentist who had a practice in Bethel for 40 years. He was active in the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association and is now on the board of RVNAhealth.

Our 3 children (now adults) were educated in the Bethel schools and now have successful professional careers.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I was elected to the Planning & Zoning Commission in 2019.

Why are you seeking this office?

I love Bethel and I'm passionate about the future of this beautiful town that has been so good and such a blessing to my family.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

... making sure that future development is carefully planned to improve the quality of life in the town.

I will continue to vote for projects that ensure Bethel's growth without negatively affecting adjacent neighborhoods.

I will continue to reach out to Bethel officials to make sure that our infrastructure can support continued growth.

I will continue to urge my co-commissioners to be scrupulous to avoid the impact of unintended consequences of their decisions.

I will continue to hold developers to the highest standards, making sure that new projects are developed with thoughtful care.

I will work to maintain the loving nature of our town while making sure that we have enough affordable housing for people who want to remain here or move to our community.

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

My family has been blessed by this town for 45 years, and I want the same for future generations.

As a P&Z commissioner, I will continue to hold developers accountable to the highest standards.

I will continue to work for the best interests of all Bethel townspeople.

I will make sure that Bethel continues to grow with care and love so that we can entice people and businesses to move and create lives here.

I will make sure that there is good communication between P&Z and the people of Bethel.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I am running for reelection, and my voting record shows my devotion to the town. In the next few years, P&Z will be challenged many times. I want to continue to serve so I can continue to bring a fresh perspective.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In the coming months and years, there will be many proposals that come before P&Z. We have to take into account infrastructure, downtown parking needs, traffic, and compatibility with neighbors. It's our responsibility to make smart and responsible growth.

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

As a clergy person, I know how to cooperate with people with diverse opinions. I have served on non-profit boards and understand how to bring various viewpoints together for the common good. From the beginning of my term as a P&Z commissioner, I recognized that we had to be scrupulous in the way we reacted to developers and compassionate in our responses to community needs.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Who is wise? The person who will learn from everybody.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The results of municipal elections affect everyone every day. This municipal election is extremely important. All decisions that P&Z and all boards and commissions may affect every Bethel resident, from renters to home owners, from business owners to commercial developers. Please vote. And please elect the Democratic team that will respect YOUR vision of what our town should be.