Branford Election 2021: Kurt M. Schwanfelder For Town Treasurer

BRANFORD, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Kurt M. Schwanfelder, 68, is running for Branford Town Treasurer.

Occupation: Business Owner/operator

Family: I was born, raised, and have lived in Branford for 68 years. I am a third generation Branford native. I am the father of two children and have two grandchildren. I was raised in St. Mary's Parish and presently a member of the Trinity Church congregation. I have been the owner/operator of my own business, Britain's Automotive in Branford for 50 years. I am a life member of the New Haven Railroad Historical & Technical Association; an archive of New Haven Railroad train history. I am also a long-term member of the Railway Museum of New England. This operating museum includes locomotives, railcars, and 25 miles of track from Waterbury to Torrington. I have been involved in locating, transporting and the restoration of six freight cars to preserve the history of the New Haven Railroad.

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Grow the Town Grand List - We need to create economic development to increase revenues without continuing to our residential taxpayers. For the past several years the Town's Grand List has remained flat while expenditures have increased by over 3% annually.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am the current Branford Treasurer, serving for the last two years. The other candidate has not served as Branford's Treasurer. My 36 years of public service and my 50 years of business experience provide additional experience, and insight and qualifications for the position.

Accomplishments:

I have served the Town of Branford as an elected official for 36 years. Currently, I am Town Treasurer. I review and authorize all town expenditures. I communicate regularly with the Finance Department and all Town Department Heads. In my prior public service, I have served on numerous Boards and Commissions. I was member of the Board of Finance - we reviewed appropriations & expenditures of Town's Budget. I served as a Police Commissioner - the public review board for all police services and personnel. I was a member of the last Charter Revision Commission. I served as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals- review and recommend tax adjustments for taxpayers I have been a member of the Parks & Open Space Commission- oversight of all town parks and municipal open space areas.

I served on the RTM for 22 years. As a member of the RTM, I served as both Majority and Minority Leader. I was Committee Chairman of both Public Services and Administrative Services. I also was a member of all five Standing Committees.

During my service on the RTM there were a number of legislative accomplishments. The creation of a new department - General Government Buildings (GGB), which streamlined facilities' management of all town buildings across all departments.

Numerous rules and regulations were passed and ultimately became part of the Town Charter. On significant piece of legislation which provided the town with checks and balances was the dealing with town property. ALL town owned property; land, buildings, vehicles, etc. now require legislative review and approval for all transactions.

Other issues:

Throughout my career in both public service and business, I have a reputation of dealing with facts and stating the truth. Most candidates running for public office will make the statement that they will lower taxes. This will NEVER happen. When a town is fiscally responsible by keeping its revenues up and expenditures down, the amount of possible tax increases are very small. As treasurer, and this is my goal.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

My tenure on various Branford Boards, Commissions and Committees have afforded me the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of our town’s operation. Presently, as treasurer and my past public service qualify me to seek another term.

I’m dedicated to providing our citizens with the highest standards in fulfilling the responsibilities of treasurer. In my capacity, and I will continue to work with all town departments and stakeholders to effectively meet the requirements of my position.