Branford Election 2021: Raymond Dunbar Running For 2nd Selectman

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Raymond E Dunbar, 64, is running for Branford 2nd Selectmen.

Occupation: Retired Police Captain

Family: My wife Cindy and I live in the Stony Creek section of Branford. I have 2 daughters who both graduated from the Branford school system.

Experience: Branford 2nd Selectmen

Family in government: No.

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

Controlling project costs and protecting taxpayers. As we often need to replace or rebuild town infrastructure, we also need to do it at a reasonable cost. The present process seems to be broken. Several projects have had millions of dollars in cost overruns. We need to have a process that includes up-to-date experts who work with the town to bring an accurate cost to the town government and residents prior to approval. We can no longer do (Business as Usual). We must protect all taxpayers as we move forward, and

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I have lived in and worked for the Town for many years. I have worked with many of the department's heads of the town and know many of the issues they deal with. I have a working knowledge of the town and departmental budgets and will be able to identify areas of saving without cutting services.

Accomplishments:

I have been able to work with both Democrats and Republicans on issues. I have proven I act in the best interest of the Town. Over the many years serving on the town council (RTM) I was able to resolve town issues by working with all stakeholders. I have and will have an open mind on all Town matters. I also have shown a willingness to listen to all sides of an issue from town residents.

Other issues:

I believe in open Government. People need to be given timely information on issues concerning the Town and then should have time to speak in favor or against the issue. Many times we receive information last minute on important issues and then are told we need to vote now. Communications between all elected officials need to improve. we need to protect our seniors from high taxes by working to control project costs. All retired residents on fixed incomes need to be assured that we as elected officials are looking to protect them in keeping their homes by constraining town costs and keeping their taxes as low as possible.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I now serve the town as your 2nd Selectmen. I have served the town most of my adult life as an employee and volunteer. I believe I can make decisions in the best interest of the town based on my many years of working for and with town department heads and political leaders. It has been a privilege to serve the town of Branford for over 46 years. I hope you will continue to let me serve you for many years to come.