Branford Election 2021 Thomas Brockett Running For 1st Selectman

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

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Thomas Brockett, 74, is running for Branford First Selectman.

Occupation: Retired Lawyer

Family: Spouse Carolyn

Experience: RTM District 7-Minority Leader

Family in government: No

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

The most pressing issue facing our town is financial. Our taxes are rising, and we are not doing enough to encourage new businesses to move to Branford. As a result, our taxpayers are paying more, but the administration transferred $3 million dollars from the "Rainy Day" fund into operations. This approach is not sustainable. On day one, I will hire a full-time economic development coordinator for two important reasons. First, we need to revitalize the downtown area and bring more shoppers into town helping to fill the empty storefronts. Second, we need to expand our business base so that were are not reliant on tax dollars from just homeowners. Specifically, I would target the bio/science/bio-medical community, tourism, and high-end manufacturing businesses. The right approach will provide revenue and help keep our taxes down.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

My opponent has been in office 8 years. During this time, taxes have increased 12% percent, the annual budge has increased 18% and the town debt has increased nearly 30%. Several expensive projects have substantial cost over-runs that have cost our taxpayers millions of dollars. The Community Center/Senior Center was 4.5 million over budget and was nearly a year late in completion. The new animal shelter is 60% over budget which represents an additional 1.7 million dollars. I will appoint a permanent building committee composed of experts so when we undertake a project we do not waste taxpayer dollars. The administration has transferred more than $10 million dollars of taxpayer money without discussion or RTM approval. That happened because my opponent prefers to work around the RTM rather than with the RTM. I have served on the RTM for the past four years, the last two as minority leader. I know how the political process works and how to work effectively with Town Hall. As First Selectman, I would promise to work collaboratively with the RTM to solve Branford's problems and issues. I believe the most effective approach to governing is a bi-partisan one. In my first term on the RTM, I joined a Republican colleague to support funding for the James Blackstone Memorial Library Renovation. Together, we educated our colleagues about the renovation plans and encouraged our citizens to share their views with the RTM. The proposal passed by a slight very slight margin and more importantly, and it was supported by members of both sides of the aisle. The administration took no position. This bi-partisan approach is my approach to politics and to my career. I was a labor lawyer and I have worked with my clients and the other side to find common-sense solutions throughout my career. I can get the job done for our residents.

Accomplishments:

My experience on the RTM as representative, clerk, and minority leader has helped me to understand how the governing process works in Branford and sometimes, how it doesn't work. As President of Branford Little League for many years, I worked closed with Branford's Park and Recreation Director to make that program one of the finest on the shoreline. I also formed relationships with 1, 000 children and some 2, 000 parents. I practiced law for over a quarter of a century where I learned negotiating skills that are essential to run Town Hall effectively. I have been a champion of working families for my entire life and will continue that mandate. I believe that, thanks to the work ethic instilled by my family, the education I recede at Branford Schools, Wesleyan University and UConn Law School, and my experience in town government, and I am well-prepared to guide our town and build a better Branford.

Other issues:

I promise to make communications a top priority, something that has been missing for 8 years. I think the best approach to governing is to give your constituents the information they need to make the right decision for their family. The pandemic, the recent storms, and the active shooter have all shown us the importance of communicating effectively.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I was born and raised in Branford with my five brothers. Our parents taught us the importance of education, hard work, and kindness. I try to bring those qualities to my work on the RTM for my constituents. I have a proven track record of being a hard worker and getting the job done with honesty and integrity. That is how I will govern as Branford's First Selectman and that is what Ray and I would expect from everyone at Town Hall.