Patch Candidate Profile: Bob Belden, Brookfield Selectman

BROOKFIELD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Brookfield and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Brookfield Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Bob Belden, 68, is running for election to Brookfield selectman as an unaffiliated candidate.

Education.

BA Mathematics & Economics, Dartmouth College and MBA, Harvard Business School

What is your occupation?

Retired after 42 years with IBM Corporation

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

Wife, Janice, age 66, retired teacher at St. Joe's, Brookfield. Five Children. Son, Bobby Belden, age 41, educational consultant Monterrey Mexico. Daughter, Laura Huling, age 38, pediatric dentist, Brookfield CT. Daughter, Jessie Librizzi, age 36, middle school guidance counselor, Essex Junction VT. Son, Chris, age 33, solar sales, Newtown CT. Son, Alex, post-doctorate, Somerville, MA. 9 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, just me.

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

Current Board of Education Chairman, Brookfield, 2015-present. Prior Board of Finance Chairman, Brookfield, 2003-2011. Retirement Benefits Committee, Secretary, 2008-present. Capital Planning Committee, 2022-present. Election Place Moderator, 2020-present.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have volunteered to support the town of Brookfield for 20 years now, most recently on the Board of Education. It is time for me to make room for others to serve on the Board of Education after my 8 years, and I am glad to have the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to a new role for the town I love.

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

"continuing to provide great services and education, at affordable tax levels". Many needs have been identified in Brookfield, including the need for a new police station, an updated library, re-use of Center School, more recreational options for our kids, and great schools. At the same time, we have just constructed a new elementary school. Sorting thru how to make continued progress on our needs and at the same time manage tax rates and debt levels is a critical budgeting and decision-making process. I intend to work with my constituents and the other boards to think thru priorities, timing, and alternatives. There is no magic bullet, just plain old fashioned hard work, creative thinking, and focus.

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

My experience in public office, in my career as an executive at IBM, and in other not-for-profit boards.

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

Harry Shaker and Steve Dunn have been stalwart selectmen in the current administration. I support them both. Neither is running for Selectman. That said, Steve Dunn is my running mate, where he is running for First Selectman, and he has shown that he brings strength and professional experience to the role in his prior 3 terms. He deserves to be in this leadership role once again.

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

First, Education is always a top priority, and I am deeply invested as the current BOE chair. Second, development in Four Corners needs to be managed effectively so that our town center district is what we as a town wants it to be. Third, that we need experience and professionalism on all our Boards.

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

My 42 years at IBM, of which 26 were as a Vice President, have provided me the opportunity to lead large organizations and manage people. I have worked in a matrix-like organization my entire career, which is perfect experience for coordinating the various Boards that make a town work. Add to that my 20+ years of experience working in Brookfield's government, which gives me a depth of knowledge on how issues are managed. I am a known individual both in town and with the staff of the town and schools. It will be an easy transition.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen. Listen well.

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

I have also had not-for profit experience. I spent 8 years on the Regional YMCA Board of Directors (2004-2012), the last three as chairman. I am currently on the Regional YMCA Board of Trustees. I am also currently the president of the Brookfield Library Foundation, a not-for-profit fundraising organization in support of a future new library.