Patch Candidate Profile: Brian Hoffmann, Brookfield Board of Finance

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.

Retired financial executive Brian Hoffmann, 59, is running for a seat on the Brookfield Board of Finance. He is unaffiliated with any political party, but can be found on the Democratic ticket. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Villanova University, a master's degree in computer science from Union College, and an MBA from Harvard University. He has two children with his wife, Lisa.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I have recently retired after a 37-year career with IBM and now have time available to give back to the Brookfield community where I have lived and raised a family for the last 27 years.

In speaking with Steve Dunn and Bob Belden, I was impressed by their passion to do what is best for Brookfield. They have gathered an incredible team of experienced and qualified professionals that will help lead Brookfield into the future. I am not affiliated with the Democratic (or any) political party, and this did not matter to Steve and Bob; they encouraged me to run for Board of Finance on their ticket because of my expertise, putting the town ahead of politics.

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

Managing the town budget and tax burden creates difficult tradeoffs, and the current environment is making it that much harder. In speaking with our town residents, everyone supports providing quality education for our children and we all appreciate services provided by the town and their positive impact on our quality of life. That said, current increases in cost of living are impacting all our residents, and those who are retired and others raising families seem especially concerned about the amount of tax we pay. As a Board of Finance member, I will work to optimize these two agendas – providing the quality education and services we demand at the lowest possible tax burden – now and in the future.

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

My experience is my differentiation. I have been a financial executive at IBM for decades, managing budgets ranging from millions to billions of dollars. I have lead groups similar in size to our town organization as well as heading businesses employing thousands of people across the world. In all these roles I get into the details, and use my experience and creativity to get value out of every dollar spent or invested. My reputation is based on being trustworthy, frank, honest and open, and I get things done.

If you want a professional, experienced financial leader who is not driven by political ideology on the Board of Finance, I am here for the town.

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

I will focus on 3 areas in my role on the Board of Finance
1. Managing the current year financial budgeting and execution while continuing to strengthen our long-term planning
2. Find ways to take advantage of funds available from the state, etc
3. Increase 2-way communication with our residents on our financial condition and plans

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

I would like to highlight the dedication of the current members of the Board of Finance and I appreciate that they volunteer their time for the good of Brookfield. I am looking forward to working closely and collaboratively with them, as well as all other constituencies for the good of the town.