Patch Candidate Profile: Christopher Donne​lly, Brookfield BAA

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.

Christopher Donnelly, 21, is running for election to the Brookfield Board of Assessment Appeals as a Republican.

Education.

I have a GED and I'm currently a senior at West Conn, earning a bachelors degree in marketing

What is your occupation?

currently serving in the national guard and low voltage electrician at Donnelly security (part time)

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

I have a mother and father and two sisters, one goes to school with me and the other is a hair stylist, my father is a sole proprietor and owner of Donnelly security since 1992 and the sitting chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. My mother was a dentist and now works the books at Donnelly security.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My father is the chairman of the Brookfield Zoning Board of Appeals

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

No, this would be my first time, if elected

Why are you seeking this office?

It's a great public service for my town that I have lived in for 21 years and for all the town has done for me (schooling, athletics). It's time for me to reciprocate a service back.

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

High property taxes throughout Brookfield is the main issue for the BOAA, I intend to give everyone a fair and honest assessment of their property taxes and help residents learn how to appeal their property taxes.

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

For starters, I'm the youngest candidate running for BOAA, the former board members weren't very fair with their assessments the past few years, that led to a tax increase for the majority of residents across Brookfield. My plan to help these residents, is to do anything I can to try and give them some relief on their property taxes.

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

Giving a fair assessment to Brookfield residents, that led to a very unpopular opinion property taxes.

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

Communication between the ZBA and the ZC.

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

I have taken multiple finance and accounting classes while earning my degree and studying economics (macro & micro), I believe that my leadership abilities that I've learned in the National Guard and Brookfield Athletics will help me succeed as well.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always try and do the good thing, whether it's helping out someone in need or giving back to your community.

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

I played Brookfield football for seven years, I'm a life long resident and a hard worker striving for greatness.