Candidate Q&A: David Gilchrist

Name

David W. Gilchrist

Party /Position

Republican, Selectman

Background

Attended Grammar School and High School in Canton, was President of my class and Captain of the Football team. Served two years in the U S Army – Infantry and then attended The University of Hartford where I earned a BS in Engineering.

Family Information

I am a widower with three grown sons and have owned my home on Lawton road since 1964.

Occupation

Retired General Manager of Chandler-Evans, a 1,000 employee manufacturer of aircraft engine fuel controls and pumps.

Political Experience

• Zoning Board of Appeals- ten years
• Permanent Municipal Building Committee 2003-2005, Intermediate and High School renovation.
• Charter Revision Commission
• Elderly Tax Relief Commission – Chairman
• Selectman 2005 to date.

Other Experience

• West Hartford Chamber of Commerce eight years, President two years.
• Canton Chamber of Commerce “Town Official of the Year” 2005.
• Successfully circulate a petition to require a budget referendum in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for my fourth term because I think I can make a contribution to Canton.

What Skills do you have that you could bring to the community?

The managerial skills I acquired during my manufacturing career, my knowledge of Canton and my six years as a Selectman are the skills that I bring to the community.

Primary area of Focus, if elected

Maintaining and improving services while reducing the cost of government.

What is something the Town has done well over the last four years

Controlled the cost of government while improving services. In three of the last four years the Board of Selectman have underspent their budget and returned a total of $770,300 to the Undesignated Fund balance, and the Selectman’s Budget has only increased 1% over the last three years.

What is something the Town could have done better over the last four years?

The Town revised the Town Charter, but failed to gain approval of the Charter Revision.

Hopefully the Charter Revision will be approved at the Nov. 8 election.