Cheshire Election 2023: Jim Jinks Running For Town Council

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Cheshire with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission and more.

Cheshire Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jim Jinks, 52, is running for re-election to the Cheshire Town Council as a Democrat.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.cheshiredem.org/20...

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

2nd District

Education.

B.A., UConn. M.A., Trinity College. Certified Connecticut Municipal Official (CCMO)

What is your occupation?

Marketing. 25+ years.

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

My wife and I have been married for twenty-four years and we have four children. Our oldest daughter, Grace, is a junior at American University in DC. Our next oldest daughter, Maggie, is a freshman at Holy Cross in Worcester. Our youngest daughter, Ellie, is a junior at Sacred Heart Academy and our son, Henry, is a freshman at Notre Dame-West Haven. We also have an Airedoodle puppy named Claudia Jean ('CJ'.)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

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

Yes. I'm running for re-election. I've had the privilege to serve on the Town Council for two terms. I was first elected in 2019 and won re-election in 2021. I was also appointed to serve as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner-alternate from 2017 to 2019.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

These days when democracy is on the ballot each and every election, serving on our local legislative body is a privilege I don't take for granted and it's an opportunity I cherish. I'm running again because we have a lot of work to do to try and keep Cheshire as affordable as it can be while making important investments in public safety and keeping our schools among the best in our state. But my interest in serving on the Council goes beyond immediate budget concerns and priorities. I initially ran for the Council because I wanted safer streets, more walkable neighborhoods and a network of bike-friendly streets in town. The need for safer streets (and reducing traffic congestion) has only increased as speeds, poor driving habits and rapid economic development have made our streets less safe than just a few years ago. Safer and 'complete streets' is emerging as a statewide priority as well. I was recently asked to serve on the Naugatuck Valley Council of Government's advisory committee for their active transportation plan. In this role I'll be able to advocate for Cheshire's inclusion in a regional plan for safer streets for all roadway users. I feel it's important to have someone on the Council looking out for Cheshire and with a background in advocating for safer streets. This is going to continue to be a major concern and issue going forward.

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

The single most pressing issue facing everyone is the accelerating costs of virtually everything - especially housing, health care, fuel, food, daycare, early childhood education, college tuition and on. It's harder than it's ever been to keep up. In the past year wages have finally been advancing relative to costs but this is the first time in over forty years. This is why most of us aren't feeling the relatively strong economy right now. What I intend to do about it is continue to keep a close eye on town spending and continue to support budgets that keep tax increases low while balancing the need to deliver the valuable services Cheshire residents demand. We can always improve but our town and school system provide a high level of value while being very good stewards of our tax dollars. Our department heads and town staff take a lot of pride in achieving this balance. I'll work to continue to support their efforts and continue to seek ways to bend the cost curve and provide services in creative, effective and more efficient ways.

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

I have over twenty-five years of experience in small business management and marketing in the private sector. I also have six years of experience in elected/public service and over five years running an award winning local non-profit (Bike Cheshire.) I have a Master's degree in public policy and recently completed the Certified Connecticut Municipal Official program with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. For the better part of the past decade I've been involved in my community and working to make it better for everyone. I take public service very seriously and I have the passion and determination to try and move our community forward.

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

As a group our slate is focused on safer streets, strong schools and smarter growth. These are our priorities and what you can count on from a Democratic majority. We need more traffic enforcement and more officers to bring safety back to our neighborhoods and return order to our streets. We need to continue to make the investments in staff and buildings to keep our schools among the best in the state. We need to protect our natural resources (and our farm properties) to retain the rural, historic character that makes Cheshire special for so many of us.

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

First and foremost I've been a town councilor for four years. I trust the voters and they've put their faith in me twice now. Professionally I've held leadership positions in the private sector for over two decades. I also have a Master's in public policy and I've recently successfully completed the Certified Connecticut Municipal Official (CCMO), a continuing education program offered by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. I take public service seriously and it's an opportunity I cherish.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Consider value not just price. Also, treat others as you wish to be treated.

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

I'm concerned we're at a moment of transition in Cheshire. I fear we're at risk of becoming just like the traffic-clogged, busy towns all around us. We're at risk of losing a lot of what makes Cheshire special. I think the decisions we make over the next 2-4 years may impact the course of Cheshire's future for the next several generations. We can't afford more of the same. We need to think about how we can make Cheshire at least still feel like the small town where we all want to live. This is why I urge you to vote for myself and my fellow Democratic candidates this election. Our focus is on being more transparent, investing in safety, preserving our natural and cultural resources and building a more inclusive and stronger community.

Are you running for office in Cheshire? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Cheshire Patch.