Cheshire Election 2023: Peter Talbot 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.

Peter Talbot, 67, 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.facebook.com/Talbo...

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

At-Large

Education.

Bachelor's Degree Ithaca College

What is your occupation?

Retired - Former Government Affairs Manager

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

Wife Carol (married 32 years), daughters Lauren and Lindsay.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Town Council 2011-present, Board of Education 2010-2011, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission 2009-2010.

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?

I am a lifelong Cheshire resident. I'm running for an at-large seat after proudly serving the 4th district on the Town Council since 2011. I will continue to fight to:

Preserve Cheshire's charm, sustainability and community
Ensure fiscal responsibility to keep taxes low
Closely monitor school modernization projects
Promote small business and economic growth
Maintain safe neighborhoods, streets, and parks

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 Cheshire is the impending tax increase caused by the building of the two new elementary schools and this is what I intend to do about it. Over the next two years I will be laser focused on finding ways to build up the debt reserve, which will lessen the tax impact on our residents.

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

My twelve years of experience gives me a sound foundation and I continue to view things from a fresh perspective. I focus on the residents and taxpayers and make sound financial decisions.

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

The Republican majority on the Town Council failed the community by instituting the current flag policy. It has affected Cheshire High students who previously had been allowed to fly the pride flag at the Yellow House during the month of June and it has affected our veterans by forcing the removal of the POW/MIA flag at the Police Department and at the Public Works facility.

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

Economic Development, Public Safety and taxes.

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

My twelve years of experience on the Town Council and getting my alternate budget passed which brought full-day kindergarten to Cheshire.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My parents always taught me to give back and I entered public service to give back to a community that has been so good to me.

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

I always put Cheshire's best interest and the wishes of the residents first.

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.