Somers Candidate Profile: Ralph Williams, Board Of Finance

SOMERS, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in Somers, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Ellington-Somers Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Name: Ralph W. Williams, Jr.

How old will you be as of Election Day? 74

What city or town do you live in? Somers

What office are you seeking? Board of Finance (two-year vacancy)

Please give us your party affiliation: Unaffiliated

Education: Hamilton College, B.A. in history

What is your occupation? Retired newspaper editor

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

My wife, Suzanne, and five adult daughters

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

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

Board of Finance since 2021; Charter Revision Commissions (2013, 2015, 2018); Zoning Board of Appeals since 2018; Somersville Mill Strategic Ad Hoc Planning Committee (2015-2018)

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 have served on the Finance Board since 2021, when I was appointed to fill a vacancy. I believe I have been a good steward of the town's finances, seeking to meet the needs of a town while not overburdening its taxpayers.

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

Competent, affordable town services. By keeping rein on town borrowing and tax rates while assuring that the town can maintain adequate services and facilities.

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

A level of experience and a demonstrated record of civic concern.

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

Making sure voters are aware that the November ballot also includes bonding questions for projects with a total price tag of $23.7 million.

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

A trained record of holding public officials accountable and demanding government openness.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do your job with diligence and humility.

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

I am running as a petitioning candidate, appearing on the ballot at 7C. I am a low-key conservative who is not comfortable with either major political party as currently constituted.