Democratic Primary Slated For Enfield District 4 Council Nomination

ENFIELD, CT — For the first time in more than a quarter-century, a primary has been slated for a town council district seat between a pair of Enfield Democrats.

Incumbent Nick Hopkins and challenger Kari Monteforte are both vying to represent District 4. Registered Democrats residing in the district will vote Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Henry Barnard School, 27 Shaker Road.

Hopkins won the seat from incumbent Republican Charlotte Riley in 2021. Monteforte is a political newcomer.

Here is a look at the two candidates, as well as responses to questions they were asked by Enfield Patch.

Enfield Patch (EP): Why do you wish to represent District 4?

Nick Hopkins (NH): I am running for re-election to stand up for our district's affordability, open spaces, and the quality of life that leads to individuals and families choosing to put down roots here. District 4 deserves a counselor who listens to the unique needs of its residents and has demonstrated the ability to deliver real support, representation, and solutions.

Kari Monteforte (KM): I have been volunteering my time to the town of Enfield and District 4 for 12+ years in many capacities. I have lived in this town my whole life, and have lived specifically in District 4 for the past 16 years. I know this town, the land, and the people very well, and I know that I can serve the residents well and make them proud.

EP: What do you see as the biggest concern among constituents directly in District 4?

NH: Short-sighted development planning- Are we prioritizing trucking warehouses over home-owners? Are we choosing short-term revenue over long-term assets like Brainerd Park? Are we making sure businesses and neighborhoods can coexist?

KM: I’m not sure I can pinpoint one biggest concern in District 4. So many of the residents that I have spoken to over the past 3 weeks have varying things that are important to them. Some neighbors have spoken to me about things that have been important to them, but that very same thing may not have mattered at all to their neighbor. I think the biggest concern that I see for the constituents of District 4 right now is not having someone leading them that has a good working relationship with people that they need to have a good working relationship with. I believe it’s important to have disagreements on the Town Council. I also believe it’s even important to have disagreements within your own caucus. Disagreements are how change happens and change is made. But as an elected official, it’s important to have a good working relationship with all people you work with; residents, business owners, town staff and fellow councilors. I believe that the current councilor has had trouble maintaining a positive relationship with all the people he needs to, in order to do the work for his constituents in District 4. If elected, I will make certain I work to serve D4 well by listening to and working with all parties.

EP: Same question, but town-wide:

NH: Balancing costs vs. revenue. Are we spending money wisely and on things that build Enfield's economy, attract new families to town, and ensure long-time residents can still afford to live here?

KM: As far as the town goes, I believe the biggest concern among constituents in Enfield is that the councilors serving the people have just stopped listening to each other. Enfield’s biggest problem to some neighbors may be our schools. Enfield’s biggest problem to some other neighbors may be our taxes. However, what I have heard the most while talking to neighbors out door knocking for the campaign, Councilors have not been listening- and they have just been arguing. Neighbors are losing faith and trust in our Councilors and it’s time we get that back. Discussions and disagreements are important. It’s what leads to change. But I once read somewhere that discussions are always better than arguments. An argument is to find out who is right. A discussion is to find out what is right. Let’s get back to having more discussions and less arguments, and start making change.

EP: What is your position on tax breaks for large corporations?

NH: I support them only if they actually provide for the creation/relocation of a business in Enfield and the town receives an appropriate amount of tax revenue to cover the cost of the local infrastructure used by the business. These things have to be demonstrated with clear facts to gain my support.

KM: I am not a politician. I am just a regular resident who wants to serve my town. With that being said, tax breaks are one of those topics that you need all of the information about before making a decision as to whether one is warranted for a corporation or not. I do understand the need for a balance of small business, green space/recreation, large business, commerce, etc. I also understand that if tax breaks are used as a tool that towns use, then maybe Enfield would consider one for a corporation wanting to move in. However, we also have to keep our open space ours and not just throw it away to big corporations that want to come here for the tax break and to use Enfield. It’s important to have all of the information first before making huge decisions about when and how to use tax breaks to our advantage.

EP: What change do you plan to bring to Enfield in general, and District 4 specifically?

NH: If re-elected, I plan to legally limit tractor-trailer trucks from driving through District 4 neighborhoods and instead keep them on state road routes, work to build a public/private partnership to support and sustain the development of Brainerd Park, further scrutinize our town tax assessor office to ensure an equitable assessment process, and explore additional measures to support and expand daycare options in Enfield.

KM: My hope when I decided to run for councilor of district 4 was to help re-focus the town on creating a community we’re all proud to call home. A community where we can talk to our elected officials and feel heard. A community that even when we don’t see eye to eye, we can trust that our elected officials are putting their differences aside and coming to the table to work together. I hope to bring my voice to the table by encouraging those who “don’t do politics” to come and let their voices be heard. I believe in the greatest community around. But I know many of my friends and family are growing increasingly frustrated and I hope to be the beginning of a rebuilding where we all decide to not just live with our frustration, but we all take some action, no matter how big or small, to shift our town’s trajectory towards positive changes.