Enfield Candidate Profile: Douglas Finger, Town Council

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

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

Name: Douglas Finger

How old will you be as of Election Day? 63

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

https://EnfieldRTC.org

What city or town do you live in? Enfield

What office are you seeking? Town Council

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

District 3

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: High School

What is your occupation? Department of Public Works Town of Enfield

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

Wife Kathy, she was born and raised in Enfield District 3, two daughters Cheryl and Brittany, both graduated from Fermi with honors

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

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

Yes, currently at a Town Council At Large Councilor

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 seeking this office to better represent the District 3 taxpayers. My views are keeping taxes affordable, bringing in reliable new business, both small and large and making sure Education is a priority.

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

Taxes. We need positive media for Enfield. That would include welcoming commercial development in the proper areas and not giving millions in tax breaks to those that do not bring viable jobs to Enfield.

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

I have proven to be more approachable and transparent across the board. I also have proven not to vote along party lines if I feel it isn't the best interest for the taxpayers, as my opponent has done so many times, putting party before taxpayer. The residents are my first and foremost priority. I also have no intentions on using this council appointment as a stepping stone going into state politics.

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

Unfortunately, loss of trust to many in the community and bringing bad publicity to not just the district, but the town as a whole. I have proven I can lead our community in these difficult times, and not just follow the majority and do what I am told. For the record, I offered to debate the incumbent in District 3 with a neutral moderator, yet he chose a location outside of the district with a moderator who has publicly acknowledged donations to the Democratic campaign even before the debate was scheduled. Again, fairness and honesty is what sets us apart.

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

Getting the council and BOE to be more open and cohesive, especially during budget time. I would like to go back to the charter and make residency requirements for certain higher level town employees and would like to get more taxpayers to attend / contribute to meetings.

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

I was on the Public Safety committee when we brought the safety complex back to the voters with a modified referendum, which I can honestly say was a great feeling. Voted to disperse ARPA funds to local small businesses and non profit organizations, voted to get Thompsonville back on its path for redevelopment and also voted for our town green concert series, all which contribute to a better Enfield for years to come.

My most rewarding accomplishment was helping some residents in District 3 with flooding in their basement from a local pond being pumped out. I was there when they needed me the most and was able to minimize the damage while helping to prevent this occurring again. Residents will ALWAYS be my first and foremost priority.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Marry that girl before you blow it" 40+ years later, that was so true.

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

I have a strong, proven record of trying to reign in this out of control spending. I bring to public how others are trying to spend your tax dollars on pet projects that only serve a few and not the majority of the community. I will always look out for the taxpayers of the community and have never used my position for personal gain in any capacity