Kiner's Korner: Meet the Enfield Democratic District Candidates

This the third installment of "Meet Your Democratic Candidates". The Town of Enfield is politically divided into four districts. To find out what district you vote in, you can go to enfield.org and go to the registar of voters page.

Today I would like you to meet the three Democratic candidates who are running in districts one, two, and four. Jill Krawiec in District 1, William "Red" Edgar in District 2 and Stephen Palmer in District 4, who recently sat down for an interview for Kiner's Korner. Scott Kaupin (R) is running unopposed in District 3.

Jill Krawiec

Q: Good Morning Jill. Jill, please tell us a litttle about yourself.

A: Thank you, Bill. I am an Enfield native. I love this town and I want to see the best for all of our residents. I have been married to my husband Michael for fifteen years and we have two sons, ages 10 and 13. I am proud of our two boys who attend Enfield schools, and who are doing very well. I care deeply about my town and about our environment, having served  as Secretary of the Enfield Inland Wetlands Commission. I graduated from Enrico Fermi High School and received a bachelors degree in Sociology from Eastern State University.

For the last ten years I have worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. As an employee of the Department of Unemployment Assistance, I know all too well the struggles American families face today.  I also understand the struggles that the aging work force faces.

If your readers would like to contact me, I can be reached at 860-749-5440 or at jillkrawiectcdistrict1@cox.net.

Q: Jill, let me ask you what your major concern is?

A: My major concern is whether or not the people of Enfield are truly happy with the direction Enfield is taking.  I feel that although times are tough due to the poor economy, we cannot afford to ignore our Town’s needs. Neither can we fail to invest in our town's future. Sadly, I have discovered that the people of Enfield are divided.  I have lived in Enfield most of my life and care about our community a great deal. I understand some people do not like change, but change is necessary.  I am not just referring to growth.  I would like Enfield to retain the same “home town” environment that it always has had.  But as with anything, if we do not maintain and invest in our town it will deteriorate.  The current economy is a major concern to me, but together we must find a way to invest in our community during these tough times.  Therefore, the Town’s budget will be my main concern.

Q: Jill, what are your thoughts about education?

A: Another major concern that I have is our educational system. Enfield needs to move forward and ensure that our children receive an education which will prepare them for the future.  Whether our students choose higher education or choose to enter the work force right after high school it is our job to ensure that they have the skills needed for which ever route they so desire.  Secondly, another concern of mine is the re-structuring of our two high schools. Town officials need to make responsible, educated decisions on the course of action that is taken. The changes will have a tremendous impact on our children and to future citizens of Enfield. The possible consolidation of the two high schools will be one of the Town’s most difficult and important decisions which will be made.  Many variables must be considered, such as cost, location and the ever changing demographics in Enfield. If elected to the Town Council, I would support the Board of Education with proper funding and assistance in order to ensure the transition would benefit all.

Thank you Jill.

Stephen Palmer

Q: Good morning Stephen. As the endorsed candidate for district four, can you tell me a little about yourself?

A: My wife Diana and I purchased our first home in Enfield. I currently serve as the Committee Clerk of the General Law Committee at the Connecticut State Legislature. I have held numerous positions in the legislative and executive branches of Connecticut state government.  Most notably,I served as a public policy analyst and in-house webmaster for former Lieutenant Governor Kevin B. Sullivan and later as Committee Clerk of the Labor and Public Employees Committee for State Senator Edith G. Prague, 19^th District (D-Columbia).  I graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.  I am  also a graduate of Suffield High School. My wife and I are members of the Enfield Congregaional Church.

Q: Stephen, how can you be reached?

A: I can be reached at palmer4enfieldct@yahoo.com.

Q: I know that one of the issues that you are very much interested in is job growth. Can you expound on that a little further?

A: Thank you, Bill. I would like to.  We need to engage our local chamber of commerce to discuss obstacles to job growth, perhaps by having regular meetings on a quarterly basis to keep the lines of communication open.  We also need to help businesses in Enfield stay here, grow, and thrive.  We also must do a better job promoting, marketing, and attracting new businesses to town, especially given our current inventory of empty commercial space. The goal of the next Town Council ought to be to turn Enfield into a regional driver for economic growth, especially given our location between Hartford and Springfield. If I am honored to be elected by my fellow neighbors in District 4, jobs will be my first priority.

Q: Stephen, I have heard you speak of community investments. What do you mean by that?

A: In addition to creating local jobs, we must improve the quality of life in Enfield.  We can start by cleaning up and improving Brainard Park.  The addition of a boundless playground for handicapped children, working restrooms, and paved walkways would make the park accessible for all residents.  Secondly, we should look into possibly adding bike paths throughout town.  Lastly, we must make some critical investments in renovating our school buildings. Providing a healthy and safe environment in which our children can learn is an essential task of our local government. These, and other investments in our town, are critical for our future prosperity. After all, how can we expect private businesses to invest in Enfield if we are not willing to invest in ourselves?

Thank you Stephen.

William "Red" Edgar

Q: Good morning to you Red. I am sure that our readers would like to know a little more about Red Edgar.

A: Thank you Bill. I have served the citizens of Enfield on the Town Council for 14 years, and as a police officer for 39 years. I am retired and I love to spend time with my 7 kids, my 16 grandchildren, and my 6 great-grandchildren. I have been a Veterans Service Officer for 23 years. I am a life member of AMVETS, DAV, and the Mt. Carmel Society. While an officer, I also served as President of the police Union for 14 years.

Q: Red, can you tell our readers how to get in touch with you?

A: Certainly. I can be reached at 860-745-2930. I can also be reached at w_j_edgar@sbcglobal.net.

Q: Thank you Red. What is the major issue that you would like to address?

A: One of my major issues is the economic development within the Town of Enfield, but there are other issues that directly or indirectly tie into this. We must do everything we can to be business friendly. By this I don't mean giving the store away, but we must do everything possible to maintain the businesses we have. Our economic agent along with the Town Manager should be visiting local owners to see if there is anything the town can do to assist them & let them know that the town is there to offer any assistance possible. We must also pursue new business. We must put our best foot forward showing what the town has to offer. We must consider what the law allows for possible tax incentives, tied to the number of new employees or jobs to be created.

Q: What other areas are of concern to you, Red?

A: This is where other issues come into play. In order to attract new business we must show that the town offers a quality education - the kind of education that will prepare students to enter the 21st century job market. We must show them that we have a quality infrastructure. We must show them that we have adequate public safety. All of this ties further into being fiscally responsible, providing a sound tax base, and being  able to provide a quality staff where businesses can go to for friendly assistance.

We must show these people that we are looking ahead and not just at the present. The town is limited in land available but we must do the best with what we have.

Thank you Red.  And thank you to Jill and to Stephen for sharing your thoughts with the Enfield voters.

The author is a member of the Enfield Democratic Town Committee.