Glastonbury Candidate Profile 2019: Chip Beckett, Town Council

GLASTONBURY, CT — Glastonbury's election season is at its peak, and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to represent their town in November's municipal election. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and has been publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Chip Beckett is running for town council as a Republican.

Occupation:

Veterinarian, 37 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Town Council 2005-present; Chairman 2011-2017

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and
this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue is uranium in well water. We need to develop a plan that allows all residents safe drinking water. That study is ongoing and does not yet have answers for all well users.

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

There are 12 of us running, all with variations of thought. I have always listened to all residents and try to chart a path forward after getting as many facts and opinions as possible, so that the vast majority of people are happy with the end result.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

My focus is to improve livability in town. Local government must serve all residents needs for access to schools, roads, pedestrian transportation, and cultural/social and recreational needs. We do not do everything by any means, but we have to create the circumstances so that all these things exist for our residents.

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

As Chairman from 2011-2017 we made progress on pedestrian access, maintained our facilities, improved the school system and kept tax increases below inflation and wage growth of our residents. There was not one thing we did that took away from any other group of residents current town services.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be honest, you never have to remember what you said.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your
positions?

It has been an honor to serve the past 14 years in the town I grew up in. My veterinary, agricultural, and civic involvement has given me a very diverse perspective of our town its citizens and residents.