Groton Democrat Primary: David McBride Seeks Nomination

GROTON, CT — Tuesday Sept. 14 is the Democratic Primary For Groton Town Council for a two-year term which runs from Dec. 7, 2021 to Dec. 5, 2023. Voters must be a registered Democrat in order to participate in the primary.

Groton Patch contacted primary candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

David McBride, 52, is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Groton Town Councilor.

Occupation: Director of Finance for the City of New London

Family: My wife Erin McBride (Manager of Accounting) and children Hannah (UMASS), Liam (Electrical apprentice), Makayla (Penn State), Michael (Fitch High School), and Mark (Groton Middle School)

Experience: Past President, Treasurer, and and Director of Public Works for Groton Long Point

Family in government: My wife Erin is the Manager of Accounting for the Mohegan Holding Company which is a non-gaming business diversification unit for the Mohegan Tribe which is a tribal government

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Balancing smart economic growth to raise additional tax revenues to enable increases in services to residents and/or a reduction in the mill rate while listening to resident concerns over how such growth may impact their communities. I intend to utilize my business and financial experience to ensure new developments are negotiated properly and make financial sense for the Town while ensuring resident concerns are heard which will allow necessary changes to be made if necessary to mitigate any negative impacts to the nearby communities

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I believe my 30 plus years of experience in business, finance, management, and and government will make me an asset to the Town of Groton as a Councilor

Accomplishments:

As the Director of Finance for the City of New London (as well as the Director of Finance for the Mohegan Tribe and the Treasurer for Groton Long Point) I have overseen many years of the budget compilation and review process which will assist as a Groton Town Councilor. This experience brings the understanding of the importance of a practical budget which provides government with what it needs to serve its residents without unfairly increasing taxes to the residents. These roles have also provided me valuable experience in government administration which will also prove beneficial as a Town Councilor. As a small business owner and I also understand and can assist in ensuring the Town provides current and prospective businesses the services and assistance necessary for them to thrive which will further assist in the Towns overall financial strength.

Other issues:

I currently have four primary objectives: 1 - A comprehensive detailed review of all areas of the budget to ensure every taxpayer dollar is being used properly for all the residents of Groton while also ensuring the government is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. This review should provide the ability to make necessary changes to offer additional services to residents and/or lower the town's mill rate resulting in a reduction in resident property taxes. 2 - Work with the Town Administration on the development of a detailed ten-year consolidated cash flow which the Council can utilize to assist with making proper strategic financial decisions. This document should be reviewed regularly with the Towns Capital Improvement Plan ("CIP") and future bonding/financing amounts to ensure the long-term financial interests of the Town are being continuously reviewed. 3 - Smart economic growth which will increase the tax base, bring more residents and employment opportunities to Groton while ensuring the growth does not adversely impact local communities. 4 - Development of long-term plans for investments and updates in infrastructure - improved public transportation, increased use of alternative transportation methods, enhanced and improved utilities, and and upgrades to telecommunications.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I would also like people to understand that I always try to be positive and make the best of every situation. As an example, my best friend perished in 9/11 in NYC, and I would not allow that event to destroy the impact he had on so many people’s lives. So, I, along with some friends, and established a memorial scholarship fund in his memory. We celebrate his life and all he meant to us – bringing positivity to who he was and to remember him in a positive manner. I will continue that positivity as a Town Councilor if elected and continue to move us forward in a positive manner.