Madison Candidate Profile: Kevin Kranzler, Board of Finance

MADISON, CT — Madison’s election season is heating up.

Madison Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Kevin Kranzler, 46, is a Democrat running for reelection to the Madison Board of Finance.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.
No

Education:

University of Rhode Island, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Columbia University: Mergers and Acquisitions, Executive Education Program

Occupation:

COO, Brescome Barton (9 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Board Of Finance

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

To continue to maintain and invest in our schools and beaches. I have been a vocal advocate of the "tri-board" (a working group of BoE, BoF & BoE) and believe this body should continue to work collaboratively until we deliver on our promise to provide a fiscally responsible solution to the residents of Madison, regardless of the opinions of any one individual. We must work as a cohesive working group, stop the petty nonsense, and focus on the people's business.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe I am the only CPA on any elected board in town, or currently running. Furthermore, I believe I've exhibited the ability (serving two years on the BoF) to work constructively, and collaboratively with all elected officials. I'm comfortable asking difficult questions, challenging status quo, and have demonstrated a willingness to roll up my sleeves when required.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

As a member of the current BoF, there is much unfinished business. We have schools to maintain and enhance, beaches to preserve and protect, abandoned property which must be addressed, critical life-saving departments which require our attention, and we must ensure our $15MM investment in the Scranton Memorial Library is provided a suitable operating budget.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is earning my license to practice as Certified Public Accountant. The rigor required to achieve this license requires a significant amount of time, effort, and diligence, which has prepared me, along with my 20+ years of experience in accounting and finance, to take on any complex role or project.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

"Your achievement can be no greater than your plans are sound" and "The starting point of all achievement is desire".

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

In order to ensure we tackle these important issues facing us today, in a fiscally responsible manner, we need people with passion, and compassion; people with a willingness to listen and act, both collaboratively and decisively. We need people of high moral character and integrity to provide the requisite leadership to ensure our vibrant and successful community continues to remain one of the premiere family shoreline destinations in Connecticut. In my two years serving on the BoF I believe I have exhibited those qualities, and, if elected, will fight to ensure Madison continues to thrive for decades to come.


Are you running for office in Madison? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Madison Patch.