Manchester Candidate Profile 2019: Tim Bergin, Directors

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester's election season is heating up, 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.

Tim Bergin

Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019)

34

Town of Residence

Manchester

Position Sought

Board of Directors

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Jen Bergin (Spouse) Kason (Son)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am a Policy Analyst for the Office of the State Treasurer. My wife is a teacher at Verplanck.

Education

BA Political Science, ECSU. Fellow student at UConn's MPA Graduate Program

Occupation

Policy Analyst, 6+ years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Planning and Zoning Commission, Regional Planning Commission at CRCOG, and Board of Assessment Appeals (All current appointed positions)

Campaign Website

http://www.manchesterctdems.info/

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

I don't think reducing Manchester's needs to a single category is helpful or informative. If you're asking what issues I'm interested in taking on, they are: supporting the growth, including economic growth, of our community in a way that serves all of our residents; supporting targeted investments in education that reach classrooms and improve school performance; and addressing the rising cost of health care for our public employees.

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

I bring a rounded experience and considerable knowledge of the issues facing our town and how to deal with them in a meaningful way - having studied government, worked on state legislation, and served on local boards and commissions.

List other issues that define your campaign platform

Stable taxes, renovated schools, investments in park and recreational facilities, equity and inclusion

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

I've worked on a range of successful, bipartisan legislation including the state's student data privacy law and restructuring of our Votech Schools.

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

I lived and worked in downtown Manchester for my first 7 years of being a resident and I think I have perspective on the needs of our community and small businesses. I stayed in Manchester because I value its diversity, convenience, and services.