Patch Candidate Profile: Charles Kelly III, Shelton Planning + Zoning

SHELTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Shelton and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Shelton-Derby Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Charles Kelly III is a Shelton resident running for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Education

Warren Harding High School. University of Bridgeport, completed five additional years of schooling and training in the electrical industry through Local 488 JACT.

What is your occupation?

Retired. Was co-owner of Johnson Electric Construction Co until 2005 and for several years thereafter, an instructor at Porter and Chester Institute.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Two sons, Charles L. Kelly IV, an electrical contractor; Christopher M. Kelly, an attorney with Principal Investments; proud grandfather of six grandsons.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. Planning & Zoning Commission since November, 2016; Commission Vice Chairman since July, 2020.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

My company played a major role in the construction sector throughout Fairfield County, giving me insight with major projects being presented to the Commission. Also, through my electrical contracting business, I have familiar with most of the architects and engineers presenting projects to the Commission.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Economic development proposals.

I have always assessed each development proposal based on its merits and if it is a best-use application.

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

Being in the construction field, I have an extensive knowledge of building construction regulations and can utilize it to properly evaluate economic development proposals.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

State mandates and regulations that negatively affect our local zoning regulations, especially the consequences and failings of the 8-30g statute which has been in place since 1989.

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

I have been a Commissioner for the last seven years and have 50 years of experience as an electrical contractor for major projects in Fairfield County and Manhattan.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Make sure the decision you make is for the betterment of all parties.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been a resident of Shelton since 1976 and was a Club Scout leader for Pack 101 and a Boy Scout Master for Troop 55.

I have served on the Porter and Chester Institute’s advisory board, as president and board member of Brownson Country Club.