Patch Candidate Profile: Thomas Harbinson, Shelton P&Z Commission

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.

Democrat Thomas Harbinson, 58, is a Shelton resident running for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Education

Shelton High School, University of New Haven - BS Computer Science.

What is your occupation?

Currently: farm manager: 10 years; Formerly: construction company owner/manager: 20+ years.

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

I am the eldest of three siblings. My parents taught me a sense of community involvement through all their lives (both are recently deceased). For several decades I managed a family construction company with my brother, founded by my father, helping construct notable buildings in the NYC metro area.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Shelton Conservation Commission
May 1998-Present
Appointed by the Mayor for 2yr terms.

Shelton Economic Development Corporation
June 2002-Present
Elected by the Directors

Shelton Plan Update Advisory Committee
2006
Appointed by the Mayor, Alderman, P&Z

Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission
Commissioner Alternate
Elected by the voters November 2009

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?

After 25 years of providing advice for others to make actual decisions on applications for development, I feel it is time for me to step into a role of using my quarter of a century's knowledge toward directly making the decisions.

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

The single most pressing issue facing the city of Shelton is how the PDD (Planned Development District) mechanism for development applications has largely become a detrimental tool for the predictable build-out of the city.

If elected, I will use my quarter century's knowledge of development applications while serving the city as a Conservation Commissioner, along with my lifetime of living and working in the community, to encourage decisions that are most positively creating a balanced Shelton of both economic development and quality of life aspects such as recreation opportunities, and dedicated open space protections.

My experience in both the construction and agriculture industries will contribute toward balanced decisions to achieve these goals.

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

I have 25+ years of service in a similar role that was purely advisory.

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

I do not aspire to such adversarial comparisons. I simply offer my long-term experience from both vocation and avocation roles, and believe it a positive choice for earning the role of Planning and Zoning Commissioner.

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

Parking needs in the downtown area are not being met satisfactorily.

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

Participating in preparation of numerous grants awarded for both land preservation projects, and recreation trails enhancements such as several bridges along the route of the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path.

Managing volunteers to execute projects such as construction of the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path and the Trails Volunteer Barn at the Dog Park.

An illustrated firm understanding of subdivision regulations, ability to comprehensively understand construction documents, and knowledge of the value of natural resources to the community at large, both residents and businesses.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

A problem is just a solution in search of a conversation.

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

I admire a quote by General Norman Schwarzkopf: "Leadership is a potent mix of strategy and honor, but if you must choose one, chose honor."