Patch Candidate Profile: Kevin Beal, Simsbury First Selectman

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Simsbury resident Kevin Beal is running for the Simsbury First Selectman as a Republican.

The following is Beal's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Kevin Beal

How old will you be as of Election Day?

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://simsburygop.com/kevin/

What city or town do you live in?

Simsbury

What office are you seeking?

First Selectman

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education

Bachelor's and Master's Degree

What is your occupation?

17 years in nonprofit administration

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

Married to my wife, Kate, who is originally from Simsbury, and I have two daughters who attend Squadron Line School and play hockey for the Northern Lights.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

n/a

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

I have served as a member of the select board in Northfield, Vt., and was appointed by the Democratic Governor of Vermont as a Republican to serve on the Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities.

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?

I am running for First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury because I believe that it’s important to put aside differences and put Simsbury first. Recent articles in the Valley Press have shown there is a lot of personality conflict among our board. I think I can help. I am an experienced nonprofit executive with a commitment to public service and business development. I have been a long believer that there doesn’t have to be a difference in doing “good” and doing “well,” which has been the foundation of my work in nonprofit leadership that is both financially sustainable and civically minded.

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

A lot of opportunity is coming to Simsbury, but developments need to occur responsibly, with an eye toward sustainability and protecting the unique community that has been built here over the generations. I'm proud to say that I am supportive of affordable housing, but not at the expense of our careful town zoning and planning, and certainly not at the hands of predatory developers. I love this town and everything it has to offer. From excellent schools, world-class trails, and the small unique parts like Tariffville, Simsbury Meadows, and our beautiful downtown. I’d like to work with you to protect this wonderful community because I think it’s worth fighting for.

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

I am happy to have been unanimously endorsed by my neighbors, especially those who have served with me and know me best. Serving on a public board isn’t new to me. I’ve been a local elected leader before. Prior to moving to my wife’s hometown here in Simsbury, I was elected chairman of a local board that managed the public utilities. I also served on the Town Board of Selectmen managing the town budget.

In that time, our board worked through a very difficult situation that required thoughtful leadership. We merged two municipalities to better serve its residents. With my board, we found ways to reduce spending by nearly 10% in all departments with minimal impact on town services. I even hired the town manager, someone who continues to serve in that capacity today.

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

I have a lot of experience with leading teams, building consensus, and getting things done. It's important that our local leaders actually listen to their peers and build productive relationships. There are a number of board members who have declined to serve another term because that did not happen under the current leadership.

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

We have a budget process that isn't working for the people of Simsbury. We have increased spending, increased taxes and that coupled with higher inflation makes it harder for the most vulnerable residents in our community to continue to live here. We need to invest in the things that make Simsbury an amazing place to live, but we need to be responsible with our spending and ensure we don't stretch ourselves beyond our ability.

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

I mentioned my education, service in leading teams and managing volunteers, as well as my prior public service. I've been a local elected leader when times were tough, and I'm willing to take on that challenge again for Simsbury because this town has given so much to me and my family.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My favorite lesson shared with me on my first term in public office, is to "take the work seriously, but not take ourselves too seriously." This is important work on behalf of the people, but we need to remember that this is a people-centered business.

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