South Windsor Candidate Profile: Stephanie Dexter, Planning & Zoning

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in South Windsor, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Name: Stephanie Dexter

How old will you be as of Election Day? 69

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

https://swrepublicans.org

What city or town do you live in? South Windsor

What office are you seeking? Planning and Zoning Commissioner

Please give us your party affiliation: Republican

Education: Bachelor of Education

What is your occupation?

Currently retired, prior worked as Director of Marketing Services for Danaher Tool

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

Husband Bruce Dexter, married for 36 years with Ruby our mini poodle

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

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

I have been on Planning and Zoning for 10 years

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 enjoy this commission as we steer the town’s direction in housing, economic development and open space inventory.

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

Growing school enrollment. This Commission recently revised our housing regulations to bring back the SRD zone (Senior Residential Zone)in hopes of offering our senior population more housing options without more school age children. We are currently in the middle of revising the Plan of Conservation and Development which is our 10 year plan due in 2024 which will be the blueprint for future development.

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

I am running against two other incumbents. We all share the same visions and goals for our community.

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

We work as a group and strive to uphold our regulations as written and for the good of our community.

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

Affordable housing

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

I am committed to the work it takes to review the applications as they are received, attend all meetings and complete the mandatory yearly training as required by the state of Connecticut. These are not only requirements but accomplishments as a volunteer commissioner.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen to the residents of South Windsor and keep personal thoughts and ambitions out of the way of keeping our community safe, secure and happy.

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

I encourage everyone to stay engaged with what P&Z is doing as it’s not just about “your backyard” but the success and happiness of every one of our neighbors.