Stafford 2023 Election: Kurt Vail, First Selectman

STAFFORD, CT — Kurt Vail is running for first selectman in Stafford.

Name

Kurt Vail

How old will you be as of Election Day?

55

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

https://www.facebook.com/Staff...

What city or town do you live in?

Stafford

What office are you seeking?

First Selectman

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Stafford High School class of 1986, Western New England University, Southern CT University

What is your occupation?

State Representative, Sales - Longview RV

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

Hannah, 24, Graduate of University of New Haven, Dental Hygienist
Noah, 22, Senior at Salve Regina University
Sarah, 17, Freshman, University of Rhode Island
Vivian, 13, 8th Grade at Stafford Middle School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

1997-1998, Stafford Board of Education
2021 to present, Selectman, Town of Stafford
2015 to present, State Representative, District 52, Somers, Stafford, Union and Woodstock

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 because I am passionate about this community and have served it proudly as State Representative since 2015. I have gotten an even closer look at town government since serving as Selectman for the past two years. I believe this town needs consistent and honest leadership that I can provide. I have the energy, experience, dedication, and bold leadership qualities to best serve Stafford.

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 Stafford is our budget. We need to present a budget that provides all the services that our town needs while also controlling wasteful spending. I will roll up my sleeves and do an internal audit of each department to make sure we are being fiscally responsible with the taxpayers money. We will look too see if there are ways to consolidate services within town departments and with surrounding towns using relationships I have developed over the last nine years as a State Representative as well as relationships I have built within the state government.

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

I have been on the ground listening to our residents for the last nine years as State Representative and before that President of the Stafford Bulldogs Youth Football League, President of Stafford Men’s Softball league, member of the Stafford Recreation Commission, member of the Stafford Downtown Revitalization Committee and a member of the Stafford School Board. I have addressed issues for many of our residents on the state and local level. I am direct and straightforward and in the First Selectman position, I will be bold and offer leadership that will set a course for Stafford to follow for years to come.

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?

Some people in our community have approached me regarding the lack of transparency and responsiveness within our Town Hall and with some of the processes that are in place. I want to be sure that our community has an open and transparent Town Hall and they feel comfortable asking for information, that information is readily available, that they feel the town is working for them. I want to give proper notice for all town meetings, posting of open positions within town boards and commissions and open it up to more citizens. Our elected officials, appointed officials, and hired staff are here to serve this town and its residents.

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

My history as State Representative has many projects I am proud of, but one that directly impacts our community is my ongoing work on crumbling foundations. I worked on the ground with local, state and federal colleagues to help find solutions. We created Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc. Which was established by the state government to aid the homeowners affected. I have been on the board since its inception in 2017 and I will continue to work diligently on this issue.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father, Jim Vail, always told me to get involved in my community and with that in mind I decided to run for First Selectman so I could better serve the town he loved and carry on that legacy.

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

Serving as a legislator offers me a unique perspective, which I will utilize in order to be an even more effective First Selectman and advocate for Stafford. Having in-depth knowledge of the state budget, as well as looming statutory changes and unfunded mandates, will allow me the ability to prepare our town for any associated ripple effects, as I will be in a position to better execute our local strategies and budgets more effectively. Conversely, I will also be able to take my experience as Stafford's Chief Elected Officer to Hartford and help guide future legislation so that it is more friendly, and less burdensome, to municipalities.
In Connecticut we have a part time legislature and in the past I have always held a full time job in addition to my position as State Representative. I can assure everyone that this job will have my Full Time attention. If I have the good fortune to win this election I will be leaving my full time job working at Longview RV in Windsor Locks to dedicate my time to the community.
I appreciate your consideration and support and I look forward to continuing to serve this great community.