Stafford 2023 Election: William Morrison, First Selectman

STAFFORD, CT — William Morrison is running for first selectman in Stafford.

Name

William Morrison

How old will you be as of Election Day?

68

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

https://www.stafforddtc.org

What city or town do you live in?

Stafford Springs

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.

Democratic party

Education.

Graduated from Ellington High School in1974; Attended Manchester Community College

What is your occupation?

I am currently retired. I worked for more than 40 years for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation. My last position was that of a Transportation Maintenance Manager (Bridge Maintenance).

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

I have been married to my wife Lynn for 42 years. Together, we are the proud parents of four children and love spoiling our six grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No one in my family is an elected official, but I have several family members who work for a town or the State of CT.

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

No

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 Stafford, CT because I have a deep commitment to our community and a strong desire to bring positive change and progress to our town. My aim is to work closely with my trusted colleague, Rick Hartenstein, and use my proven track record of service to take on the leadership responsibilities that come with this role. I am eager to secure essential funding for Stafford, relieve the tax burden on our residents, and ensure a sustainable financial future for our town.

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

The most critical issue facing our constituents is the financial strain on our town, which is affecting our essential services and infrastructure. My plan is to address this by using my expertise and extensive network to collaborate with legislative leaders, explore bond and grant opportunities, and work diligently with the town grant writer. My goal is to alleviate the financial pressure on our residents and set Stafford on a path towards a secure and prosperous future.

To accomplish this, it is vital that our town generates revenue. Historically, Stafford was a thriving mill town. It was a place where people could live and work and feel supported by their community. We need to bring this back. There should be a focus on attracting a variety of businesses and industries that provide well-paying jobs. Positions need to be available to our residents across the skill and education spectrum. I want the people of Stafford to be proud of our town and know that the town boards support them.

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

I pledge to be a full-time leader and champion for all Stafford residents. I will give 110% to the town of Stafford and to the responsibilities of First Selectman. As a retired State of CT employee, I am not stretched thin with multiple responsibilities, and I do not hold other elected positions.

I will work tirelessly for the town of Stafford. I plan to attend all BOS meetings and be present and available to our residents. I pledge to listen to everyone. The people of Stafford should feel comfortable coming to the board with concerns and always feel welcome in the BOS office.

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?

In my campaign, I am committed to addressing a range of issues that are crucial for the well-being of our community. I intend to improve housing availability through initiatives such as continuing the Woodland Springs Project, restoring essential services and creating job opportunities in partnership with Trinity Health (JMH), and revitalize vacant buildings to encourage business growth and economic prosperity in Stafford.

In addition, I plan to focus on our roads and infrastructure. I want to pursue grant opportunities and state and federal funding to bring Stafford’s deteriorating roads up to date and safe. Stafford roads have been neglected for too long. I plan to work closely with the Department of Public Works and help to support their never-ending struggle for funding and resources.

I am also dedicated to fostering open communication and building productive relationships with town committees, boards, and the community to work together towards our common goals. As an example, I presently attend all Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and special meetings organized around the Brownstone projects.

I understand how important it is for all boards to work together and share accurate information to Stafford residents. The Selectman’s office has an obligation to keep Stafford residents informed. People should not have to rely on Facebook posts for information- I believe that information should be shared directly from the source. As First Selectman, I plan to support a newsletter emailed to residents and shared on various platforms. Residents deserve to receive updates such as a proposed sale of a town building, timelines on projects including the downtown rotary and sidewalks, repair of bridges, and Furnace Avenue construction.

I also believe that open communication will help residents better understand the budget process. I want to clarify a proposal that I previously said about the budget referendum. I didn’t suggest that we remove the town wide referendum vote. My proposal was to organize an additional meeting where residents have an opportunity to more directly contribute their thoughts to the budget, before it goes to referendum. It is irresponsible to send an unpopular budget to referendum. All residents have a right to vote on how their tax dollars are spent.

I pledge to share accurate information and not leave Stafford residents in the dark. I will research ways of communicating with the people of our town that may not have access to the current social media platforms as described. At the very least, I will welcome them to the Board of Selectmen's meetings openly and will make my office a place where honest and open discussions can occur.

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

My extensive background, marked by my service in the United States Army and my many contributions to emergency services, fire departments, public safety, youth sports, and community organizations, is a testament to my capability to handle the responsibilities of First Selectman. My diverse interests and expertise in areas such as the building trade, public transportation, and physical activities demonstrate my readiness and well-roundedness for this role. My straightforward approach to problem-solving, strong drive for success, and genuine desire to make a positive impact are what I believe make me the ideal candidate to guide Stafford into a prosperous and sustainable future.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I have received is to treat all people with respect.

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

As First Selectman, I vow to work collaboratively with the Board of Selectmen and other town officials, regardless of the election outcomes, because I believe in the power of teamwork. My goal is to represent all of Stafford, not just specific parties or interests. Together, we can accomplish great things, and I am focused on uniting us towards the common goal of bettering our town.