Stamford Election Profile 2021: David Watkins For Board Of Reps.

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 2 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Stamford.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Republican David Watkins, 77, is running for Board of Representatives District 1 in Stamford.

Occupation: Retired

Family: Patricia Watkins 73

Experience: Board of Representatives since 2014

Family in government: n.a.

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

I believe my constituents’ top concern is the increasing tax burden, and I share their concerns. It is clear that the combined burden of property taxes, income taxes and Estate tax is driving people to leave our City and our State.

As a City Legislator, I have no say in the State’s fiscal management, and a large part of the City’s expenditures are obligations that are controlled by contracts are outside my ability to influence. Having said that, where possible I have been able to contribute to improvements in efficiency. The City has recently embarked upon a major upgrade in its information management system and has signed a contract with Oracle to install an Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system that eventually will facilitate major efficiencies and greatly improve services to our residents.

I was asked by the Administration to serve on the ERP Governance Committee and in that position participated in the definition and selection of the new ERP system, as well as interviewing candidates for the new Chief Information Officer position. I believe this new ERP system will enable us to manage our processes and our personnel far more efficiently in the coming years and will also provide many opportunities to interface more effectively with our residents. I expect to continue to play an important role in that transformation.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am standing unopposed in this election

Accomplishments:

• I am respected by my Board Colleagues of both Parties
• I am respected by the City Administration and my advice and participation is sought in various contexts
• I have been Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the Board of Representatives
• I have successfully tackled many issues that are specific to my constituents, including Residential Parking programs, road repaving, and other "quality of life" issues in the neighborhood

Other issues:

• Communication and responsiveness with my constituents
• Civil discourse and respect for other views
• Focus on efficiency and problem solving without ideology

What else would you like voters to know about you?

• I am just now retiring from my position as Chairman of a company involved in Operations Management for insurance entities
• At the age of 77 there are no further ambitions other than to contribute
• I had not intended to run for elected office again in 2021 but my colleagues and constituents encouraged me to invest a further 4 years in our City