First Selectman Candidate Q&A: Richard James McKrell

On November 8, 2011 Stonington will hold its municipal election. Stonington-Mystic Patch asked each candidate to answer a questionnaire to give residents information about his or her background. For additional election coverage visit Elections 2011.

Name: Richard James McKrell

Party Affiliation: Republican

Age: 48

Address: 86 Mary Hall Road in  Pawcatuck

Hometown: Born in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Employment: Rich McKrell Painting & Remodeling—Small Business Owner

Education: Bachelor of Science in marketing from Virginia Tech, MBA with a Major in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) at Hartford

Incumbent?: No

Previous elected experience: None

Civic experience (appointments, non-profits):
Advocate to Preserve Pawcatuck Neighborhoods from Irresponsible and Harmful Development.

A Make a Wish volunteer helping to build a sunroom for Iverson Collins, a nine-year-old girl of Westerly, R.I.  Please feel free to contact me if you would like to volunteer.

Top issue facing the town and your ideas for fixing it:

Fiscal Responsibility
Promoting fiscal responsibility is a key issue especially in these difficult economic conditions and tough job market. It is imperative for the First Selectman to set an example to the town departments, residents and businesses that an efficient town government is a priority. Mr. Haberek's support and acceptance of a 2.77 percent raise while property taxes increased 1.3 percent, sets an embarrassing example and provides no inspiration for others to control costs. I will not accept the 2.77 percent raise as an example of my commitment toward fiscal responsibility and an efficient town government. It is imperative to lead by example to inspire and motivate others.

Second Issue:
Open and Friendly Government Helps Build Strong Community
Promoting resident involvement in the town is another important issue for the Town of Stonington.  An open, friendly and accessible that values and serves the residents, families and business is critical to help build strong community.  The many volunteers of Stonington's commissions, boards and agencies are the heart of the town and must be supported in every way.  My Green Door to Door Bike Campaign is an example of involving residents and valuing their concerns and comments. I have visited over 2,500 homes to date and will visit more than 4,000 homes by election day.

Third Issue:
Growth
A fiscally responsible and open/friendly town government will greatly assist in promoting growth. Both residents and businesses alike will be attracted to Stonington's affordable mill rate along with its quality services.  The goal is to make all town employees, residents and business, goodwill ambassadors of the Town of Stonington resulting in preserving our current base and also attracting others to the town and enhancing our community.