Stratford Election 2021: Kerry Whitham Running For Town Council

STRATFORD, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and more.

Stratford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Republican Kerry Whitham, 59, is running for election to the Stratford Town Council in the 5th District.

Occupation: Retired

Family:

Husband: Robert Whitham, employed at Sikorsky for over 40 years, raised in Stratford

2 Adult Children: Kelly and Michelle, raised in Stratford

3 Grandchildren: Mallory, Kayleigh and Violet, raised in Stratford

Experience: Currently serve as an Alternate on the Planning Commission, past ad-hoc Secretary of the BOE curriculum committee.

Family in government: No

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

Taxes.

To keep Stratford affordable without reducing town services, we need continue to increase our grand list and tax base through economic development. Many new businesses and families have come to Stratford and are proud to call Stratford home. We welcome all of them. Property values are increasing while our mill rate has seen reductions over the last four years, resulting in tax decreases for many. Kudos to our current Mayor and administration for making Stratford such a great town where businesses and families want to be.

Critical Differences between me and my opponent:

What separates me from my opponent is my ability to effectively collaborate across party lines, with clear vision, to keep Stratford moving forward. Unlike my opponent, I would have voted for a ’21-22 town budget that lowered the tax mill rate.

Accomplishments:

I have 25 years at GE working for senior level executives. I have held leadership positions in many community organizations such as the Stratford YMCA, Christ Episcopal Church, PTA, and Beach Drive Condominium Board. I know what and how to get things done in a professional and civil manner.

Other issues:

Education is a priority for me and I will promote open communication and collaboration between the Board of Education and the Town Council to continue to make Stratford a town where families are proud to educate their children.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have lived in Stratford for over 35 years, raised my children and grandchildren here, and volunteered in the school system as well as many other community events in town. I love this town and all it has to offer and would be honored to serve as Councilwoman for the 5th District and the Town of Stratford as we continue to move this town forward.