Stratford Election 2021: Mike Henrick Running For Board Of Ed

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.

Mike Henrick, 60, is running for election to the Stratford Board of Education as a Republican.

Occupation: General Contractor

Family in government: No

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

The number one issue is a dysfuntional education system. Teachers are not given the resources or support they need. Residency regulations are being ignored and the budgeting has not been an open and honest process. The Republican candidates along with willing current members must take back control of the BOE and demand accountability from all participants

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Since my opponents have little to no involvement within the community, I do not know them or what they stand for. I have served 7 years as Councilman, 2 years as Council chairman, 8 years as Zoning Commissioner and many years on the Board of Assessment Appeals. I served as president of the Stratford Jaycees, coached travel soccer for 4 years, led 5 different groups of teens to West Virginia on the Appalachian Service Project. In addition, my wife and I have raised our 5 children who are now out contributing back to their communities

Accomplishments:

As a business owner the accountability, good or bad, falls on my shoulders. I have always taken responsibility for the outcome. Creating an environment where all involved feel appreciated and fulfilled is essential to the success of any endeavor.

As councilman I have sifted through 7 budget cycles, and never missing a deadline. And while serving as council chair we passed 2 budgets that were very close to 0% increases. Fighting for what is right and a willingness to take charge when needed have defined my accomplishments and helped move Stratford in a positive direction. These are skills that I believe are sorely needed at the BOE

Other issues:

The students are the #1 priority. Giving teachers and the staff the proper support and resources they need to give our children the best education is essential. Eliminating redundancy and cutting top heavy administrations, creating a clear long term plan that we can all get behind and stick to, and allowing all participants a seat at the table will be essential to our future success

What else would you like voters to know about you?

The mayor and her council have passed 4 consecutive 0% budget increases while expanding services and creating a work environment where people feel appreciated and fulfilled. There is no reason, with the right leadership, the BOE cannot mirror those results. I will fight for the little guy and put our children's future first. Please support me and the rest of the Republican slate on Nov 2.

Are you running for office in Stratford? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Stratford Patch.