Stratford Election 2021: Timothy Bristol 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.

Timothy Bristol, 36, is running for election to the Stratford in the 7th District as a Democrat.

Occupation: Grilled Cheese Food Truck Owner

Family: Amanda Bristol, wife

Experience: Chair of 7th district Democratic Town Committee

Family in government: No

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

The most pressing issue in our town is our distressed municipality designation. I intend to address the underlying issues of high unemployment and low income in Stratford by putting into action a plan for economic development. Stratford needs to attract new and innovative businesses so that we can generate economic growth now and in the future.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am a political scientist who has spent years researching and understanding how to create effective public policy, how to enact those plans, and most important how to reach goals. My education allows me to fully understand town budgets, local taxes, and government better than most. I am also a small business owner. I know what attracts small business to town and also how to make Stratford business friendly. I've experienced first hand the difficulties that face businesses in Stratford and want to help make the process easier.

Accomplishments:

I have been active in local politics since 2013. I have worked with elected officials on a state and local level to benefit my community. I have worked with many organizations over the years and been an active participant in town meetings. I will also have my Masters degree in political science in December. This degree is the culmination of 6 years of work and research into state and local government.

Other issues:

- Reforming the Town Council rules to allow for more involvement by citizens. Currently town meetings are not widely attended because residents don't feel they can be heard. Right now public comment falls on deaf ears. The rules need to be changed to allow constructive dialog between the town representatives and the residents. - Environmental protection - the 7th district has a toxic soil problem near the old Raymark Industries site. Clean up of that site is extremely important. As it continues it's important to make sure goals are met and residents' concerns are addressed. - Community Involvement - I want to grow the attendance and involvement in community events and make Stratford a place people come to have fun and most importantly grow small business. I have worked with the vendors at the Paradise Green Farmers market and the Shakespeare Market to collaborate on growing those events. I am also working with the head of those markets to create a renaissance festival in town in October which we hope to make an annual event for Stratford.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am ready for this job. I need zero on the job training and on day one I will be ready to serve the 7th district and all of Stratford. I will use every ounce of my knowledge to make Stratford a better town for all of its residents. From the minute I am sworn in and I will do everything I can to represent the 7th district the way it needs to be represented.

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.