Stratford Election 2023: Alvin O'Neal Running For Town Council

STRATFORD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for 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.

Alvin O'Neal, 67, is running for election to the Stratford Town Council as a Democrat.

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

3rd District

Education.

Building Construction and Management Degree, Doctorate in Religious Education

What is your occupation?

Owner of Construction Company, 45 Years of experience

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Yes I have a family. I have 3 beautiful, intelligent, loving and caring daughters

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. As it relates to term limits in the Town of Stratford, I am the longest sitting Councilman.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

As a Democrat and former town councilman, I am highly motivated to work alongside the current administration to better our town and specifically my district. District 3

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Housing and economic development go hand in hand. I support collaborative efforts between public and private sectors which can lead to the creation of affordable housing initiatives, such as tax incentives for developers to build affordable units. Our economic development office must research and the town council must implement policies that incentivize private sector investment in our community, fostering job growth and economic opportunity.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I’ve served on the Town Council previously for 7 plus years representing District 2 which is now known as District 3.

Some of my many accomplishments: supporting the funding and building of the current Fire Department Building, the EMS Building, renovations to the Police Department, and funding for the EMERGE women’s shelter. Closer to home, in the district, I helped fund the reconstruction of the ballfields at Birdseye and Honeyspot schools, the conversion of Birdseye School to town offices and a recreational center, the Victoria Soto School and continuous funding and support to the South End Community Center. I served on the Pension Board, Building Needs Committee, and was chairman of the Community Development (CDBG) program. I have extreme familiarity with logistics on how the town runs.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Issues relating to the funding of the Board of Ed and the needs of our children in our schools. Once elected I want to sit down with the superintendent and go over the factual findings of our BOE’s current status. Then strategically work together with our superintendent and our elected BOE members to adequately fund our BOE to be able to achieve the goals they need to be successful

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Helped to secure funding for town buildings whether new construction or the renovating of town buildings. The new Victoria Soto School and renovations to other town schools in and out of the district.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will do my best to represent you and our District 3. I need you to know I can not do this job successfully without you. We are our brothers keeper.

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.