Stratford Election 2023: Anthony Afriyie 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.

Anthony Afriyie, 26, is running for election to the Stratford Town Council as a Democrat.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://blinq.me/jzgXjyMKmTaId...

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

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

5th District

Education.

Anthony is a 2021 AmeriCorps Alum Segal Fellow from the Bronx, NY, and raised in Stratford. His parents migrated to the United States from Ghana, West Africa, instilling in him a strong sense of cultural heritage and community engagement. With a degree in political science from Western Connecticut State University and currently pursuing his master’s in public administration with a specialization in urban development and sustainability from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, Anthony blends his passion for politics with a keen interest in making a positive impact on his surroundings.

What is your occupation?

Press Secretary & Outreach Coordinator for a member of Congress

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

My father is Ebenezer Owusu-Afriyie & my mother is Agnes Adjei. They came to the U.S. from Ghana, West Africa in the 1990's. I have three siblings; Sylvester a Healthcare Professional, Amos an I.T. Engineer, and Victoria a Healthcare Professional

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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?

I am a product of the public school system, having attended Nichols Elementary School, Wooster Middle School and graduating from Stratford High School in 2015. My first experiences of employment were with the Stratford Rec Department, Rite Aid in Paradise Green, and the YMCA on Main St.

Stratford has given me many opportunities and taught me not to take for granted our wonderful way of life. That is why I am running for the Town Council. To be a steward of what we value, and sustain it for the future.

During the pandemic, I volunteered to do national service with AmeriCorps. For 10 months I had the privilege to collaborate with the National Guard, the Red Cross, local health departments, and federal stakeholders to provide help for Americans in need throughout the country. Whether it was responding to natural disasters, building homes for young families, or rehabilitating blighted properties, I witnessed what people could achieve when they have a mission, and share their expertise. I believe my lived experienced can add to our collective governance.

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

Economic Growth. I’m committed to transitioning Stratford to a circular economy by focusing on minimizing waste and creating an environment that actively encourages sustainability at every point in the value chain. Which also address biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. The measures of our collective success hinges on our ability to bring sectors and our community together united by legislation, and regulatory frameworks that serve as the foundation for a creative ecosystem.

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

I pride myself on service-orientation principles. These include focusing on return on investment, organizational agility and interoperability. Throughout my young professional career I've been afforded the opportunity to understand our town, regional, and state background and history. These experiences have enabled me to gain a technical and mechanical understanding of our governing institutions. Government usually forgets that a change in priorities requires giving up old priorities. Frequently our failure to eliminate the old as we adopt the new means fragmented resources leaving neither the old nor new priorities fulfilled. With the help of our community we will apply our common knowledge to solutions that address our contemporary issues and problems. Together.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

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

Helping our seniors to enjoy their golden years - by securing resources and funding that provides our seniors with quality services and care.

Promoting Stratford as a cultural and arts center in the Greater Bridgeport area. That provides leadership and support to our diverse arts community.

Upgrading the quality of our parks, beaches, and town facilities to preserve natural ecosystems, & absorb storm water runoff that overwhelms our town infrastructure.

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

I have actively participated in various roles that underscore my commitment to public service. I have had the honor to have interned for notable institutions such as the City of Bridgeport Small Minority and Women Business Enterprise, the Congressman of Connecticut’s First Congressional District, John B. Larson, Former Secretary of the State of Connecticut, Denise Merrill, and the Connecticut General Assembly as a Senate Intern. Even my service year during the pandemic helped shaped the young professional I am. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of government and policymaking.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day, and those decisions are determined by our priorities.

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

There was a time in our recent political past when relationships did matter, when leaders
valued civility, collaboration, and friendliness. I'd like to recreate that time. If I was given the ability to represent my neighbors and community I would live by the pledge I took during my service year, that I will get things done for Stratford – to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. Faced with apathy, we will take action. Faced with conflict, we will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, we will persevere. We all play a role in the future of your community.