Stratford Election 2023: Bill O’Brien Running For Board Of Education

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.

Bill O’Brien, 77, is running for election to the Stratford Board of Education as a Republican.

Education.

Bachelor of Science in Business/Public Administration from the University of New Haven

What is your occupation?

Retired from Sterling House Community Center

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

Two sons and a daughter and four grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Stratford Town Councilman, 2017 - 2023

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?

After working closely with the Hoydick administration for the past 6 years to move the town forward, it’s time to do the same with the Board of Education. Transparency is needed more than ever as the BOE administration withheld information that led to an unnecessary mill rate increase. It will be my responsibility to hold the BOE leadership accountable.

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

Taxes! As I wrote previously, I intend to demand transparency and accountability.

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

My experience is the major difference. Working closely with school staff during my years at Sterling House enlightened me on the school system. Several years ago I was presented with a Friend of Education award because of my collaboration with school staff. During the past 6 years on the BOE Liaison Committee, 4 years as Chairman, is also a major difference.

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

There are no incumbents in BOE elections.

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

Attendance, accountability, and discipline are issues that need attention. A serious issue that has suddenly surfaced is the large surplus that was not revealed during the budget process with the town administration and the town council. The BOE administration must now be held accountable for directly raising our mill rate. Those residents who demanded that the BOE budget be “fully funded" should be outraged by this news.

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

Accomplishments have been previously mentioned.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

When you’ve lived as long as me, much good advice has been given. One of the best that applied to my work at Sterling House and hearing from parents about concerns is to listen without being argumentative and defensive. The same applied to my dealings with constituents in my service as a councilman. I couldn’t resolve all issues, but I always tried.