Stratford Election 2023: Carl A. Glad 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.

Carl A. Glad, 41, is running for election to the Stratford Town Council as a Republican.

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

https://www.facebook.com/profi...

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

8th Town Council District

Education.

University of Baltimore School of Law, JD. American University, BA Political Science.

What is your occupation?

Attorney, 12 years

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

Wife Amy Glad; Son Anderson Glad age 11; Daughter Caroline Glad age 9

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None

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

I am the current Chair of the Town of Stratford Commission on Aging.

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 running for the 8th District Town Council seat because Stratford is an amazing town and I want to contribute to its success. Growing up in Stratford brought me wonderful experiences and inspired me to continually give back to our community. I want our children to feel the same way about Stratford as they build their future lives and careers here. Stratford has a unique, dynamic, and strong community. Our town is rich in history and a home to new beginnings. I want to build on all these positives and continue our progress. I believe in bringing our collective strength together to put our community first. Through this I know we can unlock all of Stratford’s potential. I am looking forward to bringing my experiences, dedication, and new perspectives to the Council to ensure that Stratford continues to grow and remains a community where all people can live, work, and raise their families. I am Glad for Stratford and I want everyone that lives, works, and visits in our community to feel the same.

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

Sustainability. As a community we need to proactively build sustainability in all aspects of our town. We need to ensure that our economic development is the kind of development that is sustainable for generations to come, both economically and environmentally. Our financial decisions need to be fiscally responsible so that we can sustain a mill rate that encourages livability across our community. Our government services should be able to meet the needs and demands of our community today but also include the flexibility needed for the future. The investments in our Public Education System cannot only be for short-term gains, they must also reflect the projected needs of our children. As a Town Council we should where we believe Stratford is headed and substantively engage the community in that discussion. In recent years our community has taken steps to make our government more resilient and we can build on that success. The Stratford Public Library, Senior Services and Health Department are already implementing strategic plans that include significant public input. The Planning Commission and Zoning Commission are also in the process of developing plans for our future; these processes are also collaborative with the entire community. Our community deserves this kind of forward-looking and proactive thinking. We need to continue and enhance this process across all our town government.

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

I am running unopposed. I look forward to working with my colleagues and Mayor Hoydick to tap into all of Stratford's amazing potential.

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

I am running unopposed. I am thankful for the work of our current Council and the advances they have made for Stratford. It is important we build on those successes and ensure they reach all areas of our community.

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

It is imperative we work together to put our community first. I support thoughtful, coordinated, and sustainable economic development; fiscal responsibility; good governance; and a safe, supportive, and dynamic educational system.

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

I am uniquely qualified to serve on the Town Council and represent the 8th District; I am a homeowner, the owner of a local-small business, an attorney, and a committed volunteer in our community. I spent several years working in legislative affairs in Washington, DC. That distinct experience provided me with an invaluable insight into the value of compromise, coalition building, government budgeting, and the importance of good governance. As a local attorney that has a focus in real estate, I am incredibly familiar with our zoning regulations, commercial development, the value of our homes and why people are moving to Stratford. Most importantly, I care deeply about this community. I made the choice to move back to Stratford to live, raise my children, and build a business. I have volunteered hundreds of hours supporting our non-profits and through that service I have gained a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our residents. As the Chair of the Board at Sterling House Community Center, I led an in-depth study into what our community looks like, what it truly needs, what services and programs exist, who utilizes those services and programs, and where the gaps exist. I also led a year-long needs assessment as Chair of the Town of Stratford Commission on Aging. I plan to use that understanding, experiences, perspectives, and my dedication to Stratford to benefit my neighbors in the 8th District and our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There isn't one specific piece of advice that has most impacted me. I have had amazing influences throughout my life including my family, wife and friends. What they have taught me is to always do my best and live with integrity and honesty.

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

I look forward to serving Stratford on the Town Council. When our children were young, my wife and I made the decision to move to Stratford to raise our family. It wasn't an easy decision, but it has turned out to be wonderful for all of us. I love our town and our community, and I will do everything I can to make Stratford the best it can be. I am Glad for Stratford.

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.