Stratford Election 2023: Gavin Forrester III 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.

Gavin B. Forrester III, 63, is running for election to the Town Council as a Republican.

What office are you seeking?

Stratford Town Council District 2

Education.

Bachelors degree in Financial Accounting from the University of New Haven, Graduate of Stratford High School class of 1978

What is your occupation?

Accounting Manager for RVI Insurance Group. 40 year accounting professional

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

Wife Margherita married 39 years, Daughter Frances & Son in law Kenty Wang

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes Elected to the Stratford Zoning Commission - Town Council - Elected Chairman of Board of Education - Elected Chairman Board of Zoning Appeals. Served in Public office for 19 years in Stratford

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 town council again because I have lived in Stratford for 60 years and believe from our history comes our future. As a graduate of the Stratford Public School System and parent of a former graduate, I want to keep this town a great place to raise a family. I have the experience in finance and community service necessary to be an effective town board member. I will work hard and make sure your voice is heard.”

“I feel my experience in public office will be a great asset to the district, especially when so many current members of the town council are prevented from running again due to term limits”

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

Inflation, Cost of Living, Economic Development are Top Issues for Stratford Voters. I intend to promote partnerships with businesses for sound commercial development plans which provide high quality jobs. We can't rely upon large residential developments squeezed into quiet residential communities to grow our grand list. We need a balance of commercial and quality residential development for positive grand list growth. My accounting background will lead to sound common sense budgeting, forcing every department to justify their funding requests, to help curb the effects of inflation on our residents.

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

My 19 years of experience in elected public office here in Stratford eliminates any "learning curve" that opponent might have. The fact that I have lived in the same house in Stratford for 60 years, gaining valuable knowledge of our town's history, will give me the needed perspective when making decisions on our future.

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

Open seat

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

Helping to improve our public education system by using my experience, during the budget preparation as the former chairman of the board of education, to ask the right questions and provide the proper funding to promote public education.

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

The restoration of Longbrook Park, obtaining funding for capital improvement projects to reduce flooding in the 2nd District, especially Stratford Center, my support of the concerns of my district regarding the development of the Shakespeare property to return performances to Stratford

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Take time to think about an issue before speaking too soon.

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

I work in a bi-partisan way to find consensus to promote the best possible solutions to the Town's problems and will continue to do that if elected.