Stratford Election 2023: Jean Marie Sutton 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.

Jean Marie Sutton, 46, is running for re-election to the Stratford Town Council as a Republican.

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

https://Stratfordrtc.com

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

7th Council District

Education.

The University of Delaware from 1995-1996 Currently enrolled in Housatonic Community College as a political science major and legal studies minor.

What is your occupation?

Full-Time Real Estate Professional and a Legal Assistant.

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

Single mother of two teenagers. My brother is currently Active Duty NAVY, Lieutenant Commander O5, currently deployed on the USS Carl Vincent out of San Diego.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My uncle, Robert A. Neary, is an acting justice for the Bronx County Supreme Court in New York. He is a former judge for the New York Court of Claims. He was appointed by former Governor Pataki in 2006 to a term that expired in 2018.

Neary also served as an acting justice for the Westchester County Supreme Court in New York from 2006 to 2015

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

Yes I have, I am about to complete my first term on the Town Council.

I also have been on numerous boards and committees in the Town of 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?

My dedication to the Town and volunteering within the community led to the position I hold today as District Seven Town Councilor. As your District Seven Town Councilor, I am running to continue working to move Stratford forward. As a team player committed to doing what is best for our community, I work alongside Mayor Laura Hoydick, my fellow Town councilors and the administration with professionalism and civility. As your councilor, my priority is to listen and represent you and all constituents as best as possible.

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

Taxes. The cost of living continues to increase with inflation. We need to keep taxes as low as possible while maintaining vital services. As a full-time Real Estate Professional, I understand the direct relationship between property assessments and the mill rate better than most. Bottom line, if we cannot keep taxes under control, people will look to other towns. I was proud to support the 2022 budget that reduced taxes, and I will continue to oppose unnecessary tax hikes in my next term.

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

My opponent considers the Town Council position as a stepping stone for higher offices, while I am dedicated to my constituents in the 7th District and my community as a whole. I believe in civil, bipartisanship to ensure we are effectively representing our constituents and their needs.

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

While I am the incumbent in the 7th District, my opponent is also the sitting Council member in the 2nd District. I believe that she has failed the community by being focused on partisan politics rather than the betterment of her community.

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

I plan on continuing my work with Public Works and the Health Department to combat blight which has a direct impact on our neighborhoods. I also plan on continuing my advocacy for Motil Pond, Brewster Pond, and Raven Brook, working closely with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Public Works, The Mayor's Office, and our State Representatives.

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

As a Town Council member, I am proud of my record that highlights my dedication to our community and the future of Stratford. I have cleaned up blighted properties, advocated for EMS funding, and supported keeping taxes to a minimum.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice anyone has ever given me is to “Surround yourself with the best of the best.” I believe that I have done just that by being a proud member of Mayor Laura Hoydick’s team.

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

I would like voters to know that I’m a team player and, when reelected as your Town Council member, I will continue to advocate and support you in every possible way.

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.