Stratford Election 2023: Phil Young 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.

Phil Young, 60, 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://stratforddemocrats.com

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

6th District

Education.

Eastern Connecticut State University, BA History, Political Science

What is your occupation?

Professional Chef 26 years, State Legislator 5 years

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

Wife, Jennifer

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

Stratford Town Council 2015-2017, State Representative 2018-2023

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?

I believe in public service. With my experience, I feel that I am uniquely qualified to work with the administration for good public policy decisions. Working collaboratively to make Stratford be the best it can be.

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

Economic development. While there have been positive trends, we need to double down on increasing our tax base to help keep taxes from rising. We need Stratford attracting new people and business, while keeping the progress that has been made.

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

Experience, I have knowledge of how Town and State policy works, but also have the temperament to work across the aisle to get things done.

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

Expand the current recycling program, work with the board of education throughout the year, make sure the coastal resilience plan is up to date.

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

My experience as a head chef show that I have the ability to succeed in some very challenging situations. My legislative experiences are evidence in themselves.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.”

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.