Stratford Election 2023: Silhavey Running For Zoning Board Of Appeals

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.

Christopher E. Silhavey, 48, is running for election to the Stratford Zoning Board of Appeals as a Republican.

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

District IV (Council Districts 7&8)

Education.

A.A., B.A. - Albertus Magnus College; M.P.A. - University of New Haven

What is your occupation?

Technology Consultant (26 years)

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

My family has lived in Stratford for many years. My grandfathers were both World War II veterans. My father is a US Navy Vietnam veteran. My mother serves on the Board of Directors of the Stratford Visiting Nurses Association (VNA).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

8th District Town Councilman (1999-2001), Zoning Commission (2006-2014 and 2018-2022), Planning Commission (2014-2018)

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?

Protecting our neighborhoods and keeping Stratford the beautiful community we all enjoy can only happen with smart and effective management of our land use laws. Further, Stratford residents deserve a ZBA Commissioner who will ensure that anyone who appears before the board is treated respectfully and fairly.

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

From a Zoning perspective, the most important issues are how we decide to redevelop the Stratford Army Engine Plant (SAEP) property and how we continue to face issues related to the affordable housing laws (8-30g) and the increased density that it encourages. There is a concerted effort by some in Hartford and developers to keep pushing denser development in suburban towns like Stratford. Stratford has been proactive in adopting an affordable housing plan put forth by the Stratford Housing Partnership, but large scale developments will need to be evaluated very closely especially when they may compromise public health and safety.

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

I have served on both the Planning and Zoning Commissions for many years. In that time, I have developed a deep understanding of our land use regulations and a record of encouraging smart development of our town and protecting our neighborhoods from over development.

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

It is an open seat currently held by Commissioner Gavin Forrester. He served the Zoning Board of Appeals with distinction and is now running for Town Council. I proudly endorse him for Council.

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

There is an effort now to update our Zoning regulations. As a Zoning alternate, I attended the initial meetings with the consultant as well as the public open house held in September. The regulations will need to be updated for compliance to state statutes and to ensure that they are organized properly for ease of use by town residents and new businesses hoping to come to Stratford. I will actively participate in this process to ensure the regulations are accurately updated to serve our town’s needs.

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

I have been honored to serve as Chairman of both the Planning and Zoning Commissions. I served on the Committee that drafted our Town Plan of Conservation and Development (2014) and helped draft Stratford’s state mandated Housing Plan.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Your word is your bond. Respect is a two way street - to get it, you must give it. God and country.

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

I want to ensure that Stratford’s neighborhoods are protected from overdevelopment, its shoreline and natural resources are protected and we continually attract new businesses to town. Politics has no place in Zoning decisions. Each application must be judged on its merits. That is my promise to all of our citizens.

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.