Stratford Election: Jean Marie Sutton Running For Town Council

STRATFORD, CT — The 2021 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 2 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with 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, 44, is running for election to the Town Council in the 7th District as a Republican.

Occupation: Real Estate Professional

Family: Robert G Sutton IV (Rob) 47, Mary-Grace Sutton 14, Robert G Sutton V (Garrison) 12, Beau and Ryder Cocker Spaniel mixes.

Experience: Republican Town Committee District 7 Representative

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Property values skyrocketing. While equity in our homes is most likely our greatest asset, as a town council we need to be sure to continue to lower the MILL rate each year to hopefully off set any tax burden. My vast experience in Real Estate helps, and allows me to continue to fight for this should I have the honor of being elected.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

As a full time Real Estate professional, I understand the direct relationship between property assessments and mil rate better then most. Over the years I have spent plenty of time in Town Hall, attending various committee meeting, public hearing, pulling records in all departments. I have a strong relationship with the current administration, the Mayor, many town department heads, town employees, and volunteers. These relationships help me solve problems and find solutions for almost any situation, and nearly immediately.

Accomplishments:

Professionally, I have worked with the Town of Stratford in many capacities. I have experience on the GIS (Geographic Informational System), zoning, FEMA flood maps, planning, municipal lots, and so much more. Personally, I have spent the past 10 years trying to better our community. Countless volunteer hours, even WEEKLY. I am a key presence on Social Media as an influencer, with as many as 10,000 members of local Stratford pages (both Facebook and Instagram). I have a great propensity to activate large groups for the greater good of Stratford and it's residents.

Other issues:

Environmental: Support and preserve our environmental resources, specifically water and pond health, and protection of the miles of coastline that Stratford has to offer, including the Great Salt Water Marsh. Community: As evident in the past 10 years+ of volunteer work, I am very good at mobilizing groups of people to help a cause or improve our town. Socially, I host large annual events throughout the year. For example, the Back 2 School Be Kind event which attracts hundreds of students, young children, and their families. The goal of all the events is to bring our community together as one, to celebrate our diversity and culture and welcome newcomers. Economic Development: Over the years I have partnered with dozens of local establishments and businesses to help promote themselves. I believe strongly that enhancing our businesses, and we make Stratford more desirable to both tourists as well as new businesses. Adding to our tax base is a win win for every one of us!

What else would you like voters to know about you?

As a Stratford Transplant, I have submersed myself in the town and community. I am eager to learn as much as I can about the town I love, and continue to do so almost daily. My family are active members in the school system, as well as athletic teams, organizations, etc. We are in touch with the community, and understand the wants and needs of our residents. We can relate to most young families, yet I also have extreme respect for the elders in our community, and their housing. Bottom line is, I sell Stratford and all it has to offer every single day. While I love my new hometown, I recognize there is always room for improvement. I look forward to meeting my constituents more and more, and to learn more about their concerns and proactively come up with solutions.

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.