Meet the Candidate: Mark Gill

Name: Mark Gill

Age: 47

Party and Position Running For: Republican - Town Council

Family Info: Married to Althea / Children – Delaney (7), Quintin & Preston (2) 

Previous Political Experience: This is my first time seeking office.

Other Experience: 

Kof C: Member

Volunteer:  St. Mathews Church

Area Director, Canon Business Solutions

BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio

Why are you running for office?

I believe my extensive management and leadership experience will serve as an asset for the Town Council. I hope to utilize and apply my strong business acumen toward solving many of the fiscal challenges facing Tolland.

Our outstanding school system was a determining factor in choosing Tolland as our home two years ago. As a father of three school-age children, I am committed to ensuring we have a strong, sustainable, education system.

Since arriving in Tolland in 2009, our family has put down deep roots within the community. I want to work with my fellow board members to create a fiscally sustainable government that works for, and responds to the needs of Tolland Citizens – taking a common sense approach to governance and always putting Tolland citizens and Tolland tax payers first.

What, in your opinion, is Tolland's biggest issue?

Given the current state of the economy at large, we need to find ways for our town government to provide the services required, while reversing the trend of ever increasing property tax rates on our citizens.

We must stop the routine practice of borrowing/bonding and save our precious credit line for emergencies or planned/budgeted major projects.

We also must develop a consistent approach to problem solving that explores and encourages examining “best practices” from both the private and public sectors and always puts Tolland Citizens first.

What would you change, if anything, about how the Town Council is run and/or communicates with the community?

All major financial decisions should be incorporated into the annual town budgeting process, as this is when Tolland Citizens are expecting such discussions.  Town Council should never again have a referendum on a $3.5 million dollar, non-emergency decision in the middle of winter when no one is watching. 

It is my belief that the next Town Council needs to reestablish trust with Tolland taxpayers by making a commitment to the wise and effective expenditure of all collected revenues.

We need to improve and elevate public discourse when discussing and exploring the solutions to difficult issues – insuring that all sides and ideas are heard, reviewed, and considered.