Patch Candidate Profile: George Sarris, Trumbull Town Council

TRUMBULL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Trumbull and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Trumbull Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican George Sarris, 75, is a Trumbull resident running for Town Council in District 2.

Education

BS in Speech; MDiv

What is your occupation?

Commercial Spokesman, Author, Speaker, Storyteller - 40 plus years

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

Married to my wonderful wife, Suzan, for 52 years. Five grown children - William, Anne, Katherine, Jane & Mary.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No one in my family works in politics or for the government.

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

I have never held a public office before.

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 want to see Trumbull once again become the welcoming, friendly and well managed town it was when I moved here 30 years ago.

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

Most of the people I've talked to as I campaign want Trumbull to remain a town invested in its residents, not a city. Their primary concerns are taxes, safety and responsible land use, with town government practical, open and transparent. I intend to be an active, responsive voice for the people of Trumbull and work with other Council members from both parties to make our town welcoming, friendly and well managed.

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

I'm running for the betterment of the Town of Trumbull, not against other opponents. As part of the United for Trumbull ticket, I want to get away from partisanship and work together with Republicans, Democrats and those who are unaffiliated to make our town the very best it can be.

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

There has been too much partisan politicking on the Town Council. I would like to see that end, so the people of Trumbull are well served by their leaders.

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

Taxes and spending are too high, putting an unnecessary strain on Trumbull families. Land use and development need to be wisely and responsibly managed, in keeping with the small-town character of Trumbull. The school system needs to be restored to its hard earned reputation for excellence, with education that is responsive to the wishes of parents. Infrastructure investments and public safety need to take priority over non-essential spending.

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

Board Member of New England Chapter of Screen Actors Guild, Elder in my local church, Development with the Bowery Mission in NYC.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.

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

I try to apply wisdom and common sense to the decision making process.