Patch Candidate Profile: Kevin Shively, 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.

Democrat Kevin Shively, 55, is a Trumbull resident running for Town Council, District 7.

Education.

Bachelor of arts in music, master of music.

What is your occupation?

Software executive.

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

Wife Tanya, son Julian (23), daughter Alison (21).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Elected to Town Council three times, served for six years thus far.

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 continue serving my community and helping to keep it affordable for our residents.

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

Keeping Trumbull an affordable place to live for everyone from our older residents to young families looking for a community to be a part of. I will continue to keep a tight control on costs and make sure we are spending our tax dollars wisely.

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

I believe in treating everyone with respect regardless of their party or ideology, and I am willing to compromise in order to best serve the needs of the community.

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

My colleague on the other side of the aisle has shown himself to be combative with and dismissive of those who he disagrees with resulting in a reprimand by the town's ethics commission.

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

Future housing development must be monitored and controlled within reason to ensure the town retains its historic character.

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

I have served as chair of the town council finance committee for nearly five years and have helped to deliver reasonable taxes during that time.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The most important thing in life is how you treat other people.

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

I believe in listening to people first and talking later.