Patch Candidate Profile: Mike Buswell, 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 Mike Buswell, 42, is a Trumbull resident running for Town Council.

Education

BS, University of Bridgeport

What is your occupation?

Business Development and Head of Sales at Eastern Metal Works

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

Married to Kory 14 years; (4) children: Ava, 12 (Hillcrest), Bryce, 9 (Daniels Farm), Evelyn, 4 (TECEC), Maeve, 5 months

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Incumbent, Completing 1st Term as Town Councilman District 1

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 am proud to be running for reelection for Town Council in District 1.

I made my decision to run based on my love for Trumbull and my desire to give back to the community that has given me so much. Should I earn the votes of the residents in District 1, I vow to represent each individual to the fullest. My experience of currently being on Town Council coupled with my strong relations with town leaders allows me to truly make an impact in our community.

I will do my homework and ask the right questions and seek the answers to the issues presented to me. My background in sales and coaching has provided me with the skills to work collaboratively and negotiate with others. I am approachable and eager to learn as well as share my knowledge and traditions of our great town.

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

Funding education properly and investing in our schools.

I am a father to three (soon to be four) children in TPS. I am also a husband of a public school teacher and brother of a public school principal. I hear our constituents concerns and know education is Trumbull’s greatest asset.

I will continue to work with our BOE and Superintendent to proactively work on the quality of education that our residents deserve.

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

I am a third generation Trumbull resident. My love of this town is unparalleled. The town of Trumbull will always come first in my heart and will never be swayed by politics.

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

I am currently a small business owner in town with an experienced sales background. I fully understand the importance of making Trumbull an attractive place for businesses, which would help lessen the tax burden on our residents.

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

Taxes, affordability, infrastructure are key factors to providing the best quality of life for our residents.

I am also a staunch supporter of our Police Department and all first responders in our town. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure our public safety has all of the necessary resources to protect and serve our residents.

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

As an elected official over the past two years, I have sat on more sub-committees and boards than most other TC members. My attendance and participation in meetings has been noteworthy. My commitment to volunteer in many different areas has shown that I am in this for the long haul in serving our citizens.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

A fellow veteran councilman patted me on the chest after I was sworn into my first term back in 2021 and told me to “Always be yourself and do what you feel is best for your hometown. Don’t ever feel pressure or persuasion to vote a certain way. Do what you feel is best for the residents that put their support and trust in you.”

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

I have always been a man for others and that’s how I live my life. I am currently serving in the following roles in Trumbull:

• Community and Facilities Committee
• Trumbull High School Wellness Center Committee
• Trumbull BOE Policy Committee
• Nichols Improvement Association President
• Trumbull Babe Ruth President
• Trumbull Travel Baseball Director
• Trumbull Little League Manager
• St. Theresa’s Basketball Coach
• Trumbull Youth Football Coach