Patch Candidate Profile: Tony Dorsey, 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 Tony Dorsey, 47, is a Trumbull resident running for Town Council in District 4.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican, Trumbull United Ticket

Education

Masters Degree, Business

What is your occupation?

Senior Human Resources Business Partner, 24 years.

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

Yes, my wife Missy Dorsey and I moved to Trumbull in 2011. We have 3 children, Mattingly, Austin, & Rosalina. We are part of the Jane Ryan and Madison Middle School families. My wife and I dedicate our time to our schools. Missy is active in the Jane Ryan PTA, formerly as President, and it's current Treasurer, as well as part of Trumbull Working Mom's. I am a former President of the Jane Ryan Father's club as well as former assistant coach to my both my son's Little League teams.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I was appointed to the Town Council, District 4 in January 2023. I am currently running for election to that seat.

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 moved to Trumbull in 2011 because of it's community culture, safe streets, as well as the schools. We are a family that has volunteered our time giving back to the Jane Ryan family, and involved in our kids activities. I want to continue to show my children the importance of volunteering and giving back. I hope to continue providing the same experience to all the constituents of District 4 that my family experienced starting in 2011.

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

I would say the direction of the town. By that I mean it is to keep our town safe, that our schools are fully supported and funded, and that our town continues to be a community.

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

I am proud to run on the Unified Ticket, not focusing on an affiliation but all the constituents of District 4, and therefore the Town. I've been honored to represent District 4, and hope to continue giving back through the Town Council.

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

When joining the Town Council, my focus is and has been to reinforce to my children the importance of giving back to our community. I want my children to look back and know that I did everything I could to ensure they received the best education, and that they were always safe. I hope to continue to represent all Trumbull residents to ensure we are focused and organized on how grow our town, smartly increase revenue, and are strategic on what and how we spend our financial resources for the future.

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

When meeting members of our community I talk about ensuring that our town does not grow too fast, that we have the proper infrastructure, and we continue to keep the community feel.

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

Since joining the Town Council I have applied the same energy and passion I show in my professional life around taking a strategic mindset, and focusing on planning and applying practical solutions. I believe in being present for all sub committee and Town Council meetings. The fact that is a volunteer position gives me even more pride that the efforts I put forth are for the benefit of the Town.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be yourself, everyone else is taken. This opportunity while out of my comfort zone has allowed me to build great relationships both on the Town Council but also the community.

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

Being part of a Unified Ticket is representative of who I am as a person. I like to understand perspective and not affiliation. I've been honored to serve on the Town Council and hope to continue representing the Town in the future.