Trumbull Candidate Profile: Mark Block For P&Z

TRUMBULL, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Trumbull and there are plenty of 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.

Mark Block is running for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing Trumbull is the uncontrolled, haphazard development occurring with nearly 1,000 apartments proposed for various districts around town. This influx of residential units will strain town resources, including public safety, emergency services, and our schools and change the character of our community for decades to come. I intend to work to support common sense development that does not dramatically alter the character of our community leaving us with hundreds and hundreds of apartments for which no foresight has been given to when the baby boom generation ages out followed by a lower population and one that is more mobile and less interested in aging in place. I will also work to support development in underperforming areas of town where the advantages are clear and appropriate to enable our town to responsibly grow our tax base through both commercial and appropriate residential development.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a son of Trumbull, having been born, raised and educated in our community and a graduate of the Trumbull school system, then having raised my own family close to where I grew up I bring a perspective of a resident whose town is being besieged by ill-formed development projects that appear on their face to be attractive in the short-term, but take little into account for how the impact on our community will be long-term. As a former councilman, member of MetroCog Citizen Advisory Committee, Ethics Committee member and more, I want a Trumbull that is developed with the best interests of our community in mind, not with the next election, or who and how some can benefit versus the community being the primary beneficiary.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
There is a grave concern among residents who view radical zones changes and an influx of apartment development and how it will potentially impact the overall quality of life in Trumbull. The current majority has taken a dramatic step back viewing the best interests of our community from 30,000 feet and looking at short-term development over long-term investment through appropriate and responsible development that best serves Trumbull’s interests for the next 20-30 years, not 5-10.

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

I have been responsible for team shared projects in both the for-profit and not-for-profit business and faith-based sectors. My work on the Town Council in reviewing our town budget, department requests, ordinance proposals and resolutions to benefit our community ideally position me to serve as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The best advice ever shared with me was...
Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have a love for my hometown that cannot be articulated in an election brochure, but one that is part of how I live my daily life. It is one of care, concern, active participation along with the hope and prayer that through hard work our best days are those that are ahead of us, not behind.