Trumbull Election: Mark Block For First Selectman

TRUMBULL, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Trumbull will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Republican Mark Block, 60, is running for First Selectman in Trumbull.

Occupation: Executive Director

Family:
Ann, 32 year Trumbull Public School Social Worker
Emily, Executive Assistant Director, Cornell University, NY

Experience: Town Councilman

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The town budget is the single most pressing issues facing our town. I plan to offer a budget with a zero or net reduction in taxes in each of my first two years based on reducing the size of town government. This will occur through reduced spending, and an expansion in growth of the grand list. I will work with property owners and developers by offering greater incentives for appropriate and reasonable development. Whether Trumbull Center or the Trumbull Mall, and I will be open and transparent in what I believe should be done to grow our grand list while maintaining the charm of our community. Our community development will be done to assure we better meet our needs today.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

When Mrs. Tesoro first ran for office, she told voters her administration would be better. She told voters it would be different. She told voters she and her party would govern with transparency. If what we have seen these past four years is her idea of transparency, I shudder to think how she defines opaqueness. Mrs. Tesoro has said that she would run her campaign this year the same as she has the past three election cycles. That is exactly what Trumbull does not need. What Trumbull needs is a new leader for new times with the foresight and vision to build a better community, and I will be that leader who is available, and accessible and ready to work in bipartisan fashion on all issues.

Accomplishments:

My roots in Trumbull run deep and provide a strong perspective on our community. I have had a 35 year career in creative management, development and non-profit leadership in both Fortune 500 and faith-based organizations. I have had the opportunity to work in creative and innovative settings and used my skills to bring out the best in those who work with me, and I have served our community on our Town Council and other committees so I have a full understanding of what is needed and necessary to ensure our community grows, and not just maintains the status quo.

Other issues:

Taxes and Spending:
• Public safety and health is job one! Fully fund and support law enforcement and other first responders
• Control spending – more money in your pocket not Town Halls
• Grow tax base – dedicated effort to revitalize Trumbull Center and the Mall
Education
• Fully fund our highly ranked school system
• Ensure curriculum teaches critical thinking, not thinking critically
Infrastructure
• Action on WPCA sewer contract soon expiring, mitigating fee increase
• Listen to residents on desire for a Community Center, Aquatics Center or Senior Center something else
Governance
• Proactive, and not reactive leadership
• Will listen more and talk less
• Break through barriers of excessive partisanship and ensure civility

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I place my trust in our residents who are better able and more capable of living in a civil and respectable manner on their own without more government intrusion into their lives. I do not need to micromanage from Town Hall and neither will I be absent. We must be vocal in conversations on issues of importance. I sincerely believe Trumbull is a very caring and neighborly community that is committed to the shared desire of enhancing our town as the amazing community of choice that it has been historically and needs to get back on track to be so in the months and years ahead.