Tolland Election 2023: Katie Murray, Town Council

TOLLAND, CT — Katie Murray is running for a seat on the Tolland Town Council in the 2023 election.

Name

Katie Murray

How old will you be as of Election Day?

44 years young

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.tollanddemocrats.o...

What city or town do you live in?

Tolland CT

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

at large

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

UConn

What is your occupation?

Director of Government Affairs (1 year)

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

I have 3 amazing kids, all in the Tolland school system. I have a silly and sweet 1-year old puppy who makes us smile.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I work in state government; no one else in my family works in government.

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

Tolland Town Council 2022-present;
Chair, Birch Grove Building Committee 2019-2022;
Tolland Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate 2015-2017;
Tolland Democratic Town Committee, Chair, Vice-Chair, Member 2013-present

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 was raised with a focus on public service, and have a strong calling toward contributing toward my community. My experience with state and local government can be utilized as a member of Town Council, and I want to share my knowledge to help Tolland.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is protecting their property values. Each homeowner needs to feel confident in the value of their property, which is one of their biggest financial assets. In order to protect our property values, we need to be more forward thinking and less reactionary. We need to have a strategic plan for our community which preserves property values long-term by making smart ongoing decisions.

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

I bring experience, integrity, and commitment. I have been involved in state and local government professionally for most of my career. I want to do what's right for Tolland, and work hard to learn about priorities and impact before making any decisions. I have been a volunteer for the Town for many years through various government and community groups.

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

n/a

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

Strategic Plan - I believe that the Town needs to come up with a vision. I would like to be more proactive and forward thinking in making policy decisions, and I think the best way to do this is to develop a Strategic Plan. Starting the Strategic Plan process with a new Council and with our Town Manager now settled into his new position, I think 2024 is the ideal time to start this process.
Community Services - We need to promote and market tax relief for seniors - Ordinance 60 - which was recently expanded and simplified; Expand mental health and addiction support service by contracting with a local nonprofit agency to partner with Human Services; Expand recreation programs and opportunities to meet community interest and enrollment.
Public Safety & Public Works - Expand community engagement with the Resident State Trooper through educational programs and neighborhood meetings; Ensure public safety and public works have adequate operational equipment and vehicles to meet community needs; Develop a long-term strategy to align Public Safety and Public Works Services with town's economic growth.
Community Building - Work Collaboratively with the Board of Education to support our schools and educational facilities; hold regular open-house events to listen to community concerns; Focus on attracting new businesses to town.
Contaminated Wells & Crumbling Foundations - Continue to better understand the cause of well contaminations so we can ensure all residents have safe drinking water; Utilize state monies to fix every home which has a crumbling foundation in town.

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

I have spent the past 2 years on Town Council. We have passed bi-partisan budgets resulting in the lowest mill rate increases seen in years.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

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

I am a hand-drawn mandala artist.
I love math, and am a huge data geek!
I love to read and always have a book that I am reading