Wallingford Candidate Profile: Kohan For Town Council

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Wallingford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Jeff Kohan, 63, is running for election to the Wallingford Town Council as a Democrat.

Are you running for office in Wallingford? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Wallingford Patch.

Family:

Wife Cindy; Son Timothy

Education:

BS Biology SCSU

Occupation:

Currently retired. Formerly Information Technology Executive with Aetna and IBM

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Serving second 5-year term on Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission. Served on Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Taxes. We've had our taxes raised by the Republican Mayor and Republican led Town Council. There has been no desire to challenge the Mayor during the budget workshops. I've had experience in budgeting in my previous jobs and have the ability to ask the right questions and challenge expenses.

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

My professional career has taught me how to collaborate with all constituents and stakeholders for successful outcomes. I listen to all viewpoints and make informed decisions based on all input. Very often there is very little collaboration among council members even in the same party. This does not serve the town well.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Economic development needs immediate focus by town. I believe in an open and transparent government that must trust its elected leaders and they must be accountable to the residents of the town.

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

Best to see my linkedin profile. I led a large organization (140+) responsible for a large health insurers entire data assets. First person in the US to implement significant IBM technology that changed the way business was conducted saving millions of dollars and time. US patent holder as result of team problem solving (US D772,250 S)

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I take pride in all that I do. I have the desire to work hard and the most important asset I have is my integrity.

Campaign website:

Facebook: Jeff Kohan for Wallingford Town Council (@jeffkohantowncouncil)