Redding Election 2021 Profile: Chris Parkin

REDDING, CT — The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Democrat Chris Parkin, 39, is running for Redding Board of Finance in Redding.

Occupation: Attorney

Family: wife and three kids (15, 11, 8).

Experience: Current Chair of Redding BOE

Family in government: No

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

The future of the Gilbert and Bennett property in Georgetown remains the most significant issue facing our town, as has been the case for decades. The most pressing issue, however, and is breaking the annual cycle of budget acrimony. We can only do that by working collaboratively to identify priorities and make investments based on reliable data and with a longer than twelve month view. This will also help immeasurably in prudently allocating ARPA funds.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am the only candidate with children in our schools today or even recently. In fact and I would be the only member of the Board of Finance with kids in our schools.

I'm also the only candidate with experience building budgets and negotiating contracts with labor unions.

Accomplishments:

I have served on the Redding Board of Education since 2017 and as its chair since 2019. Being the chair of a school board has been an exceptional challenge. I have worked daily to ensure a safe learning environment for our students and staff while managing a period of considerable administration turnover. Through these two years and I have strengthened relationships with our town and state leaders. My work over the past two years demonstrates that I can certainly handle the responsibilities of the Board of Finance.

Other issues:

- Improve collaboration between departments to break down silos and identify efficiencies
- Engage in comprehensive capital planning
- Use ARPA funds to provide relief in areas hurt by the pandemic and invest in future ready infrastructure

What else would you like voters to know about you?

As we emerge from the pandemic, Redding is flush with opportunity. Real estate prices have surged, new neighbors are everywhere, remote work has made life in Redding and a job in Manhattan more possible than ever, and the town has finally secured control of the Gilbert and Bennett property for potential future development. The board of finance cannot be content to simply engage in the same annual argument about incremental spending increases. It must serve a broader mission to secure a bright future. I bring the experience, vision, and energy to help the board accomplish this critical mission.

I ask voters who believe in preserving a strong school system and who believe that it is important for our Board of Finance to be representative of the town and include a member with kids in our schools, and to cast a single vote for me in the BOF race on November 2nd.