Patch Candidate Profile: Rich Hightower, Board of Finance

WESTPORT, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Westport will be on the ballot, including Board of Selectman, Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM and others.

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

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next few weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Name

Rich Hightower

How old will you be as of Election Day?

41

What city or town do you live in?

Westport

What office are you seeking?

Westport Board of Finance

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

BA, Middlebury College

What is your occupation?

Finance (~20 years)

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

Wife and three elementary-aged children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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 have the skill set, temperament, and record of community service to be a highly effective member of our town's Board of Finance. Primarily, I desire to be an advocate of Westport taxpayers and to enhance our town's appeal as a place to live and work in Connecticut.

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

Limiting future increases in the mill rate. I intend to be a rational, vocal, and forward-thinking participant in our town's annual budgeting process.

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

I admire transparency, and I don't like negative surprises. As an advocate for Westport taxpayers, I would make transparency a priority, and would seek to "get ahead" of potential nasty surprises in the budget. It's not clear to me that my colleagues in the opposing party are as keenly focused on these items.

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

Growth, development, schools, affordable housing, taxes

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

I'm an expert in financial analysis by virtue of my career experience, and I have Board / Treasury experience through service of my local church in Westport.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Take, and read." -St. Augustine

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

I'm not a politician, and I already lead a very busy life. That said, I know I am an excellent candidate for this role, and my only desire here is to make Westport the best place it can possibly be for its residents and taxpayers (whether current or future).