As a multi-generational Stamford native, I have seen many phases in Stamford’s development. From the great corporate headquarters build in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, to the downtown renaissance and now the residential apartment boom, all of these changes were exciting, transformative and shaped the city we live in today. As a native, I have the perspective to know that with each phase also comes a cautionary tale of overbuilding and over-exuberance. I believe my experience in leading complex organizations, managing change and responding to the challenges of growth will be critical to being an effective representative. In particular, it is my willingness to listen to all sides, engage in civilized and open debate without being wedded to one position or ideology that will help provide the leadership Stamford needs. I have gained this perspective over decades as a CEO, as President of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center as well as other non-profit organizations, and as a husband and father raising a family in North Stamford. We need to make sure our city leaders are asking the right questions, learning from our history and listening to all sides. It is not clear that this is happening.

I believe that a member of the Board of Representatives must have multiple priorities. For the City as a whole, the key priority is to safeguard the City’s financial well-being, making sure the budget is sound and that monies, especially our taxes, are spent wisely. This means making sure our critical issues of infrastructure, education, public safety and quality of life are addressed.

Each Representative has another main priority which reflects the needs of their specific district. For North Stamford, this means protecting our zoning rights and making sure that development doesn’t go too far in changing the sanctuary we call home.

For District 19 my platform is clear:

• I support intelligent, architecturally interesting, and fiscally responsible growth downtown; making sure there is a voice against over building and a straining of city’s limited resources.

• I will protect North Stamford zoning and make sure that neither the City nor the State encroaches on our property rights.

• I will seek to improve the roads and bridges in North Stamford with a focus on safety,

• I will work to streamline and improve the permitting process for residential homes so that young families can buy properties in North Stamford and make the needed renovations without excess cost and time navigating the City bureaucracy.

• I will push for improvements in our schools with a focus on excellence and meritocracy so that young families can move to and remain in Stamford, confident that their children will get the education they deserve.

First and foremost, I believe that zoning should be a local issue and not something mandated by the State. Rather, zoning laws and the developments they allow must take into account, not only the unique character of each neighborhood, but also any constraints to growth such as traffic, city services and access to public transportation, education and medical care.

Between 2018 and 2022, 83% of the population growth in Stamford occurred in just four areas: the South End, Downtown, West Side and Waterside driven primarily by the construction of high-rise rental apartments. These apartments are largely aimed at young professionals and not working families who need more space and more affordable rents. Furthermore, they do not provide a path towards home ownership which is so vital to the American dream.

The City’s Stamford 2035 Plan calls for another 16,000 residents to move to Stamford over the next 10 years. More high-priced apartments downtown is not the answer. Rather development now needs to focus on a more diverse assortment of affordable housing options, both rental and to own, for our front-line workers and their families in the areas they want to live.

Stamford’s development must remain reflective of the City’s nature, thoughtful of the existing infrastructure and, most importantly, it must be for the benefit of all our citizens.

The Affordable Housing Trust’s mandate is the preservation of existing and the creation of new affordable rental and home ownership units in the city, and as such it provides, subsidies and grants for their development. Such a Trust is critical to making sure Stamford is an affordable place for our teachers, police, firefighters, and other front-line workers to live. Given the importance of this program, it is essential to make sure that funds are allocated in a transparent, fair and responsible manner and that they are used solely to further the goals of the Trust. Given that demand outstrips availability, fiscal oversight and rigid auditing of both the accounting and the distribution of funds is essential. Additional monies may come from government and state grants, so long as those grants mandate a fair allocation of funds to support all groups equally.