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10/25/2015 11:56 AMBranford’s current Republican administration will provide“stability and growth,” said Joe Higgins, who is running as the incumbent for the second selectman slot.
The Republican is running for a second term with his running mate, incumbent First Selectman James B. Cosgrove (R), in Branford’s 2015 municipal election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“I want to support and aid this administration in any way I can,” said Higgins. “We want to continue the stability and growth and continue to promote and encourage economic development. Working with Jamie has been my pleasure. He’s a gentleman. He’s a knowledgeable man. Everything he’s doing for Branford, I support.”
Higgins brings nearly 41 years of professional experience with New York City Fire Department (NYFD). Before his retirement, he rose through the ranks to become NYFD deputy director of Dispatch Operations, overseeing the entire dispatch system, with more than 250 personnel for five boroughs. Also twice-appointed special assistant to the NYC fire commissioner, Higgins led NYFD dispatch operations in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.
Higgins moved to Branford with his wife in 2006 and, within a few months, he was asked to join the board of their condominium association. For more than eight years, Higgins has served as board vice president and supervisor for the self-managed condominium association, overseeing daily operations and expenses for its 97 units.
Since his arrival here, Higgins has also become a well-known to the local fire department communities. In Connecticut, New York, and beyond, he has been sought and recognized as a speaker who advocates for vigilance against attacks such as 9/11 and continues to honor the memories of those who lost their lives that day.
Higgins said his executive management, public safety, and government liaison background have equipped him to bring “knowledge and experience” to his selectman’s role.
“I’m also very good at listening to our citizens,” said Higgins, adding, “I’m a senior, too, so I’m as much interested in what’s happening with our Senior Center as everyone else. But I also don’t want people to lose sight of the fact that I have a lot of years left. I want to continue supporting this town.”
During this past term, among other responsibilities, Higgins has also assisted the administration by liaising with public safety officials. He is also credited with organizing very successful Branford 9/11 Memorial ceremonies each year.
Higgins said he and his wife, as well as their daughter and her family, are extremely pleased to call Branford home.
“It’s a new town for us. We’re here nine years, [but] my mother-in-law lived here previous to us and we always said, when we retire, we’re going to Branford,” said Higgins. “I’m a people person and in the position I’m in now, with the selectmen, you meet people, you shake hands, and you can talk to them and answer inquiries about what’s going on. I’ve met a lot of nice people and have made a lot of good friends.”
Higgins stressed he wants to help continue Branford’s growth on the trajectory that began with the Cosgrove administration two years ago.
“It’s got a lot of ways to go and we’re going in the right direction,” said Higgins. “People wanted change, and they got that change. We can take care of business. I’m proud to serve with Jamie on the Board of Selectman. I support what this administration is doing, and I’m part of the administration. We’re all in this together. I came from a fire department family, and now, I’m in another family.”
See Zip06's interview with incumbent Republican First Selectman James B. Cosgrove at http://bit.ly/1WfJp5A