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11/06/2023 09:20 AMCandidates for Chester’s Board of Selectmen answered questions for the Valley Courier. Their responses are reprinted alphabetically by candidate’s last name below, edited for style and grammar.
Candidate: Pat Bandzes
Current Positions Held: I currently chair Chester’s Economic Development Commission. I was the liaison for the creation of the Town’s first Affordable Housing Plan (8-30j) and currently serve on RiverCOG’s regional housing committee. Last year, I served on the ad-hoc Chester Governance Study Committee.
Office Seeking: Chester Selectman
Party Affiliation: Unaffiliated (endorsed Democratic candidate)
Campaign Phone Number: 860-777-5685
Chester Resident Since: December 2012
Education: B.S. in public administration; M.S. in financial management
What inspired you to run for Selectman of Chester?
For many years, I have served in or worked alongside municipal government in different communities around Connecticut. However, it was my service last year on the Chester Governance Study Committee that inspired me to re-engage at the executive level. I am proud of the work accomplished by our Governance Study Committee and carried forward by the current Charter Commission. I am committed to ensuring that any governance structure recommendations determined by Chester voters are properly implemented.
What kind of leadership do you believe Chester residents deserve in their Selectmen?
Only the best! Chester residents deserve Board of Selectmen leaders who are professional, experienced, and organized. Someone who surrounds herself with dedicated and knowledgeable people and someone who knows how to engage and inspire Chester residents, employees, and volunteers to ensure full participation. An individual who can problem-solve and can find resources for solutions. Someone who listens, is compassionate, honest, and ethical, and is an effective communicator.
What kind of experience do you plan on bringing to the Board of Selectmen?
My involvement with the Economic Development Commission has given me a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing Chester residents and businesses. I regularly engage town officials, businesses, and other partners to provide support and assistance to monitor and promote Chester's economic vitality. Also, during the pandemic, my service with the Chester Food Program and my work on Chester's Affordable Housing Plan made it clear that we can further assist our neighbors in need who are struggling with food, housing, and other insecurities. A priority is to establish a Chester housing commission and to implement other recommendations stated in Chester's Affordable Housing Plan. Before moving to Chester, I served on the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen in the Town of Middlefield, so I already have experience at that level.
What have been your proudest accomplishments during your time in service to Chester?
As the chair of the Economic Development Commission, I am proud to lead an inspiring group of individuals who provide important feedback and ideas in support of our businesses and in planning for Chester's future. I am very proud of my involvement with the Chester Governance Study Committee. Our cohesive committee produced a quality report to guide the town in its future governance options. This report is currently being used as a benchmark in other towns across Connecticut that are considering changes to their governance structure.
What are your three key issues as you seek election? How will solving the challenges associated with these issues continue to make life in Chester better for residents, small business owners, etc?
Efficient and Effective Government – By optimizing our government structure, we will pursue cost savings through efficiencies, leveraging resources, and improving capital planning to ensure long-term savings. We will engage in smart economic development and proactively plan for Chester’s future. Additionally, we will seek grant funding to assist with projects and to help offset our tax burden.
Improving Communications – My years of experience in the communications field will help to promote open, informative, and responsive communications by engaging our residents and businesses with regular correspondence and collaboration to ensure public input. We will explore multiple communication channels that appeal to various groups.
Creating and Sustaining a Healthier Community – Efforts to sustain our aging population and those with financial, physical, and mental health issues have become even more challenging. We will work to expand public health and wellness programs, along with access to food, sanitation, and other identified needs for our residents, including seniors, workers, and families.
What makes you proud to be a Chester resident? Why should its residents be proud to be one as well?
I am impressed by what I hear when I tell people I live in Chester, CT. They always have a positive reaction, and other town officials will mention that they want to be like us. We are a hip, vibrant little town, and it’s so fun to live here!
Is there anything else you would like to mention to voters?
Cindy Lignar and I have been working together as volunteers in Chester town government for the past several years. We work well together and know how to get things done. We are fully informed and understand Chester municipal government's workings and needs, and we have great networks with local, state, and regional officials. We are ready to step in as Chester’s next executive officers!
Candidate: Paul Radicchi
Current Positions Held: Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, Citation Review Board
Office Seeking: Selectman
Party Affiliation: Republican
Campaign Phone Number: 860-526-2512
Chester Resident Since: Lifetime (69+ years)
Education: Valley Regional High School, Middlesex Community College, multiple certifications in public water system compliance
What inspired you to run for Selectman of Chester?
Requests from many longstanding Chester residents.
What kind of leadership do you believe Chester residents deserve in their Selectmen?
Honest, fiscally responsible, open to all residents’ input
What kind of experience do you plan on bringing to the Board of Selectmen?
Thirty-eight years with CT Water Company, 31 of them in management and supervision, handling budgets and employees, and working with town officials and developers. Now, I own/operate public water system compliance business for over a decade.
What have been your proudest accomplishments in your current vocation? What have you learned from these accomplishments that you will bring to the Board of Selectmen?
My Father was an Italian immigrant who taught me to work hard and to save for wishes and the future. Dedication and commitment to family are my life. Professionally, I am most proud that my clients are always pleased and grateful with the services I provide them today.
What are your three key issues as you seek election? How will solving the challenges associated with these issues continue to make life in Chester better for residents, small business owners, etc?
Controlling taxes and building Chester’s tax base, separating “needs and necessities” from “wishes and desires,” and ensuring that longtime residents can afford to spend the rest of their lives here. I don’t profess to know all the answers, but do feel committed to listening to everyone and making decisions that are honest, truthful, and benefit Chester and its residents.
What makes you proud to be a Chester resident? Why should its residents be proud to be one as well?
So fortunate to have lived in Chester my entire life! I hope and pray to help it remain the wonderful town that I have been a part of.
Is there anything else you would like to mention to voters?
Please vote! Vote for who you believe will best address your needs through open, honest communication and fiscally responsible administration.