Patch Candidate Profile: Josh Brooks For Branford First Selectman

BRANFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Josh Brooks

What office are you seeking?
First Selectman

What town do you live in?
Branford

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Stone Mason

Family:
I have been married to my lovely wife Andrea, for 27 years. We have two children together, Krista Brooks who is 35 and works at Western Connecticut College. Our other daughter, 21, is currently attending classes at SCSU, and is also a candidate for 2nd District RTM.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served on the RTM as the 2nd District representative for 14 years. I have also been elected on the Stony Creek Association numerous times.

Why are you seeking this office?
At the age of 28 I was hired to be the Youth Outreach Worker for the Town of Branford. In this position I served many people in town, numerous of them being part of an "under served" population. I worked hard to help provided needed services and to promote programs to help lift these kids up. Unfortunately I had to leave that position, and decided that I could continue to serve them as an elected official and continue to advocate on their behalf. In my 14 years in this role I have learned a great many things, how the town works on a day to day basis and how it operates year to year. This past spring I decided, asking my family first, that I was ready to take the next step in my desire to serve the community. I have a belief that a community is strongest when we work together, when we all get involved in the decisions and actions taken. I believe that I am the best person to do just that, galvanize the town through collaboration and hard work by all of us.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing the town is the rising costs of just about everything. While I can't fix gas or grocery prices, I certainly will do everything in my power to slow, or even stall the increases in our property taxes through responsible budgeting. Also we will work closely with our State Representatives to find grants and other possibilities to fund infrastructure upgrades to not only ease the tax burden but also improve day to day life so rising costs hurt a little bit less.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I will just speak to my strengths as I have not heard enough of my opponent's agenda. I have shown over my many years on the RTM, which by nature can be partisan, that I work well with the other side. That I am not afraid to speak to the truth and will always be consistent in my decisions. I have worked hard my entire life, sometimes two jobs. I will bring that work ethic into the office and put in great effort to do the right thing for the people of Branford. As I have been on the campaign trail for the past four months I have had the great pleasure of speaking with hundreds of folk in Branford. I've found a great ease in communicating both the issues we agree on and the ones that we don't. When I am in office I will continue to have these discussions finding compromise where possible and help facilitate solutions that work for all of us. I look forward to an open door policy where all of Branford can have a voice and know that they are heard and held in high regard. I spent time in the military rising to a Petty Officer first class in a very short time. I learned from that experience that great leaders lead by example and from behind. I know that I will bring that leadership style to the office.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
During the campaign I have spoken with many people on various topics. An almost constant concern by many of them is speeding and traffic issues. So many of us are concerned with safety on the roads both as drivers and pedestrians. It is a mandate that we look at this both comprehensively and creatively to make our streets safer. A solution that is lasting is imperative and I will work hard with all of the appropriate agencies with in the town as well as the public to find solutions to this very real concern. I have also had many conversations with seniors struggling with the rising costs and specifically the rise in the property tax, creating a concern for many on their ability to stay in their homes. We will take a comprehensive look on a proposal to freeze property tax increases on qualifying seniors to allow them to have peace of mind moving forward. This effort will be a collaboration between the Board of Selectman, Board of Finance, and RTM. Leaders of the community regardless of party affiliation will be invited to participate so we can create a strong and lasting program. I will continue the vital work that has been taking place throughout Branford on going green. I ambitiously have a desire to get Branford to a place where we produce the same energy we use from solar and other renewable sources.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a member of the RTM since 2007, I have been part of the legislative and budgetary body that ushered in the AAA bond rating. As a member of the Navy Reserves I quickly rose to be a leader in my unit, assisting younger men to becoming the best versions of themselves. I started my own company with nothing more than a hammer and a chisel, built it to last for well over 20 years. I have spent many hours working alongside the Branford schools on budget issues as well as the plans for the future of the school facilities. I have always fought for the employees both on the town side and the schools, to be compensated fairly for the tremendous job they do serving us, the citizens of Branford. I have always, and will continue to champion the needs of the people of Branford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
There are two equally important pieces of advice I have received as it pertains to a run for First Selectman. Unk Daros, when I went to him to discuss my intentions said to me "Don't run because you want the title, run because you want to serve and make a difference." My father when I was still a teenager said "The best way to make a difference is not from outside the system, but from within."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
It is very important that voters know, regardless of outcome that I am full of gratitude and humbled by the kind words and overwhelming support. I am truly honored in the opportunity and trust they have given me with a chance to represent them in this capacity. As First Selectman I will repay this trust with honesty, integrity, and hard work.