Patch Candidate Profile: Kurt Schwanfelder, Branford Town Treasurer

BRANFORD, CT —The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Branford and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Branford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Kurt Schwanfelder, 70, is running for Branford Town Treasurer.

Education.

Graduate Branford High School Bosch Automotive Technical Training Programs - Certified and Accredited Master Mechanic National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) -tests and certifies automotive service professionals. ASE Certified Master Mechanic for 25 years. Third generation Branford Native and member of Trinity Church. Life member of the New Haven Railroad Historical & Technical Association; an archive of New Haven Railroad train history. Long-term member of the Railway Museum of New England. As a member of the Museum, I was involved in locating, transporting and the restoration of six freight cars to preserve the history of the New Haven Railroad.

What is your occupation?

Owner/Operator of Britain’s Automotive in Branford for 50 years

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

Daughter and son. Grandfather of two boys.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes, Branford Town Treasurer – 2019-2021

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 believe we need a Town Treasurer who can provide the necessary check and balance to ensure expenditures reflect budget requests and meet the defined fiscal goals of Branford.

I have over 36 years of Public Service in Branford. My last position was Branford Town Treasurer from 2019 to 2021. During my 36 years, I served on the Board of Finance, Police Commission, Charter Revision, Board of Assessment Appeals, and the RTM.

My previous experience as Town Treasurer will allow me to be job ready on Day One. Additionally, I have operated my own business in Branford for over 50 years. My extensive Branford Public Service affords me the knowledge of Branford’s government and departments and the resources required to support their operations.

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

Checks and Balances: ensure Branford’s taxpayers are provided with the essential services for their tax dollars. One role of the Treasurer is to provide the necessary check and balance of Town Government expenditures. As Treasurer, I will provide that non-partisan oversight to ensure budgeted funds are expended as approved by the Board of Finance. I believe it's essential for our Town Government to have a balance with both parties having positions. Presently, only Republicans are represented, which does not provide the necessary checks and balance.
Fiscal Responsibility: long range budget development. It’s imperative to grow the Town Grand List by increasing economic development to increase revenues to reduce the tax burden on our residential taxpayers. We need to create budgets that reflect the long-term goals of Branford. This will enable us to be more proactive to ensure appropriate funding is in place thus reducing bonding and the “buy now and pay later” budget plan.

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

I have experience serving as Town Treasurer. Unlike the current treasurer, my extensive business experience and my vast Branford Public Service record provide me with necessary tools and expertise to execute the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer of Branford.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The lack of transparency due to single party control. Presently, the Treasurer doesn’t provide the necessary oversight regarding all expenditures.

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

It’s imperative to grow the Town Grand List by increasing economic development to increase revenues to reduce the tax burden on our residential taxpayers. We need to create budgets that reflect the long-term goals of Branford. This will enable us to be more proactive to ensure appropriate funding is in place, thus reducing bonding and the “buy now and pay later” budget plan.

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

I have over 36 years of Public Service experience. During this time, I worked with all Town Departments and Organizations. I’ve been a local business owner for more than 50 years. I am very invested in the Town of Branford. As former Town Treasurer, I reviewed and authorized all town expenditures. I communicated regularly with the Finance Department and all Town Department Heads. I served on the RTM for 22 years, as both Majority and Minority Leader. Committee Chairman of both Public Services and Administrative Services, and as a member of all five Standing Committees. My other Public Service Experience includes serving on the Board of Finance, Board of Assessment Appeals, Police Commission, Charter Revision Commission, and Parks & Open Space Commission.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

All of us are faced with multiple problems on a daily basis. The advice I was given was to first recognize the problem, second to resource what’s necessary to solve your problem,
I have those abilities and can apply them to any situation.

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

I’m dedicated to providing our citizens with the highest standards in fulfilling the responsibilities of treasurer. In my capacity, I will continue to work with all town departments and stakeholders to effectively meet the requirements of my position.