Patch Candidate Profile: Kurt Schwanfelder For Branford Treasurer and BoAA

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:
Kurt Schwanfelder

What office are you seeking?
Branford Treasurer and Board of Assessment Appeals

What town do you live in?
Branford

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Owner and operator of Britain’s Automotive for 52 years

Family:
Two adult children – a daughter and a son,
two grandsons

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Yes.
Liesl Knowlton, Assistant Town Clerk of Westbrook CT.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes. I have 42 years of Public Service in the Town of Branford.
Currently, Branford Town Treasurer.
Previously Branford Town Treasurer – 2019-2021.
Presently, Alternate Member of the Board of Assessment and Appeals 2025
I served on the RTM for 22 years, as both Majority and Minority Leader.
Committee Chairman of both Public Services and Administrative Services, and 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.

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.

My current and previous experience as Treasurer provides me the knowledge and experience to meet the responsibilities of the position on Day One.

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

The Treasurer needs to be non-partisan and be able to work with all Department Leaders and Town Officials to provide oversight and ensure budgeted funds are expended as approved by the Board of Finance.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have four years of experience serving as Town 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.

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 proactive to ensure there is appropriate funding. This would eliminate unnecessary extra expenditures by applying short-term costly interim actions.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
During my tenure as Treasurer, I communicate regularly with the Finance Department and all Town Department Heads and Organizations.

As Treasurer, I review and authorize all town expenditures.
My years of Public Service have provided vast knowledge of the Town Government and the needs of all the Departments.

I’ve been a local business owner for 52 years.

I am very invested in the Town of Branford.

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.

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.