Patch Candidate Profile: Peter Hentschel, Branford RTM, District 2

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.

Incumbent Democrat Peter Hentschel, 80, is seeking reelection to the Branford RTM, District 2.

Education.

Yale University BA and Master of Architecture

What is your occupation?

Architect - 40 years

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

Wife, Elizabeth Prete; Son, Michael Hentschel; Daughter, Samantha Pinckney

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

none

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

Branford RTM, District 2 Representative - 2013 to 2023

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 am running for RTM Representative to find solutions to the daily challenges of the citizens in my District; to promote actions that move Branford toward environmental sustainability and coastal resilience; and to see that Branford continues to be an exceptional and sustainable place to live.

Please complete this statement: 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 Branford is the existential threat of climate change and sea level rise on our coastal community, and this is what I intend to do about it:
• Promote community actions and programs that address climate change and coastal resilience
• Work to assure that Branford has the financial resources to address climate issues based on access to state and federal assistance programs
• Commit to moving Branford toward a sustainable environment aligned with federal and international climate goals
• Commit to maintaining Branford’s reputation as a community with a high quality balanced residential and commercial lifestyle with careful and selective commercial development favoring innovative technology-based business preserving our coastal and open space assets

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

I have chaired Branford's Coastal Vulnerability Working Group; have helped to draft many of the recent additions to Branford's town ordinances; and have had years of professional experience in land planning, design, and development.

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

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

Vision for Branford - an exceptional, affordable and sustainable place to live.

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

Founding of one of the State's largest architectural design firms, initiator of Branford's Coastal Vulnerability Working Group, member of the RTM and the RTM Rules & Ordinances Committee

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Ask questions, and if you don't have answers to the questions of others - admit it.

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

What will be best for Branford in the long run is not always going to be the easiest route to follow.