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

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:
Peter Hentschel

What office are you seeking?
District 2 Representative

What town do you live in?
Branford

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
retired architect

Family:
I reside in Stony Creek with my wife, Elizabeth Prete, and have married children with grandchildren living nearby in Guilford.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have been the Branford District 2 RTM Representative for 5 terms

Why are you seeking this office?
I am committed to continuing Branford's growth as a diverse and prosperous community with an environment that is resilient and supports and protects all our residents.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
....the growing need for coastal resilience in the face of climate change. As chairperson of Branford's Coastal Vulnerability Working Group I intend to promote efforts to make the town's roads and infrastructure more resilient and initiate systems to notify residents of real-time environmental conditions including road flooding. As Chairperson of the RTM Rules & Ordinances Committee I will continue to support ordinances which strengthen our environment.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
experience and hard work in support of our community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
support for better enforcement of town ordinances, safer streets, and property tax relief for qualified seniors

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
major contributions to the initiatives of Branford's Coastal Vulnerability Working Group and the development of numerous town ordinances including the recent Harbor Management Commission Ordinance, Blight Ordinance, and Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Also, initiation of ordinances to make our town Tax Collector and Town Clerk appointed professional positions rather than elected positions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Listen, admit what you don't know, and work hard to find out.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Elected and committee positions are what you make of them - either a minimal commitment or hours of hard work - I have been and will continue to be committed to long hours of hard work for Branford.