2025 Patch Profile: Ken Nelson Jr., Enfield Town Council

ENFIELD, CT — Enfield Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Ken Nelson Jr. is running for the Enfield Town Council as a Republican.

The following is Ken Nelson Jr.'s questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Ken Nelson Jr.

What office are you seeking? Town Council District 1

What town do you live in? Enfield

Campaign Website: https://enfieldrtc.org

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Real estate broker/owner, CT Valley Homes

Family: Wife Jo-Marie, four adult children, and 12 grandchildren

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Mayor, Town Council District 1 2023-25; Town Council, District 1 2022-23; Minority Leader 2022-23; Town Council At-Large 2005-13; Deputy Mayor 2007-13; Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission 2017-21.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because I remain deeply committed to Enfield and its taxpayers.

Over the past term, we have strengthened our town’s finances, supported existing and welcomed many new businesses to Enfield.

I want to continue that momentum – focusing on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and keeping Enfield affordable for our residents and families.

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

Families, seniors, and young people alike are all feeling the squeeze – from rising costs of living to higher taxes and soaring energy bills.

With town-wide property revaluation coming up this year, my priority is to make sure your tax dollars are protected with responsible budgeting, smart spending, and accountability, to protect taxpayers from unnecessary increases.

Keeping Enfield affordable for everyone is my top priority.

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

My platform is built on proven leadership and real experience – not political talking points.

I’ve worked tirelessly to stabilize our town’s finances and address the school budget deficit of $6 million left to us by the previous Democrat majority.

I’ll continue to support public safety for our residents and, most importantly, our children.

We have taken over school security to ensure our children are protected, and I will continue to promote responsible economic development.

While I believe my opponent shares a love for Enfield, her platform would involve increased spending and larger government involvement, which would place a much heavier burden on our already strapped Taxpayers in Enfield.

I believe in fiscal discipline, local control, and practical solutions, not politics or promises that can’t be kept.

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

This is a pivotal year for Enfield with the revaluation. We need experienced leaders who can tackle the budget with the best interests of all taxpayers in mind.

I have a proven record of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

Our entire slate of candidates has the institutional knowledge to lead Enfield on day one.

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

When I took office, we immediately faced a $6M school budget deficit from the Democrat majority, and I helped guide us through it without a tax increase to our residents.

We’ve seen new businesses open, investments grow, new recreational facilities, public safety and infrastructure improvements, all while keeping government accountable and transparent.

I’m proud of the progress we have made, and I’m ready to keep working hard for Enfield.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Public service isn’t about headlines or politics. It’s about doing what's best for the people you represent, every single day.
Whether it’s managing budgets, supporting our town staff, or helping a resident with a concern, I’ve always tried to lead with honesty, fairness, transparency, and common sense.

Not all decisions come easily, and many nights are spent wrestling with pros and cons, but at the end of the day, the decisions are made with the interest of all Residents in mind

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

It has been a true honor to serve as District 1 Councilman and Mayor these past two years.

Every day has brought new challenges and tough decisions, but it has also brought opportunities to help our community and make a difference, right here at home.

It takes patience, teamwork, and a real commitment to doing what’s best for the community – not what’s politically convenient.

Leadership means showing up, listening, and following through, even when the issues are complicated or seemingly unpopular.

Enfield has been my home for over 50 years. If you want steady, accountable & fiscal leadership that puts our community first, I ask for your Vote on Nov. 4.

It has been a true honor to represent District 1.