2025 Patch Profile: Bill Beckert, Farmington Town Council

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

Bill Beckert is running for the Farmington Town Council as a Democrat.

The following is Bill Beckert's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Bill Beckert

What office are you seeking? Town Council, Second District

What town do you live in? Farmington

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Occupation: Attorney

Family: Yes, my wife and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Our daughter teaches in Rhode Island, and my son is enrolled at the University of Rhode Island.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I'm currently serving in my fourth term on the Farmington Board of Education, having been chair since January 2024. I came to the BOE in 2009 after serving on the Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission for two elected terms, and before that, I was appointed to the town's Conservation Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

Serving our town over the past 20 years, I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t.

By continuing to serve our community on the Town Council, I can help navigate the coming challenges Farmington will face.

As more people move to town, there will be increased stress on our schools and infrastructure.

Our next Town Council should be working to prepare for these changes, while at the same time ensuring that living in Farmington remains affordable to all our residents.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The potential impact on property taxes if we lose federal funding for the schools.

It is hard to predict whether there will be cuts, but I believe Farmington should be prepared in case it were to happen.

Families move here for our excellent schools and low property taxes.

There has been a bipartisan effort that I have been a part balancing affordability while delivering the highest quality publication.

If elected, I will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to make sure that we continue to deliver on the commitment of excellent schools and affordable property taxes.

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

I believe my experience. I have seen and worked through many challenges during my 20 years of public service. I believe that experience will help our town as we navigate the challenges we face in the coming years.

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

In Farmington, one of the more important issues, especially in Unionville, is traffic.

Routes 4 and 177 are too crowded. Specifically, the intersection of Routes 4 and 177 is the busiest part of town, creating a safety issue.

Twenty years ago, I remember that it would take only 5 minutes to get from the Naples Plaza to the center of Unionville.

Now, depending on the time of day, it can take as much as 30 minutes. Same on the way out in the morning.

We have to do a better job of communicating what exactly the town can do in conjunction with the state to remedy this situation.

Also, I am committed to ensuring that every young person in our community — whether or not they are on a college track — has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

I will work to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, trade schools, and community organizations to expand access to vocational training, apprenticeships, and certification programs that lead directly to good-paying, stable careers.

Our kids deserve multiple pathways to achieve their full potential.

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

I've led the Farmington Board of Education, helping to deliver strong schools, which this community expects and deserves.

We have been able to sustain that over time, even in challenging budget years.

Schools are our town's number one asset, and the number one reason our property values remain high.

The goal is always to maintain that while doing everything we can, keep Farmington affordable for all.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My grandmother used to say, “If you have a pair of hands, you can always help”.

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

I'm a former Little League softball and baseball coach, a former travel and rec basketball coach, and I was a CCD instructor when my daughter was in school. I have been involved in various civic clubs and organizations as well.

As a result, my family and I have many friendships and deep relationships throughout our community.