Candidate Profile: Bill Furgueson, Groton Town Council

GROTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Groton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Groton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Groton resident Bill Furgueson tells Patch why he should be elected to Town Council.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

51

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://grotonindependents.com...

What city or town do you live in?

Mystic

Please give us your party affiliation.

Groton Independent Party

Education.

I graduated from Conn College with both a B.A. and a MAT

What is your occupation?

I am 2+ years working as a Director of Marketing and Development for a non-profit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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

I have two adult children, Emma (24) and Quinn (21).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am currently a member of the Historic District Commission.

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 love my community because it has given so much to me and my family. I am a big believer in giving back, in any way that you can, and my goal is to leave Groton better than it was when I moved here in 1995. I have volunteered as Board president of the Mystic & Noank Library, as president of the Downtown Mystic Merchants, and as an organizer of Mystic Chamber events. Now I want to give back even more as a Town Councillor.

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

Fiscal responsibility within the town government. What I would do about it is to make sure that there is clear transparency and accountability about how our tax dollars are spent. We need to rein in spending to keep our taxes at a level that do not force people to leave.

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

I am person who brings a style of leadership that unifies people of all thoughts and beliefs. I listen and respond in a way that's best for the Town, not for a party or me personally.

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

I feel that the Town Council has had a long time to get things done and do what is best for Groton. However, I believe there can be more done and in a way that is more responsive to our residents, done with a closer eye on spending, and a way that will encourage development that ensures that those who work in Groton also live in Groton, educate their children in Groton, and spend their money at Groton businesses.

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

I want to ensure that Groton is on the forefront for environmental preparedness. We need to make sure we are leaders in creative and collaborative solutions to address climate change on a regional level.

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

I have been a leader with great success and results. Winning "Tourism Leader of the Year" for my efforts promoting the region, shows how I am pro-business, pro-appropriate sized development, and a huge proponent of this town.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I have been many great words of advice throughout my life. But it is my high school's motto of "Not to be served but to serve," that has been my mantra for living my life. Being the best possible person, leaving the world better than I found it, and making those around me happy is what I hope to have as my legacy.

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

I hope you can come out and vote Row C this election to bring in great leadership to the Town of Groton.