Candidate Profile: David McBride, 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 Town resident David McBride tells Patch why he should be elected to the Town Council.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

54

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

MBA (Finance) - University of Connecticut; BA (History) - Seton Hall University

What is your occupation?

Director of Finance, City of New London - 5 years; previously Director of Finance and VP of Business Diversification at the Mohegan Tribe - 20 years

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

Wife - Erin - Controller for the Mohegan Tribe; Children - Hannah-recent graduate of UMASS Amherst; Liam - Apprentice Lineman with Eversource; Makayla - student at Penn State; Michael - student at Bryant University; Mark - student at Fitch High School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am a current Groton Town Councilor. I was previously an elected official for Groton Long Point as its past President, Treasurer, and Director of Public Works

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 interested in using my experience in finance, business, and governmental administration to assist the town and in making good decisions that are in the best long-term interest of the town and its residents

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

Ensuring the decisions regarding (1) what to do with all of the town-owned vacant properties (old schools) (2) handling of the short-term rental situation and (3) how to address the downtown mystic parking situation are properly handled by soliciting substantial community feedback and establishing committees who host open public meetings to ensure everyone in town has a voice and is heard regarding the decisions that are being made throughout their community.

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

I have extensive experience in numerous areas that is beneficial in the role as a Councilor. I believe that I have shown that I listen well to others, I respect everyone's opinions even when I may disagree. I am brief and I am never condescending towards others. I am always upfront and honest in my decision-making and I always vote on what I believe is the best decision for all of Groton residents.

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?

I intend to talk to constituents about a few things that matter to me and am hopeful if elected I can bring them to the Council for further review and consideration: establishing a Storm Water Authority; funding for a Grant Administrator to assist the Town with applying for additional state and federal grants that are available; establishing a Joint Use Facility agreement between the Board of Education and the Recreation Department to ensure we optimizing the use of all ballfields in town; developing a long term consolidated cash flow plan so the town is always looking at the long term while making financial decisions.

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

As the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I along with Councilor Franco brought forth and received Council approval for a policy that takes the State PILOT funding the town receives and allocates 50% of this amount to the seven fire districts based (based on numerous detailed criteria because they don't receive taxes from tax-exempt properties) which assists these areas in lowering their mill rate. I also Chaired the Property Re-Use Committee which discussed and reviewed various matters pertaining to the re-use of town-owned property. The Council did not approve the refined and more detailed policy but some of the recommendations will likely be used in the future when the town begins to deal with its numerous town-owned properties - particularly the closed schools. I was also very involved during the budget process and believe I bring to the Council a calm and professional presence which I believe is important for political leaders.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work hard - play hard - you can sleep when your 80.

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

If they have any questions or would like to discuss anything with me they can always call or email me and I WILL get back to them.