Patch Candidate Profile: James Goodridge For Guilford Board Of Assessment Appeals

GUILFORD, 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 the town.

Candidate's Name:
James Goodridge

What office are you seeking?
Board of Assessment Appeals

What town do you live in?
Guilford

Campaign Website
https://guilforddemocrats.org/

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Contractor/developer 45 years

Family:
Wife Pat Dechiara, Daughter Anna Goodridge 30 years old

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Chairman Guilford Housing Authority 22 years, Board of Assessment Appeals, 5 years, Affordable Housing commission, 2 years, Zoning Board Of Appeals 6 years

Why are you seeking this office?
The board does meaningful work, the members are all very dedicated, and the staff does an amazing job. I always look forward to the interaction with those who come before the board and the analysis of the issue resulting in a fair outcome.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
the frequent incorrect calculation of property taxes. We can adjust the assessment to achieve a more equitable outcome and decrease the amount due.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I don't know my opponent, so I can't comment on her experience, but the major difference, I am aware of, is I have served on the board for some time and have been involved in many difficult decisions that require a knowledge base that can only be realized over time.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
People should know that there is an independent commission in town comprised of trained, local citizens that can determine if their assessments are incorrect and adjust them if necessary.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am very familiar with Guilford. I have lived and worked here for over 50 years, I was a home inspector for over 15 years, as a contractor I have built over 140 homes all around Guilford. I have served on numerous boards and commissions that make me very aware, and knowledgeable about properties in our town.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Always be nice to people, you never know who you will meet up with in the future. (I gave that advice to myself). My father's best advice was always put your socks in your shoes, but that really hasn't been helpful.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I really love this town, I could never imagine being elsewhere. Not just because of its beauty, its historic heritage, or overwhelming community involvement, but because the large majority of citizens are a force against chaos, stupidity, and authoritarianism in our national politics.