CT Patch Candidate Profile: John Mortimer For Milford Planning And Zoning Board

MILFORD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

John Mortimer, a Democrat, is a Milford resident running for the Planning and Zoning Board.

Occupation:

Retired, worked 43 years at Sikorsky Aircraft

Family:
I’ve been happily married for 13 years to my wife, Cathy, a retired nurse who continues to serve our community by volunteering as a hospice care worker with a local agency. I also have a daughter, Nicole, who is 37 and lives in Massachusetts. She works at Harvard University as the Associate Director of University Donor Relations and Engagement. I’m incredibly proud of both of them, and they inspire me to do better every day.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I’ve served on Milford’s Planning and Zoning Board for the past 6 years.

Why are you seeking this office?
Milford is a wonderful place to live and work, and its rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring that housing remains affordable while preserving the quality of life we all enjoy is a complex but rewarding task. As a coastal community with a rich history, I believe it’s essential that we protect our heritage even as we plan for the future. Striking the right balance between progress and preservation is not easy, but it’s a responsibility I’m ready to take on.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The most single pressing issue facing my constituents is affordable housing. During my time on the board, I’ve consistently advocated for solutions that are thoughtful, appropriate, and responsive to our community’s needs. We need to encourage denser, mixed-use development along our main thoroughfares, while preserving the character and integrity of our single-family neighborhoods. It’s a careful balance, but one I believe we can achieve with smart planning and community input.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I’ve listened closely to my constituents and understand the housing challenges they face. Throughout my time on the board, I’ve worked hard to address these concerns with practical, community-focused solutions. As I’ve mentioned, achieving the right balance is not easy, but I bring the experience, perspective, and commitment needed to navigate these complexities and deliver results that reflect our shared values.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Maintaining Milford’s identity as a small coastal city is deeply important to me. As we grow, any new development must reflect and respect the character of our community; its scale, its history, and its connection to the shoreline. Thoughtful planning is essential to ensure that progress doesn’t come at the expense of what makes Milford special.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I’ve contributed to the development of Milford’s 2032 Plan of Conservation and Development, which serves as a strategic guide for our city’s growth in the years ahead. I also supported our decision to opt out of the state’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law, helping craft local regulations that are more responsive to residents’ needs. These new rules give Milford homeowners greater flexibility—such as the option to rent out rooms—which can help them age in place while maintaining independence. Additionally, I’ve worked with both state and city officials to improve parking and beach access along East Broadway. Another key accomplishment includes supporting a downtown development that added over 100 free parking spaces, an improvement that was urgently needed and has made a real difference for local businesses and residents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Do the right thing, not the easy thing.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am pragmatic and can work with anyone, but believe you must stand on principle.