Patch Candidate Profile: Andy Fowler, Milford Board of Aldermen

MILFORD, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Milford, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Milford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Andy Fowler is running for a seat on the Board of Aldermen to represent the 1st District in Milford as a republican candidate.

Fowler holds a degree from the University of Connecticut and is the Manager of Internal Affairs at Yankee Institute. Fowler’s family includes his parents, Jack and Sharon, and siblings Jim, Mary, Elizabeth and John.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My dad, Jack Fowler, is running for Milford City Clerk. Please vote for him on Nov. 7.

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

I have been the Minority Leader on the Board of Education since 2019. Overall, I have served two terms.

why are you seeking this office?

I'm running for office because it's crucial to be involved in the community and having been in government for the past 4 years, I believe I have the skillset and principles to honorably serve the good people of Milford.

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

Financial and physical well-being. With the economy as it is currently, I intend to rein in government spending to keep taxes low. But Milford voters are worried about the rise in crime: our role in government is to secure the rights of our citizens and protect their property. I intend to work with law enforcement and other community leaders to build a culture of respect for others and their property.

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

As a Board of Education member, being the only Republican during my time, I've had to stand alone on issues. My opponents have had supermajorities and spoken collectively -- but sometimes a different voice is needed. I believe I have proven to be a different voice -- one that will represent the portion of Milford residents who aren't currently represented with the Democrat supermajority on the Board of Aldermen.

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

With taxes expected to rise, the pension fund nearly drained, and not filling positions in the city to name a few -- this Board of Aldermen did not hold Mayor Ben Blake in check. And now, we will see the ramifications of them standing by if we don't act quickly enough.

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

I served as the only Republican on the Board of Education for four years. I believe I can not only work across the aisle but also stand apart when needed.

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

I believe it's vital we are engaged with the community. I've taken that to heart: being active with organizations like the Milford Irish Club, the Knights of Columbus, building a chapter of Young Catholic Professionals, and so on. We do not live on islands. And I live by these truths: we are all endowed with rights by our Creator, and to treat others the way you'd like to be treated.