Patch Candidate Profile: Jack Fowler, Milford City Clerk

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.

John Fowler, 63, is running for City Clerk for Milford as a Republican candidate.

Fowler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is the senior director of strategic partnerships at AmPhil.

Fowler’s family includes his wife of 37 years, Sharon, and five adult children: James, Mary, Andy, Elizabeth and John.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Sharon is an assistant teacher in Milford's "Ready to Learn" pre-K program, Mary is a Milford school nurse, Andy is a member of the Milford Board of Education and a candidate for Alderman

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

Milford Alderman, First District, 1997-2002; member of September 11 Memorial Commission, Member of Milford Redevelopment and Housing Partnership (formerly the Milford Housing Authority); current member of the Milford Republican Town Committee

Why are you seeking this office?

Because I love Milford and want to serve its wonderful citizens, my neighbors

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

the destruction of America's economy and social fabric by Joe Biden and extremists in the Democrat Party ... but the key components of the job of City Clerk is to protect the City's vital records, dispense licenses, and administer elections, things unrelated directly to the "single most pressing issue." I intend to perform the duties of the office of City Clerk with the utmost professionalism, accountability, reliability, transparency, and good will.

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

I was not a leading member of the Blake Team, which attempted to shut down Milford's Harborside Middle School. I will also be seeking to comply with the state statute's recommendation for city clerks to obtain certification.

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

There was a clear failure to publicly stand up for children and parents of Harborside Middle School, who would have been harmed by former Mayor Blake's reckless attempt to close the school, an act of political retribution attempted because he of his longstanding disdain of members of the Milford Board of Education. Instead of the deserved condemnation and opposition from Milford's leading public officials, there was partisan silence from "Blake Team" members.

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

The widespread abuse of the absentee-ballot process by Connecticut Democrats, and the need to work aggressively with lawmakers and law-enforcement agencies to protect citizens from title-theft scams that have harmed many homeowners.

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

As the former publisher of National Review magazine, I diligently served over 200,000 customers, and remain driven to help people resolve problems, including complex ones, and to always be accessible and transparent. When I was an Alderman I was recognized for my relentless efforts on behalf of my constituents. I am an advocate of election fairness and integrity, which is central to our standing as American citizens, so I will be especially conscientious in all matters in which the City Clerk's office is involved with people's right to vote. I love dogs! -- and am jazzed that the City Clerk's office is responsible for licensing Man's Best Friend. I have an even temperament and good humor, two things the people of Milford deserve in the person who represents them in the office of City Clerk.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Pray every day, and be grateful that you are an American, which is like winning life's lottery.

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

I love Milford, my country, my family, my God. I intend to serve all to the best of my abilities. I am decidedly conservative, but in service have always regarded my fellow citizens as just that -- as fellow citizens, as neighbors, as people of good intentions who want what's best for our community, which deserves our love and protection and enhancement.