Patch Candidate Profile: Paul Kaplan, Orange Planning And Zoning

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

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

Paul M. Kaplan, 64, is running for a seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission in Orange as a Democratic candidate.

Kaplan holds a JD from Albany Law School and a B.A. from Boston University. His occupation is an attorney.

Kaplan’s family includes Lisa, Stephan and Danielle.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Orange Planning & Zoning member (18 yrs); Orange zoning board of appeals (5 yrs).

Why are you seeking this office?

To continue the smart growth in Orange’s commercial, industrial and residential districts to improve the lives of 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.

The continued vacancies on the Eastern portion of the post road continue to be a concern. I will work to fill those vacancies with businesses that are appropriate in the zone.

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

My background as a real estate attorney and 18 years of work on the zoning board.

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

As part of several zoning commissions over the years there have numerous applications that have resulted in a stable economic base for Orange.