2025 Patch Profile: Shawn Grindle, Southington Town Council

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Shawn Grindle is running for the Southington Town Council as a Democrat.

The following is Shawn Grindle's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Shawn Grindle

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? Southington

Campaign Website: https://southingtondemocrats.org/

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Educator

Family: I have two daughters, 8 and 10, and my wife Josslyn, who is the CHRO for the Greater Hartford YMCA

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for Southington Town Council because I believe everyday people need to be part of the decision-making.

There is a great deal of uncertainty emanating from the federal and even state levels.

It’s a good time to protect the values and systems that have helped shape this town, and to push back when those foundations are threatened.

Local government should always be working for the people, not for outside interests, self-financial gain, or narrow agendas.

As a Democrat, I believe in thoughtful growth that keeps Southington’s charm intact while making sure we’re ready for what’s ahead.

That means strong public schools, welcoming policies for all families, and leadership that’s transparent and accountable.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: At every door I’ve knocked on, the same themes emerge — roads, education, and integrity — but the most common sentiment is the pressure of rising taxes.

My family feels it too.

With the high cost of housing, energy, and tariff-driven inflation on groceries and goods, it’s difficult to make ends meet.

This is kitchen table politics at its root. We’re fortunate in Southington to have growing schools, dedicated public safety services, and much-needed infrastructure updates, but with slow Grand List growth, the burden falls directly on residents.

This is what I intend to do about it: I’ll aggressively pursue state and federal grants, like FEMA’s SAFER program for fire staffing, and push for long-term, cost-effective infrastructure planning — not short-sighted cuts or tax hikes.

I’ll work with colleagues and town staff to streamline access to tax relief programs, explore adjusting thresholds for broader inclusion, and advocate for additional support from state and federal officials so seniors can remain secure in their homes without financial worry.

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

The biggest difference between me and the Republican incumbents is perspective.

I’m a fresh voice with no financial stake in town beyond being a parent and educator.

Southington has seen rising taxes, education cuts, and budgets that rely on short-term fixes rather than long-term planning and aggressive grant-seeking.

It is our duty as elected officials to aggressively go after every available dollar.

I’ll work for open, ethical governance; fully fund public safety; preserve cultural spaces like the Barnes and our library and our amazing community resources; and expand access to tax relief for seniors.

I’ll also prioritize our schools, including addressing the critical gaps in special education funding, and push for the state to support our students and teachers deserve.

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

Our Democratic slate is running behind a robust platform that addresses everything from public safety to education, long-term planning, and community building.

The Democratic slate is a good professional mix of candidates who will work for smart solutions and a stronger Southington.

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

In my professional life, I’ve built a record of advocacy, leadership, and problem-solving that suggests that I can handle this job.

As Political Action Chair and Public Relations Chair for the Southington Education Association, I’ve worked with local legislators, organized call to actions to our members around education policies, and strengthened our union’s public voice through social communication.

Before working through COVID for two years, getting my M.A.T. - Elementary Education, I spent 15 years at A&E Television Networks, where I managed complex media programming operations, maintained data management systems, and broadcast schedules under high-pressure conditions.

That experience taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and lead in challenging environments.

Across education, union advocacy, and media, my accomplishments reflect the same skills this role requires: the ability to advocate for others, build coalitions, and deliver results.

Beyond my professional life, being an Eagle Scout, a Mason, and an ANAH Shriner has instilled discipline, ethical leadership, and a commitment to serving others.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Bob Dylan is a musical hero of mine, and I have always used him as a guiding light in life, so I will go with: "It is simply that one should never be where one does not belong. So, when you see your neighbor carrying somethin', help him with his load. And don't go mistaking paradise for that home across the road."

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

Together, we can build a Southington that works for all of us.