Newly-Elected Plymouth Mayor Joseph Kilduff Has Several Goals For Town

By Brian Johnson, The Bristol Press

November 4, 2021

Newly-elected Republican mayor Joseph Kilduff has several goals for the town in the coming years, including improving local roads and athletic fields, the creation of new, modern, police department and the establishment of long-term plans for the continued growth of the community.

Kilduff was elected Tuesday night after running unopposed and securing 1,206 votes. Going forward, he vowed to "do what is right" for the town. He said, overall, he wants to be a mayor that "comes up with plans to use the resources at the town’s disposal wisely" without affecting the tax rate in a negative way.

“There’s a lot of things that we need to do and we need to start prioritizing those things and knocking away at the list,” Kilduff said. “The number one issue when you go and talk to citizens is the condition of the roads, which is not an issue unique to Plymouth. The condition of many of our athletic fields is also sub-par."

Kilduff will also continue to work with local legislators, as his predecessor David Merchant did, to try to secure state funding for a new police station. City leaders have long felt that the current station is too small to meet the needs of the modern police department.

“Anybody who's gone through our police station knows that this is an issue that we need to address,” he said. "Our police deserve a place that they can do their jobs safely and effectively and that’s something that they currently don't have.”

A new police station would mean a building that is up to current building codes, has newer technology and would address current space issues. Town leaders have stated that the current building doesn't have enough jail cells. There are no separate areas designated for men and women and for juvenile offenders.

Pre-covid-19, it was estimated that a new police station would cost $11 million, with $8 million for the building itself and $3 million for architectural costs. However, Kilduff's predecessor David Merchant said he suspected that with the rising costs of materials the cost will be higher post-pandemic.

Kilduff also hopes to establish a “vision for the future,” for what Plymouth should look like in 5, 10 or 25 years down the road.

“We need to start by tackling problems head on before they need bigger and more expensive solutions,” he said. “At the same time, we must prioritize our spending. Our residents work hard for what they have and we owe it to them to be responsible with their tax dollars. Simply put, under my administration if it's not needed we are not going to do it. If it is needed our residents will know what, when, where, why and how much.”

Kilduff said the town should “keep in mind not just what is easy or politically expedient but what is beneficial for Plymouth today, tomorrow and years from now.”

“That's how we prevent a stagnant community,” he said. “That's how we prevent too many desperately needed projects from being delayed because of budgetary constraints. That's how in the long run we can attract businesses and ultimately lower the tax burden on our citizens.”

While working on these projects, Kilduff wants to ensure Plymouth retains its small town charm.

“I live in the community, I want to see progress and I want to move forward without losing our small town feel,” he said. "Plymouth is a great community, but I want to raise the bar even higher."

Kilduff first got involved with the local Republican Town Committee around 2013, shortly after graduating magna cum laude from Central Connecticut State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. He would later go on to serve as the town tax collector and chair of the Republican Town Committee before running for mayor.

Kilduff said he worked closely with his predecessor, Merchant, over the last five years. He said Merchant's administration built a "great foundation" and he hopes to "continue that positive momentum."

Kilduff said he wants to continue to make Plymouth a "great community" for him and his wife Chalaine to raise their daughter Brooklyn and for other children to grow up in.

“I want Plymouth to fulfill its potential," he said. "I want Plymouth to continue to be a great place to live, work and raise a family. As Brooklyn grows up, I want her to be proud that this community is her hometown. Imagine if we could make Plymouth the kind of community that more people who grew up here decided to stay, plant roots, raise a family and who knows maybe even start a business right here in town.”

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.