Patch Candidate Profile: Eric Morson For Stamford Board Of Representatives

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Candidate's Name:
Eric Morson

What office are you seeking?
Board of Representatives - District 13

What town do you live in?
Stamford

Campaign Website
https://www.Stamford13.com

Party Affiliation:
Democrat & Independent

Occupation:
Financial Advisor & Tax Partner

Family:
I live in Saw Mill with my wife Michele, where we raised our two kids Cameron (24) and Callie (20), with our cat Jasper, and 85lb labradoodle Jackson.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Board of Representatives, 2017-Present

Why are you seeking this office?
Public service is a noble calling, and being able to make a difference in someone’s life for no more than a thank you is immensely fulfilling. I love my hometown, and giving in service of others is both humbling and gratifying. It also makes me proud to serve in a role that allows me to strengthen our City and address issues that are important to my neighbors, my family, and our community.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
My top priority is keeping our taxes as low as possible. The cost of living is rising, and we feel it every day. As a resident with kids and the owner of a small business, I’m in the same boat with you. Over the course of 8 years on the Fiscal Committee, I have worked toward the smallest tax increases possible (recently under 2%). I will continue to do so, while not sacrificing our critical investments in education, infrastructure, and public safety.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Neither of my opponents have a professional financial background, and my 30+ years as a financial professional are invaluable when evaluating our budget. This allows me to make a direct impact on one of our most important issues: taxes. Coordination of City construction projects does not fall within the scope of a Representative’s responsibilities, and critical thinking and collaboration are not unique to my opponents.

My current District partner Amiel Goldberg and I have seen the detrimental impact of views solely rooted in anti-development and anti-executive branch rhetoric. This has ground progress and collaboration with the Administration to a halt many times. I believe that smart, responsible development is the way forward, and sensible, practical ordinances that raise our quality of life is a far better approach. Amiel and I believe in thoughtful financial management so our tax dollars are spent effectively, while making sure that day to day services that we count on must be easily and readily accessible.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The residents living in the Westhill and Roxbury School neighborhood have real concerns about how their lives will be impacted by the multi-year school construction project that is about to begin. I will continue to ensure their voices are heard and will fight for solutions to be implemented as they arise.

Road paving is on everyone’s mind, and I have always encouraged neighbors to let me know when road work is needed so I can act to increase repair speed and priority. For example, both Merritt Parkway ends of Den Road have been minefields for years. They are both being rebuilt right now because Amiel Goldberg and I continuously fought for these two critical entrances to our City to make the right first impression.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have been a Financial Advisor for over 30 years and a Tax Partner for over 20 years. My comprehensive understanding of fiscal issues and the ability to clearly communicate their complexity has served me well.

I have been a member of the Board of Reps since 2017. As Vice Chair of the Public Safety & Health Committee, a member of the Stamford EMS Board of Directors, and a member of CERT, I am dedicated to the health, safety, & welfare of this City. As a member of the Fiscal Committee, my financial background has given me a comprehensive understanding of our budget process and how to keep taxes as low as possible. I also served on the Steering Committee, the Special Code of Ethics Revision Committee, and as Deputy Majority Leader.

My commitment to service extends beyond the City, having been elected to the Board of Trustees of a 106 year old 501(c)3 non-profit 3 times, serving from 2013-25 as a member for 8 years, and 2 years each as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Board. I serve as the Vice-Chair of the UConn Alumni Band Association Board of Directors and served on the Board of Directors of the Young Artists Philharmonic.

My experience serving in leadership positions on several Boards of varying types of organizations for over 25 years, and my history of work with the City allows me to make an impact on the Board of Reps. I confidently manage my time effectively and have a firm understanding about how the Board of Reps operates, making me fully prepared to work on day one.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Don’t take on the world alone.

Being committed and driven to meet your goals is laudable and celebrated. But if you insist on doing everything yourself you may overwhelm your time and resources. Working with and trusting your colleagues and delegating makes every bit of difference. Trust in collaborative team members and everyone shares the success.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am a moderate, a centrist. I firmly believe this balance serves the community that we all love. I have and will continue to work with anyone, regardless of party affiliation, for the betterment of our City. My approach is always in search of facts and perspective that best suits the task at hand, while working toward compromise. I am known to be a voice that brings people together and cuts through the noise when clarity is needed, and I will continue to bring balance to the conversation.

Thank you for your support, and for taking the time to read about me and other candidates for office. I hope I have earned your support for re-election in service of District 13 and the City we love. And as always, my home number is open for your calls, so please do reach out at (203) 703-9550.