Patch Candidate Profile: Tom Dougherty For Stamford Board Of Finance

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:
Tom Dougherty

What office are you seeking?
Board of Finance

What town do you live in?
Stamford, CT

Campaign Website
https://www.StamfordFinance25....

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Business Development

Family:
I have a wife and 2 sons

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Currently serving on the City of Stamford Board of Appraisal Appeals.

Why are you seeking this office?
I believe Stamford is a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and I want to do my part to keep it that way. I’ve always been committed to strengthening our community—whether through leading non-profit and community organizations, supporting residents, or creating opportunities that make Stamford a better place to live, work, play, and learn. Serving on the Board of Finance is a natural extension of that commitment. I want to bring my experience, financial discipline, and community perspective to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, investments are made wisely, and Stamford continues to grow in a way that benefits all of our residents

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing Stamford residents is the rising cost of living, especially property taxes. As your Board of Finance member, I will focus on managing spending responsibly, ensuring that school and infrastructure investments are planned and funded wisely, and seeking ways to deliver essential services without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. My goal is to balance Stamford’s growth with affordability so families, seniors, and businesses can all thrive here.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart from other candidates is the combination of global financial expertise and local community leadership I bring to the role. In my professional career, I help some of the world’s largest financial institutions reduce costs, manage risk, and maximize resources—a skill set directly applicable to overseeing Stamford’s $700M+ budget. At the same time, I’ve been on the ground here in Stamford leading non-profits through serious financial challenges, where I applied hands-on P&L responsibility, cost controls, and community engagement to turn deficits into surpluses.

This dual perspective—big-picture financial analytics and real-world local stewardship—means I know how to stretch every dollar, make disciplined spending decisions, and keep Stamford both affordable and growing. Add to that my experience serving on boards that protect residents’ interests, and I believe I offer a proven record of financial responsibility, leadership, and commitment to the people of Stamford

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I intend to focus on delivering real outcomes for Stamford residents. That starts with greater transparency in how our city operates—especially when it comes to the budget. Taxpayers deserve a clear understanding of how their hard-earned dollars are being spent, what value they’re getting in return, and how decisions impact affordability and quality of life. I will push for open communication, smarter spending, and measurable results so residents can have confidence that every dollar is working for them

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I would point to two sets of accomplishments that show I can handle this job.
First, in my professional career, I work with some of the largest financial institutions in the world, helping them lower costs, manage risks, and maximize revenues through leveraging technology backed by data-driven financial analysis. That experience—ensuring organizations do more with limited resources—is exactly what’s needed to oversee Stamford’s budget responsibly.
Second, here in Stamford I’ve led non-profit and community organizations, including one that faced serious financial challenges. With full P&L responsibility, I put in place cost controls, engaged more people, and restructured operations so that we went from financial strain to being profitable and cash positive. That hands-on financial stewardship shows I know how to turn challenges into sustainable results.
Combined with my service on city and community boards, these accomplishments show I have the skills, the judgment, and the commitment to make sure every taxpayer dollar is used wisely for the benefit of Stamford residents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received was to always stay authentic in your dealings, because authenticity builds trust and lasting partnerships. I’ve found that to be true both in business and in community service. On the Board of Finance, authenticity means being transparent, straightforward, and focused on what’s best for Stamford residents. If we work together with that mindset, we can accomplish a great deal for our city.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Stamford is a city with tremendous assets—our people, neighborhoods, and resources. With the right leadership, we can unlock even more potential and make Stamford an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. What we need now is financial discipline and stewardship to ensure every tax dollar delivers real value for residents. That’s the experience I bring—from managing global financial challenges to turning around local non-profits—and it’s the perspective I want to put to work on the Board of Finance.