Stratford Election 2025: Bryan O'Connor Running For Town Council

STRATFORD, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and more.

Stratford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Bryan O'Connor is running for re-election to the Stratford Town Council as a Republican.

What office are you seeking?
Re-Election- District 1 Town Council

Occupation:

Director of Sales

Family:
I am married to wife and first crush, Amanda "Michaud" O'Connor. We share our home with our rescue dog, Cpt. Quint. My parents Tom and Mary Lou O'Connor live in Lordship, as do my in-laws Eddie and Fran Michaud. My three sisters all live in Stratford - two of them also in Lordship - and they are married to great guys who I am proud to call not just brother-in-law, but some of my best friends. I am lucky to have six amazing nieces and nephews - Kaleigh, William, Brady, Mckenna, Jack, and Áine
- and about a hundred kids that call me Uncle B.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
District 1 Councilman (2023- Present) - Water Pollution Control Authority Chairman (WPCA) (2023 – Present) - Short Beach Commission Member (2023 – Present) - Stratford Planning Commission Chairman (2021-2023) - Stratford Housing Partnership Member (2023-Present)

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking re-election as District 1 Council because I truly love the Town of Stratford - my hometown, my community, and the people that make it so special. My family lives here, and I consider all of my constituents part of that extended family. I am running for re-election because I want to continue helping people and improving the quality of life in our town. I am especially committed to strengthening Stratford's coastal resilience. I want to see through the projects that we have already started, help bring new projects to fruition, and continue moving Stratford forward with pride, purpose, and care.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
My experience in local government has taught me that there is no single pressing issue - every concern is unique to each constituent, which is why it is so important to listen and help where it matters most. I will continue focusing on coastal resiliency, maintaining taxes in a fiscally responsible way, supporting our schools and their continued development, promoting local business and economic growth, and maintaining the Stratford that we know and love.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have a great respect for my opponent and her willingness to volunteer her time to help our community and our town. Where we differ is in my involvement here in District 1. I help bring people together and strengthen our community's bond. I pride myself on being accessible, responsive, and always around - everyone knows how to get a hold of me, and if they don't, they know someone who does. I am always ready to listen and help however I can. I am committed to Stratford and District 1, and I believe my experience, and consistent dedication, have shown that through many different avenues.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
My mission is to promote a transparent, accountable, and inclusive government that serves the needs of every resident. I believe in fairness, integrity, and collaboration; and I am committed to working tirelessly to provide fiscal responsibility, support our schools, improve our infrastructure, coastal resiliency, and help with the successful execution of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have supported two budgets that kept taxes flat with no increase to the mill rate, while also voting for grant funding and opportunities to enhance coastal resiliency, flood mitigation, and critical infrastructure. I helped lead the Council in the approval of the $5.77M Washington Parkway Drainage Project in our effort to reduce flooding in our neighborhood. I supported a $16.7 million floodwall at our sewage treatment plant. I served as chairman, where I helped lead the successful adoption of the town's current Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD)

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
"Listen with your ears, not with your mouth."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Four generations of my family have called Stratford home. It is a privilege to serve as your first district councilman over the last two years, and I am committed to working hard for you, building on our legacy and future together.