Stratford Election 2025: Christopher Pia Running For Zoning Board Of Appeals

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.

Christopher Pia is running for election to the Stratford Zoning Board of Appeals as a Republican.

What office are you seeking?
Stratford Zoning Board of Appeals - Districts 1 & 2

Campaign Website

https://laurahoydick.com/

Occupation:

Insurance & Financial Services - 18 years

Family:
I was born and raised in Stratford. My parents, Gary & Michele Pia still reside next to Boothe Memorial Park while my wife Courtney and I reside in Lordship with our Bernedoodle Duke.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
In Nov. 2017, I ran for public office for the first time and was elected to serve as Stratford’s 1st District Councilman. I served in this role until 2023 while also serving as the Town Council Chairman from 2019 – 2023.

Why are you seeking this office?
I was born and raised in Stratford and am a graduate of St. Mark grammar school and St. Joseph High School while also earning the rank of Eagle Scout from local Boy Scout Troop 72. I graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management and upon completion of college, started my own business in the financial services industry.

Since 2009, I have continued to grow my business and have served as the President of CT NAIFA (National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors). At the same time, I have continued to dedicate countless hours back to our community by having served and volunteered on numerous boards, commissions and committees while also having the honor of serving as the Past President of the Stratford Rotary club from 2012 – 2013.

I became very involved with the local Stratford Chamber of Commerce and the BRBC and served as Stratford Chamber of Commerce Chairman from 2017 – 2020. I currently am serving on the board of the Sterling Community Center.

I continue to stay involved because I care about our community and the people that live and work here.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Enjoying where they call home.

During my previous years serving on the town council and now running for the Zoning Board of Appeals, I believe in doing whatever I can to help ensure my neighbors enjoy where they live. This is a volunteer position but I will treat it as a full-time job and come prepared to each meeting with the intent of helping my neighbors accomplish what is most important to them and their families.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I firmly believe that having previously served as a town councilman and the town council Chairman that it has provided me with invaluable experience in municipal budgeting and operations and the important understanding of how town departments run efficiently. My professional experience in running a business and advising clients in financial related matters also further adds to my confidence in being able to understand complex matters that will come before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

I also believe that any individual running for this position should come to each meeting fully prepared to hear and discuss all projects on the agenda having put in the work ahead of time.

Stratford residents and business owners come to the Zoning Board of Appeals for items that are extremely important to them. It could be as small as requesting a minor variance for a new fence or front porch that could mean all the difference in the world to a family wanting to build their home or expand a business. These are important aspects of the position that I feel make me the right candidate for the job.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
If elected to this position, I promise to treat each applicant that comes before the Zoning Board of Appeals with professional courtesy and the commitment to do the right thing for the town.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My previous years of service on the town council and having served as the Chairman as well as the various other committees and commissions I have chaired and been a member of such as but not limited to the WPCA, Ordinance committee, Public Safety, Short Beach commission, etc.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Pay it forward

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Stratford is where I was raised and have chosen to start my family. This town and this community mean a lot to me and it is for that reason that I continue to want to give back to it.