Stratford Election 2025: Claire Barber Running For Planning Commission

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.

Claire Barber is running for election to the Stratford Town Planning Commission as a Democrat.

Occupation:
Elementary teacher

Family:
Father is Shellfish commissioner for Stratford, Mother is long-term lunch lady working in town for Sodexo. Brother works for Hvac and sister works for DOT

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
closest is Father as the Stratford Shellfish Commissioner

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
N/A

Why are you seeking this office?
I have seen Stratford lose so many businesses that cater to families and children over the past 30 years. It's time to make Stratford a place for families again.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue is building Stratford into more than a commuter town but a place to build legacies and grow as a family and an individual.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have had family living in this town for over a hundred years. I have seen how my family contributed to the expansion of this town and how making money for some has taken precedence over building a town for everyone.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I intend to address the fact that there continues to be less infrastructure that supports a fun, enriching life for its residents and continues to prioritize apartments that never fill up or bring anything positive to our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have worked in previous positions to build community partnerships with Beardsley Zoo, Catholic schools, and libraries in Fairfield county.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Do what you know is right.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am an artist, and teacher with a passion for my town and community. I have a mural at the Bridgeport Golden Hill United Methodist Church.