Stratford Election 2025: David Chess Running For Mayor

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.

David Chess is running for election as mayor of Stratford as a Democrat.

Campaign Website
https://www.chessforstratford....

Occupation:

Physician

Family:
I am married to Dr. Barbara Weber-Chess and have 5 children ranging from 37 to 18 yrs of age. They are amazing.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No one works in politics or for the government

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I am a member of the Stratford Wetlands Commission

Why are you seeking this office?
I didn’t plan a political career—my career has been fixing complex systems. Stratford needs that now.
For over 40 years, I’ve dedicated my life to taking care of people and creating real, lasting solutions in healthcare. I’ve founded and scaled multiple companies, solving big problems with innovation and leadership. That’s what I do: I build, I fix, I improve.

Stratford is a town with incredible assets. A stunning coastline, a prime location, and a community full of potential. But we’ve become stagnant. While neighboring towns thrive with smart development and vibrant economies, Stratford gets warehouses and storage units. We deserve better.

I have a bold vision for what Stratford can be, and the experience to make it happen.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
We don’t have a spending problem. We have a revenue problem. Stratford desperately needs real economic development. That means rethinking how we use our land, how we attract business, and how we support growth.

Let’s start with the Army Engine Plant: 76 waterfront acres, and the current plan is three warehouses? That’s a wasted opportunity. I want to see a marina, a boardwalk, a hotel, housing, retail, restaurants, and recreation such as skating rinks, public spaces, and more. That property should be a revenue engine, not a storage zone.

The Shakespeare property shouldn’t sit idle. There are investors ready to help us turn it into a destination that boosts our economy and our culture. A band stand is not what the community wanted and does not left our profile as an arts center.

We need a real land-use strategy. A detailed, community-driven map that prioritizes economic development while also fulfilling our obligations for affordable housing.

The bottom line: the only way to lower taxes is to grow our revenue. I know how to grow revenue. I’ve done it in healthcare, and I’ll do it here by building a Stratford that works for its people, not just its balance sheet.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Passion, vision, and leadership. That’s what I bring to this election and to the job of Mayor of Stratford. I know how to take care of people, how to build complex organizations, and how to make them successful. I’ve spent my career creating opportunities where others saw obstacles. With clear vision and strong leadership, Stratford can once again be the kind of community where people want to buy homes, raise families, start businesses, and where their children will want to return.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Rebuilding our public schools is one of my top priorities. Stratford’s schools have declined from being among the most respected to being designated an Alliance District, one of the lowest-performing 20% in Connecticut. Over the past eight years, we’ve lost magnet programs, after-school enrichment, arts, music, reading specialists, tutors, and librarians. Too many families are now choosing private schools over public ones. We must restore confidence in our public education system. I believe we can, with strong leadership, collaboration, and investment in our educators and students. Working together with Acting Superintendent Heather Borges and a renewed Board of Education, we can rebuild Stratford’s schools to excellence.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a physician, I’ve spent decades caring for people during their most vulnerable moments. That teaches compassion and responsibility. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve built large, successful businesses from the ground up, learning how to lead teams, manage resources, and generate growth. These experiences have given me the tools to lead Stratford effectively. We need to grow our tax base, create new sources of revenue, and reduce the burden on taxpayers - and I know how to make that happen.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never be afraid of a challenge. Fear limits your vision and what you can achieve.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I care deeply about Stratford — its people, its potential, and its beauty. I will always honor who we are as we grow and move forward. My promise is simple: to lead with integrity, listen with compassion, and work tirelessly to make Stratford a place where every resident can thrive.

See also: Stratford Election 2025: Laura Hoydick Running For Mayor