Stratford Election 2025: Karen Tracy 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.

Karen Tracy is running for election to the Stratford Town Council as a Democrat.

What office are you seeking?
Town Council District 10

Campaign Website

https://www.stratforddemocrats...

Occupation:

Director of Software Engineering

Family:
Spouse, Kathleen Callahan

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
Stratford is at a crossroads. The town’s boards and commissions must be modernized, and its decision-making processes streamlined to meet the urgent needs of residents. Stratford cannot afford to wait for the next budget cycle to respond to national shifts that directly impact the local economy. I am advocating for the creation of a community-led Finance Board to help the Council act with greater foresight and transparency.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
After speaking with hundreds of voters in my district, it's clear to me that people are struggling to make ends meet largely due to how much we pay in personal property taxes. The first thing we need to do is establish an independent Finance board that will assist the town council in the overseeing of the town finances. Understanding our revenue and spending should be a year-long process not just an annual review.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My background is in software engineering and corporate project management. Decision making works through the town's boards and commissions and from my observations can be streamlined. In my career I have been very successful in streamlining processes and understanding how the proper data can optimize decision making and move projects along.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Traffic safety continues to be a concern in my district's neighborhoods. The cross streets between the major roads have turned into speedways. If elected I'll advocate to be on the Public Safety committee and work towards expanding traffic safety initiatives.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a Directory of Software Engineering I've managed complex multi-year projects. Stratford has undertaken many initiatives that span years I believe my unique skills can help manage shepherding those projects to success.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Don't be afraid to shoot for the stars!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I'm the President of the Stratford Animal Rescue Society and being a volunteer at the Stratford Animal Shelter is an incredible honor. All the Stratford volunteer organizations are frankly amazing. In celebrating our civic engagement I'd like to launch an annual Stratford Community Organizations summit. I'm envisioning a weekend at a town facility where each organization hosts panels/information tables etc. highlighting their great work for people in our town to learn about.