Stratford Election 2025: Laura Hoydick 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.

Laura Hoydick is running for re-election as mayor of Stratford as a Republican.

Campaign Website
https://www.laurahoydickformay...

Occupation:

Mayor of the Town of Stratford for 8 years

Family:
I am married to Paul Hoydick, and we have three daughters, Brooke, Jillian and Paige, two son-in-laws Stephen Prusaczyk and Asa Routledge, and three grandchildren Jonathon and Violet Prusaczyk, and Cove Routledge.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No one in my family works in politics or government.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have been fortunate to serve Stratford in many appointed or elected positions. I served 7 years on the Stratford Board of Education 1997-2001 and 2004-2007, 4 years as chairwoman. I was an elected member of the Stratford Planning Commission. I served 8 years as 120th State Representative representing Stratford where I also served as Deputy Minority Leader from 2010-2018. I have been Mayor for the Town of Stratford for 8 years, 2017-present. I was appointed and served on the Building Needs Committee, the Local Reuse Authority for the Stratford Army Engine Plant, the Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families, the Economic and Community Development Commission, the Greenway Committee, the Stratford Housing Partnership. I am currently the President of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities 2024-present, Vice chairman/Chairman of Metropolitan Council of Governments 2018-present, and served as a member of the CT Green Bank Board of Directors.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking re-election because I love public service and I love our town. I am honored to represent and work for the people of my hometown and am very proud of the progress we have made in 8 years. I care deeply about Stratford’s residents, businesses, and our quality of life.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is affordability of living. I proposed 7 budgets with no tax increases, and my focus remains on clearing the way for economic expansion and job creation, aimed at improving infrastructure, sustainability, and reducing long-term costs for taxpayers. I want to continue the good work we are doing.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
A major difference between me and my opponent is my dedication to public service at both the state and municipal levels, and my record of accomplishment during my time in office. I am proud of my team working together to pass budgets and mill rate freezes or reductions, control our debt, manage our reserves, expand our grand list of taxable property by welcoming new businesses, the expansion of our current businesses and increasing our property values. Another difference is I don’t use negative campaign tactics. I speak honestly about what I am doing and plan to do in the future to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in Stratford.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Modernizing Stratford’s road, bridge and drainage system infrastructure to make our community more resilient to storms and flooding.

Redeveloping the Army Engine Plant.

Developing Ella Grasso into affordable senior housing.

Building the Performing Arts Center on the former Shakespeare property.

Continuing to grow the Grand List.

Continuing to Control Taxes and Spending.

Upgrading Bunnell High School.

Redeveloping the South End Community Center.

Building the flood wall at the Water Pollution Control Facility.

Building Complete Streets Phase II from Barnum Avenue through Paradise Green.

Brownfield redevelopment of Contract Plating on Longbrook Avenue.

Market the Raymark ball field property for productive reuse.

Ensuring Stratford a remains a welcoming, united, and a caring town for everyone.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am very proud of these accomplishments:

- 7 budgets with NO tax increases and increasing the fund balance to 10% of the operating budget putting Stratford in a better financial position with the lending agencies.

- Completing the Stratford High School renovation project.

- Securing Funding for the development of an arts complex on Shakespeare grounds

- Supporting Stratford’s eleven “Hidden Gems” museums

- Working with CT DOT during the major infrastructure projects at Route 110 and Oronoque Lane, the new entrance/exits at Exit 33 and Exit 32 on I95 and most recently the road failure on Burma Road, Route 113 in Lordship.

- The conveyance of the Army Engine Plant from the US Army to Point Stratford Renewal

- Raymark properties remediation and reuse

- Stratford Lighthouse restored for public benefit

- Expanding renewable energy use in public buildings

- Installing energy-efficient upgrades in schools and Town facilities

- Finalizing the conveyance of the Ella T. Grasso property for senior housing

Working with the City of Bridgeport and the State of Connecticut to provide financial assistance and legal support to the residents of Success Village

- Support and promote new and existing small businesses

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice given to me is you learn more if you listen. I have been fortunate to speak with thousands of people throughout my years of service and have learned what is important to them and hear some interesting suggestions about improving life in Stratford.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I will continue to work hard and smart for the improvement of the quality of life in Stratford. We have come a long way in 8 years. We are in a much better financial position, our services are enhanced and our school district has improved test scores and attendance records. Our public safety departments are fully staffed and health and community services departments have strengthened wrap-around services for our residents. We need to continue the progress and move Stratford forward by collaborating and working together.

See also: Stratford Election 2025: David Chess Running For Mayor