Stratford Election 2025: Paul Aurelia 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.

Paul Aurelia is running for re-election to the Stratford Town Council as a Republican.

What office are you seeking?
Stratford Town Council - 10th District

Occupation:

Retired

Family:
I have been married to my wife Terry for the past 43+ years. I have 2 daughters who are now both married and who we raised here in Stratford. I have 4 wonderful grandchildren who keep us very busy.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I have been an elected member of the Stratford Planning Commission and I am currently the 10th District Town Council Representative.

Why are you seeking this office?
Throughout my adult life I have been involved either professionally or on a volunteer basis with the Town of Stratford. I was born and raised here and my two full-time jobs were here in Town. The first as a Stratford Police Officer eventually retiring as the Deputy Chief of Police and then after my retirement as a Labor Relations Manager at Sikorsky Aircraft. I have been involved in many activities here in Stratford in a volunteer capacity as well. I've served on the Stratford Youth and Family Advisory Board, the Executive Board of the Stratford Police Activities League, and as a community member of the Public Safety Committee.

Stratford has always been my home. I am grateful to have been able to raise my family here and one of the main reasons I am seeking re-election is to continue to give back to the community which has given so much to me and to help ensure that the experience that I and my family have had is one that others who live or move here can have as well.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Quality of Life

During my current Council term, I have consistently advocated for those in my district and across town in order to ensure that Stratford is a safe and well managed municipality.

I am a strong public safety advocate and I will continue to look for opportunities to enhance the safety, security and well being of our residents.

I also recognize that a school system which provides the best possible outcomes for its students is essential to and a direct reflection of a municipality. I will work during the budget process to see that both the education and the municipal operation sides have adequate funding to meet the needs of our students and residents.

Finally, I will continue to work to ensure an efficiently operating Town government. One that spends tax revenue from its residents wisely and one that provides opportunities for all of its residents to experience a great quality of life.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I commend anyone who wants to volunteer for a role in order to help their Town or City become a better place to live.

I believe that I am well qualified for this position. I have a work background that includes managing people and budgets, including the Town of Stratford budget. I also have an educational background that has prepared me for the challenges that this role faces. I have a master's degree in Labor Relations, a master's degree in Management, and an MBA. I am also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico VA.

I am the incumbent in this position having spent the last term actually doing the job and continually learning about the Town's operations. I am currently a member of the Ordinance Committee, the Water Pollution Control Authority, the Pension Board, The Public Works Committee, the Longbrook Park Committee and I chair both the Public Safety Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee. I view each of these assignments as a serious responsibility and as another way to help serve the Town that has always been my home.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I have worked hard over my first term and I commit to the residents in my district that I will continue to advocate for them and to ensure that Stratford is a well run and managed municipality.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I would start off with my role as the incumbent 10th District Council Representative. I have contributed to two consecutive budgets with zero mill rate increases. Helping to keep homeowner's costs affordable. I have moved ordinances which have contributed to increasing public safety in Stratford. Examples are the school zone speed camera ordinance, the street takeover ordinance, and the school bus camera ordinance. I have represented my constituents in a consistent and reliable manner, always acting in their best interests.

In addition to my time in office, I have held jobs that have had considerable levels of responsibility. I have learned how to treat and manage people, how to develop and administer budgets and a myriad of other skills and attributes which are advantageous in this role.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To always treat people the way you want to be treated yourself.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Stratford has always been my home. I chose to stay here and raise my family. I view part of my role on the Council as making sure that other people who either live or want to move here find a safe, well managed town and that they feel the same way about Stratford as I do.