Stratford Election 2025: Paula Sweeley Running For Zoning Board Of Appeals

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.

Paula Sweeley is running for re-election to the Stratford Zoning Board of Appeals as a Democrat.

Occupation:
Retired Educator

Family:
My brother, niece and family live in VA. I also have extended family in PA, CO, NM.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My niece in PA was elected Mrs. PA in 2023 and continues to use her celebrity to support many worthy causes.
Source: Facebook https://share.google/6Zf03o7rZ...

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Stratford ZBOA, elected Nov 2023.

Why are you seeking this office?
I have enjoyed serving on the ZBOA for 2 years. We work in harmony with each other to deliver fair land use decisions to those who apply for variances from the zoning code for a variety of reasons.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
being aware of what is happening in our government. I have made an ongoing practice of publicizing current issues that I feel the public is unaware of. Without adequate knowledge constituents can't participate in our government or vote in a knowledgeable way.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
The other candidate and myself, seeking this position, have shared our goals through our campaigning efforts...posting, door knocking, phoning, etc.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I want to work on ways to help our citizens be more knowledgeable about what is happening in our town government so that we all have an informed voice and are able to participate in decisions before they are finalized.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have worked successfully on the ZBOA for 2 years. I have received complements from the Chairman and other Commission members and from variance applicants. Applicants particularly appreciate that I visit the properties in person before each hearing rather than relying strictly on the written material provided for each case.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Listen more than you talk.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I was a successful career educator for many years. I feel that, from that experience, which I enjoyed immensely, I have learned how to work with others, how to listen and how to clearly convey my thoughts and ideas to others.