2025 Patch Candidate Profiles: Chris Moran, Town Council, Tolland

TOLLAND, CT — Chris Moran is running for a town council seat in Tolland.

Candidate's Name:

Chris Moran

What office are you seeking?
Town Council

What town do you live in?
Tolland

Campaign Website
https://tollanddemocrats.org/

Party Affiliation:
Democratic

Occupation:
Attorney

Family:
My husband, Cris, and I live in Tolland with our four-year-old son and almost two-year-old daughter.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served for the past two years on the Town Council, and I currently serve as the Vice Chair. I also serve on the Connecticut Tobacco & Health Fund Board of Trustees.

Why are you seeking this office?
I am proud of the bipartisan work the Council has accomplished during the past two years. We have faced historically difficult budget challenges but, with compromise, I believe the Council has endeavored to serve all Tolland residents. With that said, there is still much work to be accomplished. I am proud to support increasing our senior tax relief program and finding ways to provide high quality town services to our residents in the most cost-effective manner possible. I want to ensure that quality public schools, public works, and public safety continue to be hallmarks of our town for generations to come.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Rising taxes. This past budget cycle, Tolland faced an immense shift in tax burden from commercial property owners to residential property owners as a result of the state mandated property revaluations. The Council had to balance mitigating this tax impact on our residents while also ensuring that critical town services are still provided. This is a difficult balance. I have supported long term solutions to this problem by encouraging an environment that is attractive to businesses. In the long term, this will ease the tax burden on residents. In recent years, we have had the opening of a coffee shop, cannabis retailer, and a diner, among others. We must also find short term ways to ease the tax burden on residents by being more strategic and data driven in our allocation of current funds so as to provide the highest quality services without substantially increasing taxes.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
In my role as an attorney, I am often called to work with others of varying viewpoints to reach a consensus acceptable to both parties. I believe this experience has enabled me to work with all members of the Town Council, regardless of political affiliation or background, to arrive at solutions that are in the best interests of the town and all of its residents. It is easy to point the finger at others for problems the town faces. It takes hard work and a willingness to compromise to arrive at creative solutions to solve those problems. I always strive to do the latter. I also think that experience on the Council is important because it takes time to understand the budget process and how the town operates. I have learned a lot the past two years on Council and that will enable me to hit the ground running should I be elected to another term.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The Council has made progress addressing the contaminated wells in town, including securing a grant to help affected homes. But more must be done, including pushing for a state response to this issue. The Council also needs to make smart, data driven, investments in our public safety, public works, and public schools. We need to rely more on data and less on "hunches" to make the most efficient use of town funds. I also want to continue encouraging the development of appropriately zoned businesses, to ease the tax burden on our residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have spent the past two years on the Council working to be a voice for ALL Tolland residents. I firmly believe that we must work collaboratively to meet the challenges the town faces, not simply pound our fists and complain. My legal background gives me the experience of working with people of varying and contentious viewpoints. I also bring to the table an attention to detail and critical thinking that will enable me to ensure that the Town Council is making decisions that are setting Tolland up for long term success.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Work hard and keep an open mind.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Tolland is, without a doubt, the best town in Connecticut! During my campaign, I have spoken with many Tolland residents to learn about what matters most to them. Local government has a huge impact on people's day to day lives. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected to the Town Council, I promise to always strive to make decisions that are in the best interests of all Tolland residents.