Patch Candidate Profile: Mark Block For Trumbull First Selectman

TRUMBULL, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:

Mark Block

What office are you seeking?

First Selectman

What town do you live in?

Trumbull

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Occupation:
Author, faith based non-profit consultant.

Family:

Wife: Ann, retired Trumbull school social worker; Daughter: Emily, managing director, Cornell Hillel.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Trumbull Town Council, MetroCOG Route 25/111 Advisory Committee, Aquatics Facilities Building Committee, Redistricting Commission, Ethics Commission, Justice of the Peace.

Why are you seeking this office?

It’s time for common-sense leadership that puts residents first. Trumbull families deserve real tax relief and a Town Hall that stops wasting their money. For too long, taxpayers have been asked to give more while getting less. That has to change. Our community deserves leadership that eases the burden on families and protects our town with a government that is responsive to all residents. Sometimes, the best way to change the direction of something is to change leadership. After eight years, I believe new voices will equal new results.

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

High taxes. Trumbull deserves a future built on fairness, opportunity, and trust. I believe in targeted tax relief that helps our first responders, working families, seniors, and those who find themselves temporarily unemployed or caring for a loved one, so they remain in the town they love, all while still offering the services that Trumbull residents expect, like our highly ranked schools, police, fire protection, and community spaces such as parks, the library, senior center, and nature center. We can achieve this without raising taxes or expanding government. It's time we understood that residents do better when more of their money is left in their pockets.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

What really separates me from my opponent is vision and accountability. For the past eight years, we’ve seen the same approach, higher property taxes, stalled and inconsistent development, and a greater-than-ever imbalance in our grand list that leaves homeowners carrying an increasingly higher burden.

I’m offering something different. I’ll fight for property tax relief, unwavering support for education, and public safety, transparency, and accountability in government. I'll do this by bringing fresh leadership that listens to residents, prioritizes commercial growth again, and is a government truly for the people.

My opponent likes to say, ‘facts matter.’ The fact of the matter is that, after eight years, families have paid over $40 million more for less. I’m running to change that and to deliver a future for Trumbull that is governed by common sense.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Smart growth through sustainable development, preserving quality education while being financially responsible, streamlining government for residents, and bringing transparent, community-driven government to town. A government truly for the people.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My extensive involvement in town affairs, both through elected and appointed offices and positions, as well as my years of faith-based community volunteerism. Additionally, my professional career includes experience as an executive in non-profit, faith-based roles, and extensive Fortune 50 corporate experience working with domestic and international partners.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don’t just oppose, propose. People don’t just want to hear complaints; they want solutions, even if they disagree with you.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m running because I know what it feels like to grow up and then live in Trumbull, wondering how much more we can afford. Families are paying higher taxes every year but getting less in return. That has to change. Voters should know my promise is simple: I’ll bring common-sense leadership to Town Hall; leadership that listens, respects residents' hard-earned and saved dollars, and makes government responsive to the people it serves. As a community, we can ease the burden on families and retirees, and make Trumbull a stronger, more welcoming place to live if we work together.