2025 Patch Profile: Barry Walters, West Hartford Town Council

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Barry Walters is running for the West Hartford Town Council as a Democrat.

The following is Barry Walters's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Barry Walters

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? West Hartford

Campaign Website: https://www.barry4wh.com/

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Nonprofit site director (1 year)/oversaw food pantry and support programs.

Family: I have had a partner for 29 years. In 2006, we adopted a newborn boy. We have lived in the same home since moving here in 1999. My partner is a hydrogeologist and a professional engineer. Our son attended West Hartford Public Schools for most of his education.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Currently serving my first term on Town Council. Previous to being elected to the Town Council, I was appointed to serve as a Council Zoning Alternate and before that, the West Hartford Human Rights Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?

My reasons have not changed since I first ran in 2023. I work to provide a voice for all, including those who may be marginalized and/or ignored. Government should not exist to control its citizens but rather, to protect, serve, and provide.

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 and our complete reliance on property tax to build our budget, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Connecticut has an archaic system in which municipalities are responsible for paying their bills with revenues raised almost entirely through property taxes.

When costs rise, the municipality is faced with the decision to cut services or raise taxes, or both.

Unfortunately, sales taxes, hospitality taxes, and many fees or parts of fees go to the State.

I intend to work with our delegation to challenge this system and explore alternate revenue streams that will ease the burden of property taxes and not add additional burden elsewhere.

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

Some of the differences include: A commitment to the party to which I am a member of — warts and all, intelligent and compassionate decision-making that does not leave out those who need government the most, and the sense to stand up and push back against what I know is not right, even if it may not be popular.

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

Mycampaign has been centered around a commitment to making our streets and sidewalks safer, enhancing our excellent schools to make them function for all students, adding affordable housing units – including home ownership options, responsible budgeting, and a continued push to make West Hartford more inclusive.

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

In my first term on Town Council, I worked with my colleagues to approve affordable housing units, pass a Vision Zero Action Plan that has already changed our streets and sidewalks for the better, and engaged with those around me to work towards consensus solutions to issues facing the Council.

Outside of Council, I have been a community builder, worked with others to improve health outcomes for persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and spoken up for those whose voice is often ignored or unheard.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I think I have received is that two things can be true at once.

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

I have not forgotten my past, and because of that, I do not jump to make decisions quickly. I will always ask what impact a decision will have on all members of the community.