2025 Patch Profile: John Lyons, 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.

John Lyons is running for the West Hartford Town Council as a Republican.

The following is John Lyons's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: John Lyons

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? West Hartford, CT.

Campaign Website: https://johnwlyons.com

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Retired

Family: Wife, Jessica, and three kids. Two live in town and one lives in Colorado. All three attended public schools here in WH.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No, I am not a lobbyist or involved with a group seeking money from the state or local government.

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Appointed to both the Town of West Hartford Planning and Zoning/Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Agency and the Greater Hartford Transit District

Why are you seeking this office?

Interested in serving in this elected, unpaid, and volunteer community position because I know West Hartford well and understand the challenges facing the town.

I am well-equipped to work collaboratively to solve these challenges.

I do not have conflicts of interest that would preclude me from making the best and most informed decisions for our town that best serve our residents.

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

Taxes are rising, and responsible development can help mitigate those increases.

There needs to be a focus on Affordable Home Ownership (CAPS intended).

There has been intense focus on rental unit construction with a small affordable segment. We need to work to increase that affordable segment while increasing focus on affordable single and multi-family home building.

Lower-middle and middle-income families are being forced out or forced to rent due to a lack of housing supply in their affordability range.

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

The Row B candidates bring a diverse and highly qualified slate of candidates and bear researching in detail for voters.

While I served on the Democratic Town Committee for years before changing parties to run for Town Council, I do not bring any conflicts of interest to my candidacy or ability to serve.

I don't ask the legislature for anything other than what benefits the community as a whole, and I don't work as a lobbyist.

I am only interested in helping West Hartford thrive, grow, and be as welcoming to all as it can be.

I encourage every interested voter to research each candidate on the ballot.

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

Road, pedestrian, and bicycling safety. Another Row B candidate has done more on advancing this issue into the spotlight than any other person in town, and I am excited to work with him to move toward achieving Vision Zero goals even faster.

Keeping our town safe is also a priority, and working with the Board of Education to keep school class sizes small while controlling administrative and DEI spending to help keep our schools diverse, our teachers qualified & supported, and the budget manageable.

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

I am very active in the community, including having planned numerous vigils and events such as a Blue Back Square vigil supporting those who were victims of the Newtown school massacre.

It was likely the first such event held in Blue Back, and to this day, the most well-attended event ever at that location.

I attend nearly all Town Council meetings as a layperson and understand the issues facing West Hartford.

I have hosted television events focusing on local and regional issues and interviewed countless notables, including our mayor, town manager, other town employees, governor, state representatives, state senator, and congressional representatives.

Finally, I have served on the Town Planning & Zoning / Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency for over two years.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My dad: The grass isn't always greener. Probably in 1980. I've always followed that advice.

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

Yes, I am focused on local politics, I have no interest in higher office — ever.

I have no conflicts of interest in serving you as your elected representative and will always put you and the town first.

Are others going to do this? I ask that you personally research every candidate running, look at what they advocate for, look at what events they show up at, and make an informed decision. Vote Nov. 4.