Patch Candidate Profile: Kirby Brendsel For Weston Police Commissioner

WESTON, 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:
Kirby Brendsel

What office are you seeking?
Police Commissioner

What town do you live in?
Weston, CT

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Director

Family:
Yes, have a supportive wife and daughter.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Since we moved to Weston in 2013, I have served in multiple positions supporting the town and local community, including: Board of Directors of the Aspetuck Land Trust and Lachat Town Farm Commission as well as on the Town of Weston’s Police Commission, Sustainability Committee, and History & Culture Center Board of Trustees, Republican Town Committee, Siversk Ukrainian Sister City Project, and Conservation and Parks & Recreation Commissions. I also serve as a Deacon at Norfield Church.

Why are you seeking this office?
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to lead and continue to give back as Police Commissioner and build off my previous experience. Whether it is protecting the town and environment, adding amenities, controlling costs, or building local community, these are all things that I have done, and where I could continue to bring even more impact as Police Commissioner.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
While I successfully have and will continue to fight to address multiple different issues facing Weston, such as adding amenities, and protecting the town and environment, I wholeheartedly believe the most significant issue facing Weston today is preserving our local feel and focus. Without a doubt, we absolutely can do a better job of making our own decisions and choosing our own destiny versus Hartford. I will not be shy and will continue to stand up for Weston and be vocal and active in protecting our ability to continue to take care of ourselves and make our own decisions.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I’ve worked across the aisle to get things done, and accomplished marked results for our town and local community. If you ask people in town who are involved from either party / various backgrounds, they will all tell you I’m someone who believes in this town and service, that I am someone they can work with, and that I get things done. Additionally, I’ve served in multiple different roles and numerous capacities – whether it is helping take tickets at Lachat for the Stella Blues Band, or booking and being a roadie for the Music at the Barn, to submitting the Town’s green certifications or helping with our solar projects, or helping to preserve our watershed, etc… (there’s too much here to mention in the space provided) I’ve been there and have been happy and proud to do it.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Leadership. I believe in Weston and all of us as good neighbors. But ensuring the Police Commission focuses on the most pertinent and impactful items, leverages a strategic approach, and actually makes timely decisions and actions to get to where we need to be is the only way we can truly jointly move forward together and make a difference. I know there is always more we can do to further our community and want to continue to build on my experience to support our police and lead that change. There’s work to do, but there are great days ahead for Weston, and I want to help lead us there.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I’ve already served as a Weston Police Commissioner, and have fully supported the Police and the Commission, including leading specific service activities like the Weston Citizen of the Year Award. Additionally, while I have not been a Police Officer, I have been able to work with the Police directly during my career, specifically working closely with them during my service as a Military Intelligence MAJOR in the United States Army.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
“Just be yourself, and always remember that you are a Brendsel.” My daughter has recently provided this advice to me during some of the more recent challenges I’ve faced. She says being myself means people like me, that I’m a hard worker, and that my faith and beliefs will lead me to do the right thing.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’ve loved what I have done for others, both in this town and throughout my life. I know we all have different paths we take in our lives, and I respect that of others, but I’m proud of what I’ve done, where I’ve come from, and who I am. I believe there are challenges ahead, but that there is good in people, and that there are great days to come. Given this, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to get there, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to make a difference.