Share this candidate profile:

Colin Bennett

Running for First Selectman

3 CTNewsJunkie Reader Endorsements

Party: Unaffiliated

CEP Status:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/cbforwb/

Age:

Marital Status:

Current Residence: Westbrook

Current Job: Westbrook Registrar of Voters

Previous Job: Owner, Bennett's Books

Previous Job: Marine Science Technician, United States Coast Guard Reserve

Education: BS in Communication, Southern Connecticut State University

Why are you running for this office?
I'm running for this office because this country (and state) is a mess and while it's difficult to make positive change on the national (and state) level we have the opportunity to make Westbrook one of the best communities in Connecticut.
What is the most pressing local issue facing your community and how would you solve it (within the capacity of the office for which you are running)?
The most pressing issue is in Westbrook is rising property taxes (up more than 50% in the last years). To solve this we need to come up with innovative ways to reduce or eliminate property taxes while also getting the town budget under control.
With the state's ongoing budget crisis looming over the election, what are your plans for your community's budget? Is there anything you can do make your town less dependent on revenue from the state?
The legislature has been debating various ideas to allow towns to raise revenue locally through something other than property taxes. If you could ease your residents' property tax burden by adding another method of taxation, is there anything you might consider for your town?
Are you in favor of regionalizing more services in conjunction with other nearby communities? If so, which ones?
I believe regionalizing services not only makes sense it is largely inevitable. Having 169 separate municipalities, each with their own (expensive) government might have made sense 200 years ago when it could take all day to get to the neighboring village but it doesn't make sense in the 21st century. We need to work together with our neighboring communities to create common sense solutions to the problems we all face and sharing services (where appropriate) is one of the best and easiest ways to do that.
Should your school district get the same amount of education funding from the state if your district's enrollment is dropping?
No. If enrollment is dropping it does not make sense for the state to fund students that we don't have. That said, we absolutely need to work with our state officials to fix the Education Cost Sharing system to make sure that it is fair and equitable for all students in Connecticut.
What's one thing most people don't know about you?
I have dedicated my life to public service and I am uniquely qualified for this position.
This product is for research only. CTNewsJunkie does not endorse any candidates for office or legislation referenced on this site. The messages in these questions were made independent of any candidate or political party. Sponsors do not endorse candidates. Additional information about legislative elections or statewide campaigns may be found on the State Election Enforcement Commission's web site. CTNewsJunkie reserves the right to remove offensive or inappropriate content within candidates' answers to questions, but note when such a change has been made.