Meet the Democrat: Ryan Rogers

"Meet the Candidates" is a feature on Southington Patch designed to help you get to know your local candidates before you take to the polls this November. Each profile was submitted directly by the candidate. 

Take a moment to review each profile so you can be informed and prepared when you go to the polls on Nov. 5, 2013.

This week, we are looking at the Southington Planning and Zoning candidates.

Name: Ryan Rogers
Age: 28
Party, Board Seeking: Democrat, Planning and Zoning Commission
Family information: Son of Wilford Rogers and Susan Egidio
Occupation, if applicable: Sales Consultant at the Hartford
Political Experience: Alternate Commissioner 2011-Present
Other Experience: CCSU graduate, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Southington High Graduate

Why did you run for office? 
I want to help people, and give back to the community. I actually grew up with 2 parents on disability. We depended upon government and community services to survive. From an early age I developed an interest in how our community functions, and learned to appreciate the opportunities afforded to me. It's my wish to give back as much as I can through public service, because I understand first hand the influence a well run government can have on the lives of the people. Most importantly, Southington gave me many of those opportunities and helped me become successful, and I'm ready to return the favor.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
My primary focus would be to ensure a fair process for both businesses and property owners occurs when a vote from the Planning and Zoning Commission decides the fate of projects effecting their interests.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
One of the most impactful plans to take effect as of late has been the new West Street business zone. We now have plans in place to draw more business to this area, and it is vitally important that as a commission, we carefully proceed in responsible growth of this very important stretch of road. It is my intention to ensure appropriate measures are taken to ensure any future development in this corridor benefits the town not just now, but for future residents as well.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community? 
My ears. I will bring my ears and listen to the concerns of our constituents, and do my best to address those concerns and ideas with the appropriate actions, discourse, and planning.

I have also served on this commission since 2011 as an Alternate. I have confidence in my ability to adhere to procedure and responsibly govern.

(Optional) Anything else you would like to share? 
From a land use stand point, I believe the town has grown in terms of residential use, to the point where actions need to be taken to protect our residents. By protection I mean from excessive property taxes. And many constituents I have talked to agree that the town's tax base needs to be expanded responsibly in order to meet the needs of our Education system.

This is something that can be addressed by the Planning and Zoning Commission through proper incentives in our regulations to bring in business and other types of construction that would boost revenue, while also maintaining the town responsibly.

In taking such action, it would be most beneficial to take steps to encourage projects that secure affordable living for the elderly, and also secure some more viable options for our young people looking to move back to town. In my eyes those two types of projects would not only help our revenue and ability to steady property tax burdens but also address key issues of housing in areas the town needs to improve upon.

Find Ryan online at: www.facebook.com/voteryanrogers, @ryanrogersct

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