Meet the Republican: Paul "Chip" Chaplinsky Jr.

"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: Paul "Chip" Chaplinsky Jr.
Age: 40
Party, Board Seeking: Republican, Planning and Zoning Commission
Occupation and employer: North American Director of Engineering & Technical Services (Adhesives Division) at Henkel Corporation - 17 years
Education (post-high school): BS Chemistry (CCSU), MS Engineering Sciences (RPI), MBA (University of Hartford)
Misc (family, political experience, community leadership): Married (Kim) with two children (Chris - 11 and Marina - 8). 5 Years Planning and Zoning. Last four years as Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chairman and Secretary. Certified in Land Use through the UCONN Center for Land Use Education and Research.  Founded the PZC Continuous Improvement Sub-Committee and worked directly on increasing sage for homeowners with corner lots, increasing the storage shed sizes and most recently on the West Street Corridor project.  

Why did you run for office?
I enjoy volunteering in a position that I like and can use my technical and collaborative skills towards.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
Continue to use a collaborative approach (commission, residents, staff and experts) on development programs and land use planning to make Southington a great place to live.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today?
For Planning and Zoning, continuing the strong efforts in the area of positive improvement of our land use regulations.

(Optional) Anything else you would like to share: I am hopeful my track record over the last four years of being open, honest, collaborative and transparent as well as operating with integrity will be a cornerstone for my continued service.

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