Meet the Republican: Edward Pocock 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 Board of Finance candidates:

Name: Edward S. Pocock Jr. 
Age: 72
Party, Board Seeking: Republican, Board of Finance 
Occupation, if applicable: Retired
Political Experience: Town Council, Board of Finance, Middle School Building Committee, Conservation Commission, Library Board of Directors, Planning and Zoning Commission, Emergency Medical Services Commission, Open Space Acquisition Commission. 
Other Experience: 37 Years on the Southington Police Department

Why did you run for office?
I grew up in Southington and my family has a long lineage of history in town. I love Southington. I dedicated most of my life to serving the taxpayers and making our town a better and safer place. After retiring from the Southington Police Department, I felt it was important to continue to serve the town in a volunteer capacity by serving on various boards. I have been honored to serve our town, and I want to continue to make Southington great community.

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?
The most important task of the Board of Finance is to create a budget for the town to determine what agencies and projects receive funds. When creating a budget, the Board must look at the town as a whole, the economy, state affairs and make balanced decisions. While serving on the board for the last two terms, I have strived to make sure we are creating the most cost-effective budget for the town. I have looked for avenues where we can seek state or federal help for projects to improve town infrastructure. It is so important to fund education, police, fire, infrastructure, and current services while also keeping the tax rates affordable to Southington families. 

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Southington today? 
The most important issues in town are education, maintaining current infrastructure, pre-planning the finances of our town, and taking care and maintaining the services for our seniors. Having served on the Board of Finance, I have strived to invest our town money thoughtfully, utilize state and federal grant options for town projects, and keep the mill rate affordable to taxpayers. Having family in the Southington school system, I understand the importance of having state-of-the-art technology available and a safe learning environment. That is why I served on the Middle School Building Committee.

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community? 
Prior to becoming a police officer for the town my background was in accounting and auditing with a major corporation. Having served on the Town Council, Library Board, Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning, Board of Finance, and 37 years of public service for the town, I believe that I have a good grasp on the needs of our town.

Make sure to like Southington Patch on Facebook and follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!