Meet the Republican: Paul Champagne

"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 Town Council candidates.

Editor's Note: Paul champagne submitted his own, independent questionnaire.

Name: Paul W. Champagne
Age: 64
Party, Position Seeking: Republican, Southington Town Council
Family information: Married, with two adult children who also live in Southington.
Occupation: Manager, Facilities Otis Elevator
Political Experience: Member of Southington Planning and Zoning Commission, 2011-Present.
Other Experience: Volunteer as Committee Chair at Apple Harvest; Church Financial Secretary; Previously Boy Scout Leader; SHS Band Backers Treasurer.

Why are you running for office?
I would like continue to give back to my community on the Town Council because I believe that is the heart of our town government and where I can best contribute to supporting the current and future prosperity of Southington. Most of my career has been in a corporate environment, developing and executing strategic plans and my proven ability to work collaboratively towards common goals will benefit all residents of Southington.

What are your qualifications?
I am a registered republican and for the past two years have served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I have demonstrated that I work fairly and ethically and in the best interest of our town and the people who reside here. I have been employed at UTC for the past 30 years, holding various positions including many years in leadership roles where I have proven my ability to work collaboratively and open mindedly to reach common goals. Throughout the years I have contributed civically and socially by volunteering with the Boy Scouts, at SHS as the Band Backers Treasurer for 3 years, for 8 years with the Apple Harvest Festival and with my church as Trustee, Church Council Chair and for the past 14 years as Church Financial Secretary. Prior to joining UTC I spent 12 years in the construction industry as a contractor in Southington and surrounding towns. While in construction I worked closely with our Town’s building and Zoning departments, managed contract negotiations and lead teams of workers.

US Navy for 3 years and am a member of the American Legion.

What do you consider the two most important local issues and, if elected, how do you propose to address them?

• The most important issue at this time is to work with other town leaders to ensure that Southington continues on the positive path it has been on for the past 4 or so years.  There have been many changes in town that enhance quality of life for our citizens such as the new Town Municipal Center – leveraging existing real estate to bring key departments under one roof creating efficiency and collaborative work environment. Another example is the partnership town departments have with our Town Manager, driving efficiencies, reducing redundancies and strategically laying out town projects i.e. road improvement.
• Ensuring prosperity for the town. This is achieved through thoughtful and responsible fiscal and strategic planning and data driven decisions around capital expenses. Promote economic development to support our tax base.

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