Politics & Government

From the Candidate: Bill Mullen

For the 2011 campaign, Simsbury Patch asked candidates to send a 500-word statement or a one-minute video. Election Day is Nov. 8.

Name: Bill Mullen

Age: 49

Party, position seeking: Democrat — Zoning Board of Appeals

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Family information: My wife, Thomasin, and I decided to move to Simsbury in 1996 because we knew Simsbury was the town where we wanted to raise our two boys. Thomasin was raised in Simsbury and we both loved the character of this town and recognized it as the best place for us to be.

Occupation: I have spent more than 20 years in commercial construction management, which, combined with my experience with the North Simsbury Coalition, gives me a unique perspective on zoning issues.

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Political experience: None

Other experience: Since moving to Simsbury, I have been involved in many different  organizations. I served 10 years on the board of the Simsbury Summer Theater for Youth acting as a backstage and technical advisor. I was also a founding board member of the North Simsbury Coalition, a citizen action group dedicated to responsible development and environmental issues.

Statement: The North Simsbury Coalition, a citizen action group dedicated to responsible development and environmental issues, was instrumental in assisting the town with the Meadowwood development fight. It was during this lengthy fight that I came to appreciate the need to balance the rights of private property with the needs of the community for responsible and safe development. I have an intimate understanding of construction and construction techniques and bring that knowledge to the zoning board of appeals with the understanding that mutually agreeable solutions are possible in almost every situation as long as both parties keep an open mind. I have a strong respect for private property rights and a belief that zoning regulations help create a stronger community.


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