Meet the Candidates: Chris Sullivan for Sixth District RTM Seat

Name: Chris Sullivan    

Age: 35

Years of residence in Branford: 11

Party affiliation: Democrat

Position running for: 6th District RTM

Branford Patch: When you’re not sitting in committee and full meetings, what are you doing? i.e. work and fun?
Chris Sullivan: I am an environmental analyst in the water protection and land reuse section of CT DEEP. I enjoy hiking with the family, reading, and travelling.  I am also a bit into fitness, being a nationally ranked USMS competitive swimmer as recent as 3.5 years ago. I am also an avid sports fan, following both american and english football leagues.

Branford Patch: How many years have you been a sitting member of Branford politics?
Chris Sullivan: 4 years.

Branford Patch: How long have you been actively engaged in politics in general?
Chris Sullivan: Since college when I was the senior class treasurer and helped get a recent alumni elected to the city council. Prior to being elected in Branford I also spearheaded an effort to change State laws to benefit local businesses and increase access to their products.

Branford Patch: What and when was your first foray into politics?
Chris Sullivan: I ran for a seat on the DTC during the upheaval of the Morris administration.

Branford Patch: What’s your 10-second elevator pitch for getting elected?
Chris Sullivan: If you believe in promoting economical and ecological energy choices I am the candidate for you as I believe we need to take steps to shift from our current fossil-fuel based economy to something much more sustainable.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing right about Branford politics?
Chris Sullivan: Extremely high volunteer involvement.

Branford Patch: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed?
Chris Sullivan: Less partisanship.

Branford Patch: Regardless of your party affiliation, can you name one good thing about the current First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos and one good thing about his challenger, Joy McConnell?
Chris Sullivan: Unk is a very down to earth politician and the door to his office is open to anybody that wants to visit him to speak about an issue.

Joy seems to be very good at sticking to her message on the campaign trail.

Branford Patch: What has been the most exciting national election you have every voted in? Local?
Chris Sullivan: Local was probably the first time I ran for the RTM.  I remember being so excited when my name was on the ballot and even more excited when I was the top vote getter in my district.  It was great to see all of my hard work pay off.

Branford Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give apathetic voters about the importance of casting his or her ballot?
Chris Sullivan: If you don't cast a ballot in an election than you have given up your most direct impact on the direction of the Town where you live.

Branford Patch: What’s the one thing that you like best about Branford?
Chris Sullivan: All of the open space available for public use and the efforts taken to protect our natural resources.

Branford Patch: Why did you decide to run for re-election?
Chris Sullivan: I believe there are still more things I can do to benefit the citizens of Branford.  I also enjoy learning about the process used in the Town Departments and being a part of the process of Town Government.

Meet Seventh District candidates Anthony J. Milici-D and Peter J. Anaclerio-R tomorrow. Seventh District candidates Mary E. Davis-D and Robin B. Sandler-R did not fill out Q&A surveys. 

Did you miss the stories on the candidates for selectman’s office? Check out the profiles below: