ISSUES

 – Fight to ensure every region of Stamford remains comfortable and affordable for families and seniors. David was a business owner for 37 years having an understanding for budgets and spending. In addition, he has insight on materials and ideas on what works and what does not work in the function of the municipal government. Dr. Jim Sarnelle will ensure proper  procedures on  Health and Safety keeping families and seniors comfortable.

 – Freeze property taxes so longtime residents can remain in the community they helped build. Dr. Jim and David are passionate about a freeze for longtime residents and seniors who contributed many years in the Stamford community.   A property tax freeze for longtime senior residents will allow them to stay in their homes as long as they live. The increase in the monetary value of their home is meaningless if it forces them to pay higher property taxes and makes living in their home unaffordable.

– Improve our schools and encourage students to pursue both college and trades for brighter futures. The workforce has created a big shift since the introduction to AI and more competition for corporation jobs. It’s our mission to encourage the next generation the importance of trade work such as plumbing, electricians,and CDL drivers. Of equal importance is academics, which includes healthcare, educators, law enforcements, and STEM programs. Jim and David are prime examples and role models for our Students. Jim education becoming a Medical professional and Surgeons saving lives and David going to College running an successful Excavating company and training employees fulfil this perspective to grow our Students in our Schools.

- Stop rezoning that harms Westover and North Stamford. This only worsens traffic and strains our infrastructure. Our hard working residents chose to live in our area for its suburban feel. Our Westover and North Stamford residents value space, greenery, and a quieter lifestyle as opposed to the urban pace of downtown Stamford. Stamford's diversity comes not only from its people but also from its neighborhoods-where urban vibrancy of downtown coexists with the suburban tranquility of Westover and North Stamford.

– Improve traffic safety, invest in public works, preserve open space and parks, and protect our environment. David and Jim have first hand experience on Safety and traffic patterns. In district 13, there are still potholes, limited directions in signages, unpaved roads, and improper ways of fixing problems that cause wasteful spending. David knows how to fix things right the first time which will save taxpayers money and improve safety.  Dr. Jim has seen firsthand, the effects of poor safety regarding roads, workplace and everyday situations.

To Build a Stronger Local Economy for Stamford: We must fill existing commercial office space with businesses to provide high-paying jobs for our residents. David believes in helping the city's small businesses owners is the best solution to grow the economy in the city of Stamford.

Dr. Jim Sarnelle has great innovative ideas to attract businesses to fill Stamford’s commercial properties to create high paying jobs for Stamford residents. By leveraging Stamford’s regional strengths-including connectivity and existing incentive frameworks—while thoughtfully addressing zoning, permit costs and infrastructure concerns, the city can effectively fill vacant commercial spaces with employers offering high-paying jobs. Examples: 1) Finance and Investment Management-hedge funds, private equity firms, venture capital-we already have Point 72, Viking Global-let’s attract more.2)Corporate Headquarters and Executive Offices-regional headquarters for Fortune 500 or multinational companies-we already have Synchrony  and Charter Communications—let’s attract more and FYI CT offers tax credits for headquarters relocation.3) Tech and Digital Media—examples-AI firms, fintech startups, cloud computing providers, cyber security, digital advertising-FYI CTNext grants provides grants to startups that can come here 4) Life Sciences and Biotech-there is available lab space conversion in these commercial properties for biotech startups and medical device manufacturers and there are State biotech tax incentives 5)Legal, Consulting and Professional Services—high-end law firms, management consultancies, corporate advisory firms.-we can attract satellite offices at costs less than NYC. 6)Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering-examples  robotics, precision manufacturing—there are CT State manufacturing incentives, and we have UCONN right here in Stamford 7)Alternative Asset & Specialty Finance ---insurance, reinsurance, specialty lending.

• To attract companies to Stamford we need to push for Luxury-grade commercial spaces with Class A amenities to lure executive level offices 2)fast permitting and “white glove” relocation services for companies 3)sector specific tax incentives-digital media, insurance, biotech, R & D We have UCONN here in Stamford- let’s give graduates access to high paying jobs here in Stamford and not somewhere else.