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Wallingford Election 2025: Jeff Kohan Running For Town Council

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 11:32 GMT by Patch
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Wallingford’s 2025 Town Council Race: Jeff Kohan Announces Candidacy

In a bustling town hall session on Wednesday night, longtime Wallingford resident Jeff Kohan officially announced his bid for one of the four seats on the town council slated for the 2025 election cycle. The announcement came amid a growing sense of civic engagement in the Connecticut suburb, as local voters prepare for a series of contests that will shape the town’s policy direction over the next two years.

Who is Jeff Kohan?

Kohan, 52, is a Wallingford native who has spent the past decade balancing a career in real‑estate development with active involvement in community affairs. A graduate of the University of Connecticut’s Business Administration program, he has managed multiple residential and commercial projects in the region, earning a reputation for navigating the regulatory landscape efficiently and advocating for responsible growth.

Beyond his professional life, Kohan has served on several local boards, most notably the Wallingford School Board for three years. He stepped down from that role in 2022 after a successful campaign for the 5‑year term that focused on expanding STEM resources and increasing parental engagement. His peers lauded his “clear communication style and commitment to transparency,” attributes he cites as essential for effective governance.

Kohan’s political philosophy blends fiscal conservatism with pragmatic community service. He has long championed lower property taxes, streamlined zoning procedures, and increased investment in public safety—especially the town’s police and fire departments. His platform also emphasizes the importance of preserving Wallingford’s historic districts while encouraging smart, sustainable development.

The 2025 Election Context

Wallingford’s town council comprises four at‑large seats, each serving a two‑year term. Elections are held every even‑year cycle, with the 2025 contest scheduled for March 12. The town uses a nonpartisan ballot system, meaning candidates are listed without party affiliation. However, local endorsements and candidate profiles often reveal ideological leanings that voters can infer.

This election is particularly significant because the current council faces a mid‑term turnover. Two incumbents are retiring, and one is running for a different office. Consequently, the council will see a mix of experienced lawmakers and fresh faces, including Kohan, who hopes to bring new energy to the chamber.

The 2025 ballot will also include several municipal matters—ranging from a proposed sales‑tax increase for infrastructure improvements to a bond measure for a new community center—each of which will be decided by council vote and potentially by public referendum.

Campaign Themes and Policy Focus

During his announcement speech, Kohan highlighted three core themes that will guide his campaign:

1. Economic Revitalization
   Kohan argues that Wallingford’s downtown area has untapped potential. He proposes incentives for small businesses, including tax abatements for startups and streamlined permitting for retail revitalization projects. He also advocates for partnerships with the nearby University of Connecticut to foster innovation clusters that could create high‑skill jobs.

2. Public Safety and Infrastructure
   Emphasizing the need for robust emergency services, Kohan pledged to allocate additional funding to the police and fire departments without raising taxes. He suggests a multi‑layered approach: recruiting volunteer emergency medical technicians, investing in updated communication systems, and conducting community outreach programs to reduce crime rates.

3. Education and Family Services
   Drawing on his school board experience, Kohan supports expanded after‑school programs and improved technology in classrooms. He also proposes a town‑wide broadband initiative to ensure all households have access to high‑speed internet—a key component for modern education and remote work.

Kohan’s policy positions resonate with many residents who feel the town has been too cautious in pursuing development. He contrasts his approach with that of current council members, who have taken a more incremental stance on growth and taxation.

Endorsements and Support

Kohan’s announcement was met with enthusiastic applause, and several local organizations immediately endorsed his candidacy. The Wallingford Chamber of Commerce issued a statement praising his “pro‑business record and clear vision for the town’s future.” The Parents for Quality Education Association also backed him, citing his commitment to STEM education.

In addition, a handful of local media outlets covered his announcement. Patch provided an in‑depth profile, while The Wallingford Sentinel published a Q&A with the candidate. Both pieces noted that Kohan is likely to become a prominent voice on the council’s economic development committee.

What Voters Need to Know

Wallingford’s voters will have a chance to weigh in on Kohan’s candidacy during the upcoming campaign period. He is scheduled to appear on the town’s public radio station next Thursday, where he will field questions from residents about tax policy, public safety, and the town’s growth strategy.

Potential voters can also review his campaign website—hosted under the domain JeffKohanForCouncil.com—which offers a downloadable policy platform, a list of campaign volunteers, and a calendar of upcoming town hall events. The website also includes a section where citizens can submit questions directly to Kohan’s team.

For those interested in the practicalities of the 2025 election, the Connecticut State Elections Division provides a voter guide that details how to register, the deadline for early voting, and information about absentee ballots. Wallingford voters are encouraged to verify their registration status and to familiarize themselves with the town’s council’s current legislative agenda.

The Road Ahead

Kohan’s entrance into the race adds a fresh dynamic to the 2025 council election. While his focus on business and fiscal prudence aligns with a sizable portion of Wallingford’s electorate, the incumbent council members maintain strong ties to longstanding community projects—particularly in preserving historic districts and sustaining public services without raising tax burdens.

As the campaign season unfolds, the candidates will likely engage in a series of debates and community forums. Wallingford residents will have ample opportunities to assess each candidate’s stance on pivotal issues—such as balancing growth with preservation, ensuring equitable access to education, and managing public safety funding.

Whether Jeff Kohan’s platform will resonate enough to secure a council seat remains to be seen, but his announcement signals a broader trend of local leaders seeking to blend business acumen with public stewardship in Connecticut’s suburban towns. The 2025 election will ultimately determine whether Wallingford takes a decisive step toward a more growth‑oriented policy framework—or whether it continues on a more cautious, preservation‑focused path. Either way, voters will be closely watching the campaign as the town prepares for a pivotal moment in its political history.