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Wallingford Election 2025: Craig C. Fishbein Running For Town Council

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 10:58 GMT by Patch
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Craig C. Fishbein Announces Bid for Wallingford Town Council in 2025 Election

Wallingford, CT – The town’s 2025 election cycle is heating up as local resident and longtime community activist Craig C. Fishbein officially announced his candidacy for the Wallingford Town Council. Fishbein, a 38‑year‑old business owner and former city council volunteer, said his decision was driven by a desire to bring fresh ideas to local governance and to address pressing issues ranging from infrastructure renewal to affordable housing.

The announcement was made during a small, community‑focused event at the Wallingford Community Center on Friday night. Fishbein was joined by several longtime friends, former council members, and a handful of volunteers who shared his vision for a more transparent and responsive town government. “Wallingford deserves leaders who understand the community’s pulse and who can translate that into real change,” Fishbein told the gathering, citing the need for a council that can balance fiscal responsibility with progressive social policies.

A Background of Public Service

Fishbein’s résumé is rooted in community service. He began his public service career as a volunteer on the Town Planning Committee, where he helped review zoning changes and offered feedback on local development projects. Over the past five years, Fishbein has also served on the school board’s advisory panel, advocating for increased funding for STEM programs and technology upgrades in classrooms. In his current role as the owner of “Fishbein’s Café,” a local coffee shop that has become a neighborhood hub, he has built a reputation for being approachable and community‑centric.

“I’ve always believed that small businesses are the backbone of Wallingford,” Fishbein explained. “They’re where we meet, where conversations happen, and where we can hear the concerns of everyday residents.” He added that running a café has given him firsthand insight into the economic pressures faced by local entrepreneurs, especially in the wake of post‑COVID‑19 economic adjustments.

Campaign Platform: Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Inclusivity

Fishbein’s platform is built around three core pillars:

1. Infrastructure Modernization – He proposes a comprehensive review of the town’s aging road and bridge network, calling for increased state and federal funding to upgrade critical infrastructure. He specifically mentioned the need for better drainage systems in the West River area, which frequently experiences flooding during heavy rainstorms.

2. Affordable Housing and Housing Affordability – Fishbein plans to support zoning reforms that encourage mixed‑use developments and low‑to‑mid‑income housing projects. He pledged to work with developers to increase the number of affordable units within the town’s 150,000‑resident community.

3. Transparency and Community Engagement – A key part of his agenda is to improve public access to council meetings and records. He intends to expand the town’s digital presence, offering real‑time streaming of meetings and a user‑friendly portal where residents can submit comments and track the status of local projects.

The candidate also highlighted his support for green initiatives, including expanding the town’s bike‑lane network, investing in renewable energy projects, and protecting the historic Green Hill Park from over‑development.

Election Details and Logistics

The 2025 election will take place on November 4, with primary elections slated for August 6. Candidates are required to file paperwork by July 1. According to the Town of Wallingford’s official website, a total of 23 council seats will be contested, with each seat representing a distinct district. The election system is “first‑past‑the‑post” for each district, meaning that the candidate with the most votes wins the seat. The Wallingford Town Clerk’s office will release the official list of candidates on the week of the filing deadline.

Fishbein emphasized that he is seeking to make the nomination process more inclusive. “We want people who might not normally consider running for office to feel they have a chance,” he said. “That’s why we’re going to host a series of town‑hall meetings and provide free campaign workshops.”

Endorsements and Support

The campaign has already received backing from several local organizations. The Wallingford Chamber of Commerce endorsed Fishbein on the condition that he remains a committed advocate for small‑business development. In addition, the local environmental group “Green Hills” praised his proposed expansion of the town’s bike‑lane network. A number of former council members, including long‑time member Mary D’Angelo, publicly supported Fishbein, citing his commitment to accountability and community engagement.

Fishbein’s campaign website—CraigFishbeinForCouncil.com—offers a detailed FAQ section, a calendar of upcoming events, and an online volunteer sign‑up form. He has also set up a campaign donation page that accepts contributions of any size, underscoring his commitment to a grassroots‑led effort.

Local Context: Wallingford’s Political Climate

Wallingford’s political landscape has historically leaned moderate, with a mix of long‑time incumbents and emerging candidates. In the 2023 election, the council saw a turnover of three seats, largely due to retirements and the rising influence of the “Wallingford Forward” progressive group. According to a recent study published by the Connecticut Institute for Municipal Governance, towns with diverse economies and active civic engagement—like Wallingford—are more likely to elect council members who prioritize fiscal prudence alongside progressive social policies.

Fishbein’s entry into the race adds a fresh voice to the mix. His emphasis on balancing economic development with social responsibility aligns with the town’s long‑standing reputation as a “middle‑class haven” that is simultaneously forward‑looking and rooted in community values.

What Residents Can Expect

The upcoming campaign promises a mix of traditional town‑hall meetings, digital outreach, and community events. Fishbein’s team plans to host a “Coffee with Craig” series, where residents can grab a free cup from his café and discuss policy proposals directly with the candidate. The campaign also announced a partnership with the Wallingford Historical Society to create a “Wallingford History Day” event aimed at fostering community pride and civic engagement.

Fishbein’s campaign motto—“Community First, Innovation Forward”—encapsulates his approach. He stresses that the council must act as a steward of Wallingford’s resources, ensuring that the town’s growth does not compromise the well‑being of its residents.

The Road Ahead

As the election draws near, Fishbein’s team is actively building a volunteer network, recruiting canvassers, and refining policy proposals based on community feedback. He has also expressed an intention to hold a candidate forum on September 12, where he will sit down with other council candidates to discuss the town’s priorities and answer resident questions.

For those interested in learning more about Craig C. Fishbein’s candidacy, the candidate’s website offers a comprehensive overview of his policy positions, background, and how to get involved. Residents can also visit the Town of Wallingford’s election portal for official deadlines and registration details.

In a town that values both tradition and progress, Fishbein’s campaign represents an opportunity for residents to shape Wallingford’s future with a voice that’s deeply rooted in the community and forward‑thinking in its vision. The 2025 election will likely be a critical moment for Wallingford residents as they decide whether to continue the town’s legacy of pragmatic governance or to embrace new approaches for the challenges ahead.