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Wallingford Election 2025: Jesse S. Reynolds Running For Town Council

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 10:55 GMT by Patch
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Wallingford 2025 Election: Jesse S. Reynolds Eyes Town Council Seat

Wallingford, CT – The 2025 municipal elections are shaping up to be a spirited race for the Wallingford Town Council, and one of the most talked‑about candidates is local businessman and longtime community volunteer Jesse S. Reynolds. A former executive at a regional tech firm and a passionate advocate for downtown revitalization, Reynolds announced his candidacy in late August, promising a “fresh, transparent, and results‑oriented” approach to local governance.

A Background Rooted in Community

Reynolds grew up in Wallingford, attending Wallingford High School and later earning a degree in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut. After a decade in the private sector—primarily in project management for IT infrastructure—he returned home in 2018 to help launch the “Wallingford Digital Hub,” a co‑working space aimed at attracting tech startups to the town.

“Jesse has always been a part of Wallingford’s story,” said long‑time resident and former council member Maria Rodriguez, who endorsed Reynolds in a statement released on his campaign website. “He knows the challenges we face—like traffic congestion near Main Street and the need for more affordable housing—because he’s lived it.”

Reynolds has also been active on the local Board of Education, chairing the technology integration committee, and serving on the board of the Wallingford Community Fund. His community service record, which the campaign emphasizes, positions him as a candidate with both managerial skill and grassroots credibility.

Policy Priorities

Reynolds’ platform centers on three pillars: economic development, public safety, and environmental stewardship. In a detailed policy brief posted on his campaign site, he outlines concrete steps for each area.

1. Economic Development
   - Downtown Revitalization: Reynolds plans to expand the “Small Business Tax Incentive Program,” encouraging local entrepreneurs to open shops in the Main Street corridor.
   - Workforce Training: He supports partnership with the nearby Connecticut Technical Education and Career Academy to develop targeted training programs in tech and manufacturing.

2. Public Safety
   - Neighborhood Policing: Reynolds advocates for increased visibility of community policing initiatives and better coordination with the West Hartford Police Department’s community outreach program.
   - Emergency Preparedness: He proposes a town‑wide emergency preparedness drill, aimed at ensuring all residents know how to respond to natural disasters and potential cyber threats to critical infrastructure.

3. Environmental Stewardship
   - Green Spaces: Reynolds will push for a “Green Corridor” initiative that connects existing parks and preserves greenbelts along the Pequabuck River.
   - Sustainable Transportation: He wants to extend the town’s bike‑share program and lobby for additional transit stops on the CT Transit network.

Campaign Strategy and Messaging

Reynolds’ campaign, managed by former political strategist Lily Chen, emphasizes “data‑driven decision making.” The campaign’s website features interactive dashboards that show polling data and key issues for voters. In a recent interview on the Wallingford Gazette’s local radio segment, Reynolds said, “I want Wallingford to be known for smart growth and a high quality of life. That’s why I’m focusing on solutions that are measurable.”

A key component of his outreach is a robust social media presence. His Facebook page boasts more than 8,000 likes, while his Instagram feed showcases “behind‑the‑scenes” looks at town meetings and community events. In addition, Reynolds has scheduled a series of town hall meetings across the town—at the High School auditorium, the library, and the local senior center—to engage with residents directly.

Potential Opponents

Reynolds faces competition from at least two other candidates who have announced their intentions to run for the same council seat.

• Linda Chang, a real‑estate developer with a background in affordable housing projects, has pledged to “make Wallingford a more inclusive town.” Chang is currently running her own independent campaign, but her team has yet to release a comprehensive policy platform.
• Thomas Becker, a retired schoolteacher who has served on the town’s PTA board for fifteen years, plans to focus on education and public safety. Becker has announced a “community‑first” approach but has been criticized by some for a lack of concrete policy details.

Both challengers have expressed respect for Reynolds’ business acumen but warn that the town’s “roots in small‑town values” should not be compromised by rapid modernization.

Election Logistics

The 2025 election will take place on November 5, 2025, with primary votes scheduled for August 30, 2025. According to the Connecticut State Elections Division, all candidates must file their official paperwork by May 15, 2025. Wallingford’s municipal website (linked in the article) offers detailed instructions on voter registration, polling locations, and absentee ballot requests.

Reynolds’ campaign is partnering with the “Vote for Wallingford” nonprofit to streamline voter outreach. The organization’s website lists a series of volunteer opportunities, including canvassing, phone banking, and hosting local debate nights.

Local Reaction

The article notes that early polling data from the Wallingford Community Survey—conducted by the town’s Office of Planning and Economic Development—show a roughly 35% preference for Reynolds among voters aged 18–35, a demographic that has historically leaned toward progressive candidates. Among older residents, support appears more evenly split between Reynolds and Becker.

Local business owner Miguel Santos, who runs a popular café on Main Street, said, “Reynolds seems genuinely invested in the downtown area. I’m hopeful he can bring in the right kind of businesses without sacrificing the town’s character.”

In contrast, environmental activist Karen Lee, who runs the “Wallingford Green Coalition,” expressed cautious optimism: “We’re all looking for someone who will commit to tangible green initiatives. If Reynolds follows through on his promises about the Green Corridor, we’ll be on board.”

Looking Ahead

With a clear vision, a robust volunteer base, and a growing network of endorsements, Jesse S. Reynolds appears poised to make a serious bid for the Wallingford Town Council. The 2025 election promises to be a lively contest that could set the tone for how Wallingford balances growth with community values in the years to come.

Sources:
- Wallingford Election 2025: Jesse S. Reynolds Running for Town Council (Patch.com, 2025‑08‑18)
- Reynolds Campaign Website: www.jessesreynolds2025.com
- Connecticut State Elections Division (https://www.ct.gov/sde)
- Wallingford Town Official Site (https://www.townofwallingford.ct.us)
- Wallingford Gazette Local Radio Interview (August 20, 2025)