N※N

Cheshire Election 2025: Michael Stavola Running For Town Council

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. 25-michael-stavola-running-for-town-council.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 18:55 GMT by Patch
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

260x194/5070 Bytes

312x137/9188 Bytes

224x224/22521 Bytes

Cheshire, Connecticut – The 2025 town council election in Cheshire has already begun to shape up, and one of the most talked‑about candidates is former councilman Michael Stavola. According to a recent Patch.com report, Stavola has officially filed his candidacy and is actively campaigning for a seat on the board that will decide the town’s next decade of growth, development, and public policy.

A seasoned local voice

Michael Stavola is a long‑time resident of Cheshire, a 12‑mile suburb of Hartford that balances small‑town charm with the conveniences of a larger metropolitan area. The 58‑year‑old, who has worked as a small‑business owner and as a real‑estate broker for the past 20 years, first entered public office in 2013 when he was elected to the town council. During his three terms, he served as the council’s deputy chair and was known for his hands‑on approach to community issues, from road maintenance projects to school‑funding debates.

Stavola’s resignation in 2021 followed a public dispute over the town’s budget priorities. A Patch investigation found that he had openly criticized the council’s handling of the 2020 municipal bond issue, claiming that the town was “mismanaging its resources.” Though the dispute ultimately ended with Stavola’s departure, the controversy did not diminish his popularity among many Cheshire residents who felt that he had spoken honestly about the town’s fiscal challenges.

Now, after a brief hiatus, Stavola is back in the political arena. In a candid interview with Patch, he emphasized that his experience on the council has equipped him with the knowledge and relationships necessary to navigate the town’s pressing needs. “I know the bureaucracy, I know the people who do the work, and I understand the financial constraints we face,” he said. “That’s why I’m running again – to bring a clear, pragmatic voice back to the council.”

Campaign platform

The Patch article lists several core issues that Stavola’s campaign focuses on:

1. Fiscal responsibility – Stavola pledges to scrutinize the town’s annual budget more closely, arguing for “balanced growth” that keeps taxes reasonable while still investing in essential services. He points to the town’s recent 4.2 % property‑tax increase as a primary example of the kind of spending he believes should be reevaluated.

2. Infrastructure improvements – The candidate has singled out the need for better road repairs, especially on Route 10 and the main north‑south corridor that serves the downtown business district. He also calls for a comprehensive assessment of the town’s aging water‑and‑sewer infrastructure, noting that several older neighborhoods have reported intermittent service disruptions.

3. Public safety and emergency preparedness – Stavola intends to support the local police and volunteer fire department by advocating for more training resources and better equipment. He also wants to increase community outreach to help residents understand emergency protocols.

4. Transparency and civic engagement – “Town council meetings have to be open,” Stavola states. He proposes extending the online streaming of meetings, expanding the town’s social‑media presence, and hosting quarterly town‑hall forums to keep citizens informed and involved.

He is also a vocal proponent of small‑business development, arguing that the town can benefit from more incentives for entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in the tourism and retail sectors that form a significant part of Cheshire’s economy.

Opponents and endorsements

The Patch piece notes that Stavola faces competition from a handful of other candidates, including longtime resident and current school board member Maria Alvarez and former town clerk John Harris. Each candidate brings a different flavor to the race: Alvarez is seen as a progressive voice focused on educational reform, while Harris emphasizes continuity in the town’s administrative processes.

Stavola has secured endorsements from a few local organizations. The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, which had previously commended him for his work on business‑related matters, has issued a formal statement of support. Additionally, a coalition of senior citizen groups has endorsed him, citing his experience with the town’s senior‑services budget.

Election logistics

The article includes practical information for voters and prospective candidates. The town election board will hold a candidate‑filing deadline on June 15, 2025; Stavola’s paperwork was filed on time. Election day itself is scheduled for November 4, 2025, aligning with the national mid‑term election calendar. As per Connecticut law, all residents over 18 are eligible to vote, either in person or via absentee ballot.

Voters can review the full slate of candidates, as well as the town’s public meeting schedule, on the official town website (the article links directly to the “Town Council” page). The website also hosts a downloadable PDF of the town’s budget, allowing citizens to see where the money is currently being spent.

Local reaction

A quick scan of local forums and the Patch comment section reveals a mixture of enthusiasm and skepticism. Residents who lived through Stavola’s last term largely see him as a “trusted elder statesman” and welcome his return. Others worry that his past disagreements could resurface, potentially leading to further political infighting. Nonetheless, a majority of respondents seem to believe that his experience could help navigate the town through its upcoming challenges.

Bottom line

Michael Stavola’s re‑entry into Cheshire politics underscores a broader trend in many suburban communities: voters are turning to experienced local leaders who have a proven track record and are willing to speak candidly about fiscal and infrastructural challenges. Whether he can overcome the lingering shadows of his 2021 resignation remains to be seen, but the Patch coverage indicates that he is poised to be a formidable contender for the 2025 town council race. As the campaign heats up, residents and observers alike will be watching closely to see how Stavola’s platform resonates with a town that is at a crossroads of growth, fiscal prudence, and community values.