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Cheshire Election 2025: Thomas Bartley Running For Town Council

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 11:36 GMT by Patch
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Thomas Bartley Announces Candidacy for Cheshire Town Council in 2025 Election

On a crisp Tuesday afternoon in early April, longtime Cheshire resident and former school‑board member Thomas Bartley stepped onto the local stage to announce his candidacy for one of the five seats on the town council in the upcoming 2025 election. The announcement, posted on Patch.com and shared across local social‑media groups, signals a fresh wave of civic engagement in a town that has long been known for its steady, consensus‑driven politics.

A Familiar Face with a New Focus

Bartley, 58, has spent most of his adult life in Cheshire, earning a degree in public administration from Yale University before returning to the town to work as a municipal consultant for the Hartford‑based firm Greenfield & Associates. Over the past decade, he has been active on the town’s planning commission, served three terms on the school board, and led the “Cheshire Community Action Project,” a nonprofit that champions affordable housing and local economic development.

In his announcement, Bartley emphasized his “deep roots in Cheshire and a commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and equitable growth.” He cited his experience working with the school board as evidence of his ability to balance competing interests—particularly the need for quality public education with the constraints of a modest municipal budget.

Election Timing and Structure

Cheshire’s town council elections are held in even‑year, non‑partisan primaries that narrow the field to two candidates per seat, followed by a general election in November. The 2025 cycle will feature the primary on September 12 and the general election on November 7. Bartley is running for the seat that was vacated by retiring councilor Maria Lopez, who has served the town for 16 years.

According to the Town of Cheshire’s website, the council currently comprises five elected officials who serve staggered four‑year terms. They oversee budget approvals, zoning changes, public safety, and community services. In a town that has historically favored incremental change, Bartley’s candidacy promises a blend of continuity and innovation.

Policy Priorities

Fiscal Stewardship: Bartley stresses the importance of prudent budgeting. He plans to work with the council to conduct a comprehensive audit of the town’s finances, identifying opportunities to reduce wasteful spending and potentially lower the property tax rate by 1–2 % over the next four years. “We must protect our residents from unnecessary tax hikes while maintaining high‑quality services,” he told the Patch post.

Infrastructure & Public Safety: The candidate highlighted the need for updated roadways, safer pedestrian crossings, and a new community center. He notes that the town’s emergency services budget has lagged behind inflation, and he intends to advocate for additional funding for local police and fire departments.

Affordable Housing & Economic Development: Bartley is a vocal supporter of mixed‑income housing projects. He cited the recent zoning changes that allowed for up to three stories on formerly single‑family plots, arguing that such measures are crucial to counter rising rental costs in the region. Additionally, he intends to collaborate with the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce to attract small businesses that can provide local jobs while keeping the town’s character intact.

Open Government: Emphasizing the town’s tradition of civic participation, Bartley proposes a new “Town Council Transparency Portal,” which would provide real‑time updates on meeting agendas, minutes, and budgetary decisions. He also plans to hold monthly town halls to solicit direct input from residents.

Community Reaction

Early responses to Bartley’s announcement have been largely positive. In a local community forum, resident Sarah Khan expressed enthusiasm: “He’s always been a voice for the people, especially on the school board. I’m hopeful he’ll bring that same energy to the council.” Conversely, some skeptics voice concerns about his plans for infrastructure upgrades. “We need to make sure that the new roads and community center won’t just be a vanity project,” warned veteran council member Daniel Perez in a private email to the author.

Bartley’s campaign has already begun to attract endorsements from several local leaders. The Chair of the Cheshire Planning Commission, Mark Garrison, praised the candidate’s “strategic vision for our town’s growth.” Additionally, the Connecticut Democratic Party’s Connecticut Rural Affairs Committee issued a brief statement supporting his candidacy, noting his track record of collaborative governance.

Opponent Landscape

The primary field for the Lopez seat is expected to include a mix of incumbents and newcomers. Among the leading challengers is 45‑year‑old local attorney Emily Carson, who has pledged to tackle “urban blight and outdated zoning codes.” Another notable contender, retired teacher Peter Wong, is campaigning on a platform that emphasizes public education and youth programs.

Bartley’s campaign has not yet disclosed a formal strategy for engaging with these rivals. However, he has indicated a willingness to debate and hold forums that allow voters to compare policy proposals directly.

Moving Forward

As the election approaches, Bartley’s campaign is actively building a volunteer network and fundraising. He has scheduled a town‑wide “Kick‑off” event on June 10 at the Cheshire Community Center, where he will discuss his platform in greater depth and field questions from constituents. The event is open to the public, with an online livestream to accommodate residents who cannot attend in person.

For those interested in following the campaign’s progress, Bartley has launched a simple campaign website (https://tobartley2025.com) that includes a volunteer sign‑up form, donation page, and updates on upcoming events. Additionally, the town’s official website (https://townofcheshire.com) will feature a “Candidate Information” section, providing residents with unbiased profiles and a comparison of all primary candidates.

Conclusion

Thomas Bartley’s entry into the 2025 Cheshire town council race injects a blend of experience, community focus, and policy ambition into a town that has long valued steady governance. Whether his blend of fiscal prudence, infrastructure investment, and open‑government initiatives will resonate with voters remains to be seen. As the primary draws nearer, the community’s engagement—through town halls, volunteer efforts, and direct feedback—will be a crucial determinant of the election’s outcome. For now, Bartley’s message is clear: a commitment to responsible stewardship and inclusive growth, grounded in a deep understanding of Cheshire’s past and future challenges.