Chatfield announces bid for 19th term

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Prospect Mayor Robert Chatfield, seated, announced he is running for reelection Tuesday night surrounded by family and friends in the Mayor’s Office in Town Hall. –LUKE MARSHALL
Prospect Mayor Robert Chatfield, seated, announced he is running for reelection Tuesday night surrounded by family and friends in the Mayor’s Office in Town Hall. –LUKE MARSHALL

PROSPECT — Just over 36 years ago Mayor Robert Chatfield, 69, announced his intention to run for Prospect’s top job for the first time and asked for the support of the Republican Town Committee.

After he made his announcement, a senior republican told him that he announced too early and was too young, Chatfield recalled Tuesday night in his office.

“So, I’m here 36 years and one month later to ask the Republican Town Committee to endorse me again for my 19th term as mayor of the Town of Prospect,” said Chatfield, who announced his intentions to run for reelection surrounded by family and friends.

Chatfield’s announcement was met with elation by Tom Galvin, chairman of the Republican Town Committee.

“I’m personally elated that Mayor Bob is looking forward to another term. His dedication to our town is what legends are made of. During his tenure he’s seen six presidents, six governors and soon to be his fifth pope. His experience contributes greatly to our reputation as the ‘Best Small Town in Connecticut,’ and I look forward to his ongoing involvement in Prospect’s future,” Galvin said in a statement.

Chatfield said a lot has happened and changed in the 36 years he’s been in office.

“I believe I’ve made the town very proud. I’ve grown up in the town, and the town has grown up with me,” Chatfield said.

Chatfield recognized many of the people who have helped and worked with him over the years, including his family, friends and members of various boards and commissions.

“This has always been a team effort,” Chatfield said.

Chatfield already knows is platform for the coming election.

“Maybe people don’t say this anymore, but I’m going to run on my record,” Chatfield said. “I am going to run on my accomplishments over the last 36 years.”

Some of those accomplishments include supporting building Woodland Regional High School, increasing the number of public works vehicles, building the Public Works Department, his work with public safety and emergency management.

“I’ve proved myself five, six, maybe seven times in the last two years with Mother Nature throwing her wrath at us between hurricanes and snowstorms. We have a good, well-oiled machine here,” Chatfield said.

Chatfield said there are a couple projects he wants to see through as mayor. The first is the new elementary school being built on New Haven Road. He also felt it’s important for the town to acquire Community and Algonquin schools when they closed.

“I want to see phase two of Scott Road,” Chatfield added. “The planning and rebuilding of Scott Road has been on the book since 1976. That’s how long this project has been going on.”

Although he has won the past 18 elections, he does not consider another victory guaranteed.

“I’m always worried about elections,” Chatfield said. “It’s always a challenge. I have to prove to people that I am able and capable of running the town because there are some new people that don’t know me that well.”