Mayor David Chess

10/24/2026

The second-ever Paradise Arts on the Green is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 10 AM-3 PM. It is held on the first Saturday of every month. Come support local artists, check out their work, and experience the incredible artistic talent in our community. Thank you to Jerry Brandino for spearheading this event.

10/24/2026

Congratulations to EMT Cameron Vadnais of Stratford EMS / Stratford Explorer Post 4911 on receiving the Youth Award at the 2026 Connecticut EMS Awards!

William Fitzmaurice, Chair of the CT EMS Council of Regional Presidents, presented the award this week at Mohegan Sun during the EMSPro Conference. This statewide honor recognizes Cameron’s dedication and contributions as an Explorer and youth member of Stratford EMS.

We are proud of Cameron’s commitment to serving our community and excited to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

10/23/2026

I am proud that the Town Council officially adopted the Homestead Act, which will provide tax relief by lowering the assessed value of qualified homes by 35% in time for next July’s tax bills. In anticipation of this initiative, our Tax Assessor’s Office has mailed out Attestation Forms to residential property owners.

A few important reminders:

**The deadline to complete and submit your form and required documentation is December 31, 2026.

To apply, please provide the following:

✅The Attestation Form completed.
✅A copy of the driver’s license and car registration, including leases, for the applicant and spouse, if applicable.
✅A copy of your 2025 Tax Return, page 1 only.

Need help? Contact our Tax Assessor's Office, Town Hall, first floor, 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615, at (203) 385-4025 or email [email protected].

Extended Hours to Help with Homestead Applications: This month, the Tax Assessor's Office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on the first Saturday of the month through December, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Updated FAQs: Visit the Homestead Act page on our website for everything you need to know. We continue to update the FAQs as new information becomes available. You can visit it at https://townofstratfordct.sites.thrillshare.com/page/homestead-property-tax-exemption-information

10/23/2026

At the Connecticut EMS Awards held at the Mohegan Sun Conference Center this week, the Stratford 911 Public Safety Dispatch Center was honored with a Unit Citation Award for its performance during the July 21, 2026 flash flooding event that impacted Stratford.

Stratford EMS Director Mike Loiz introduced Dispatchers Annabel Diaz, Courtney Stewart, and Estefani Escalante, along with Dispatch Supervisor Heather Admans and Dispatch Superintendent JP Sredzinski, who were recognized for their actions during this intense weather event.

On July 21, 2026, severe thunderstorms brought flash flooding, submerged vehicles with people trapped inside, a second-alarm house fire caused by lightning, and other simultaneous emergencies.

In just one hour, Stratford's Dispatch team handled 62 emergency calls and 63 routine calls—far exceeding our average daily emergency call volume. They also answered overflow 911 calls from Bridgeport as our neighboring community faced extraordinary demand.

Behind those numbers were dispatchers providing lifesaving guidance to people trapped in rising floodwaters while coordinating police, fire, and EMS responses throughout town.

This award recognizes their teamwork, professionalism, and composure under exceptional pressure. We are so proud of our team and grateful for their dedication to Stratford and our neighbors.

Please join us in congratulating Stratford’s FIRST first responders!

10/22/2026

Recently, a state senator running for reelection shared a letter with Lordship residents that includes wrong information, stoking fear regarding development at Sikorsky Airport. This isn’t the first time this elected official has misinformed our community. He is not from Stratford. And I feel the need to call this out. Sadly, this is yet another case of misinformation spread through our community. My hope is that once the election is behind us, this irresponsible behavior will stop. It doesn’t serve you, our constituents, well.

My full response and update on what's happening at the Airport is below.

Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our community informed and peaceful.

10/22/2026

In case you haven't heard, our Stratford Health Department has a Spider-Man-themed flu clinic for kids and Board of Education staff ALL DAY TODAY, Thursday, October 22, until 7 pm! I was happy to stop by and hang out with Spider-Man! Come check it out and get your flu vaccine.

Stratford Health Department

10/22/2026

We have a Neighborhood Association Meeting scheduled for this evening, Thursday, October 22, in District 7 from 6-7:30 PM.

Even if it's not your District, all are welcome. This is your space to connect directly with town leadership, meet your neighbors, and share what matters most to you.

👇 Check out the full October meeting schedule in the graphic and find a date and location that work for you and come join the community conversation.

10/21/2026

We are currently navigating very unstable times with the cost of everything skyrocketing. As a Town, I am deeply committed to making and keeping Stratford affordable while building a vibrant future for our community. This requires fiscal responsibility and the security of a stable tax structure. It means making tough and thoughtful decisions and setting clear priorities, such as investing in our children, families, and local commerce to build a stronger economic foundation for the future of our town.

I am proud that the Town Council officially adopted the Homestead Act relief measure, which will lower the assessed value of qualified homes by 35% in time for next July’s tax bills. In anticipation of this initiative, our Tax Assessor’s Office has mailed out Attestation Forms to residential property owners.

**Please remember that the deadline to complete and submit your form is December 31, 2026.

To apply, please provide the following:
✅The Attestation Form completed.
✅A copy of your driver’s license and, if you have one, your car registration.
✅A copy of your 2025 Tax Return, page 1 only.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Tax Assessor's Office, located on the first floor of Town Hall at 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615. You can reach them by phone at (203) 385-4025 or email them at [email protected].

To accommodate Homestead applicants, the Tax Assessor’s Office has expanded its normal 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours, Monday through Friday. In October, the department is open until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on the first Saturday of the month through December, from 10 a.m. until noon.

To help answer your questions, we also created a Homestead Act page on our website with everything you need to know, including updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). We will update the FAQs as new information becomes available. You can visit it at https://townofstratfordct.sites.thrillshare.com/page/homestead-property-tax-exemption-information

Stratford approved a Homestead assessment reduction for eligible homeowners. Here’s who qualifies and how to apply by Dec. 31.

10/20/2026

It was wonderful to support our Police Officers and Firefighters at the Stratford First Responders Golf Tournament at Mill River!

In this photo with me are Brian Sharnick, Rachel Crosby, Tony Zona, and Michael Matarese.

10/20/2026

Tomorrow, October 21, from 5- 6 PM is my final October Office Hours session. Come on by. No appointments needed! It's a chance for me to hear what's top of mind for you and help best meet your and our community's needs.