We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running for election on Nov. 3, 2015.

Compiled by Ronni Newton

We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to “Meet the Candidate” – designed to help them get to know the candidates running for office in the Nov. 3, 2015 municipal election.

Identical questionnaires have been sent to all major party candidates, and each profile received has been submitted directly to We-Ha.com by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign management. The responses have not been edited but have been formatted to match our publication style. Questions left blank have been deleted.

As profiles are received, they will be published on We-Ha.com under the “Government” tab. We-Ha.com is not making endorsements of any political candidates but we are publishing this information in order to assist West Hartford voters in being informed and prepared when they go to the polls on Nov. 3.

If you are a candidate and wish to submit a profile, please return it by email to Ronni Newton at [email protected] ASAP.

Name: Leon Davidoff

Age: 53

Party, position seeking: Democrat, Town Council

Family Information: For 22 years, I have been married to my wife, Lexy, and we have two daughters, Becky, a sophomore at Clark University and Lani, a junior at Hall High School.

Occupation: I am the co-owner, with my sister, of The Paper Station, a fine stationery and gift store located in Newington. Also, I am an attorney admitted to practice law in Connecticut.

Political Experience: Since 1991, I have been an active member of the community. I was elected to two terms on the Newington Town Council prior to moving to West Hartford in 1997.

Prior to my election to the Town Council, I was appointed and served on the West Hartford Town Planning & Zoning Commission as well as the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, serving as Chairman for 3 years.

I was elected to my first term on the West Hartford Town Council in 2007, and have been re-elected in 2009, 2011 and 2013. Currently, I serve as the Chair of the Community Planning and Physical Services Committee. I have served on many Council subcommittees including Finance & Budget, Human & Leisure Services, Administration and Technology and the Charter Oak School Advisory Commission.

Other relevant experience: I am a Past President of the Newington Chamber of Commerce, a former Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow, a Past Treasurer of the Aiken School PTO, Past Treasurer of WHEE II, a Clark University Admissions Program Volunteer, a Justice of the Peace and a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion.

Why are you running for office? I truly enjoy serving on the West Hartford Town Council. I am seeking re-election to the Town Council because I care deeply about our town, and how our town government is run. During my tenure on the Council, I have worked diligently to keep our community safe and our schools strong, to support our libraries, recreational programs and senior centers, to attract quality economic development to our vibrant business center and neighborhoods, while being fiscally prudent with your tax dollars.

My approach to addressing the issues that face our community has been straightforward thinking. You can count on me to advocate for well-reasoned, common sense positions that are in the best interests of our residents and the town. West Hartford’s brightest days are ahead. As your Town Councilor, I will continue to bring a creative, professional and well thought out perspective to finding solutions to the issues that our town encounters.

What issue(s) are your primary area of focus? The town budget requires close scrutiny in order to provide the programs and services which make West Hartford the best place to work, to live and to raise a family, while being sensitive to the ability of our community to afford to pay for these programs and services. Also, development proposals need to be examined carefully so that they are in harmony with our business centers and neighborhoods.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing West Hartford today? Keeping West Hartford affordable to all of our residents while providing excellent town and educational services.

What do you feel differentiates your from other candidates running for this position? I enjoy the role that the Council plays with respect to zoning applications. My years of service on the Town Plan and Zoning Commission along my keen interest in zoning law have prepared and provided me with the expertise to evaluate development and re-development projects that come before the Council.

Anything else you would like to share? For the past eight years, I have been honored and privileged to serve on your Town Council, and I would like to thank the residents of West Hartford for placing their trust in me to serve the best interests of our town.

On November 3rd, please vote for me, Leon Davidoff and the entire Democratic team, so that I can continue to be a voice of reason at the Council table.

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