We-Ha.com is offering our readers the opportunity to meet the candidates running in the Nov. 4, 2025 municipal election. 

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 2025 municipal election.

Identical questionnaires have been sent to all 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 noted.

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 voters in being informed and prepared when they go to the polls on Nov. 4.

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

TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATE

Name: Shari Cantor

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family information: Married 40 years to Michael Cantor – Son and Daughter-in-law Josh and Theresa – granddaughters 3 and 1 years of age – Sons Sam, Ben and Jacob. Mother – Rose  97 years old.

Primary occupation: retired

Previous political experience: Appointed to Town Council in 2004, Elected Deputy Mayor 2011, Elected Mayor 2016.

Other relevant experience that may be related to your desire to serve the community, and further qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I have been involved in many community and civic groups as well as non-profits in the region. I currently chair the Board of the CT Children’s Foundation and am a University of CT Trustee. I also serve on the Hartford Stage Board. I am a West Hartford Rotarian and serve on the advisory council to the Playhouse on Park. I have served on the Heart Association Board, Foodshare Board, Jewish Federation Board and more. I also serve on CRCROG and CCM committees representing West Hartford.

Why are you running for office? Over the past twenty years, I have been deeply committed to building a community that is safe, welcoming, and strong. West Hartford has risen in the national rankings and continues to be recognized as one of the best places to live in the country. We are proud to maintain our AAA bond rating, a reflection of strong fiscal management, while making public safety a top priority and supporting our stellar schools.

Our vibrant centers, excellent services, and thoughtful planning have made West Hartford a place where developers want to invest and where young people want to raise their families. Today, more than 77 different languages are spoken in our homes. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths – and it is not by chance. It is the result of a community-wide commitment to respect, inclusion, and opportunity.

We have intentionally built a culture where people from all backgrounds are welcomed, where differences are embraced, and where we celebrate one another. That spirit is what makes West Hartford so special. Looking forward, I will continue to focus on public safety, strong schools, responsible development, and inclusive community-building so that West Hartford remains a place of pride for all who call it home.

There have recently been numerous residential and commercial developments approved by the Town Council, and it is likely that more will be considered during the upcoming Council term. What is your overall opinion of the pace of development in West Hartford? The pace of development in West Hartford has been both necessary and responsible. Demand for housing remains high, and costs continue to rise. By approving new residential and commercial projects, we are expanding supply and creating options at a range of price points – from luxury to deed-restricted, deeply affordable homes. This helps ensure that families, seniors, and young professionals can find a place here.

Most of this growth is happening near our transportation corridors and commercial centers, which is exactly where it should be. Concentrating development in these areas supports our local businesses, strengthens walkability, and reduces pressure on existing neighborhoods.

These projects also expand our grand list, providing real revenue growth without increasing the burden on taxpayers. That revenue allows us to invest in the priorities that make West Hartford one of the top-ranked communities in the country: excellent schools, strong public safety, modern infrastructure, and vibrant public spaces.

I believe the Council has struck the right balance – moving forward at a pace that responds to our housing and economic needs, while preserving the character and quality of life that residents value. This approach ensures that West Hartford remains welcoming, forward-looking, and financially strong for generations to come.

What are your specific ideas for keeping future budget increases to a minimum? Keeping future budget increases to a minimum requires both discipline and innovation. My approach has always been to balance fiscal responsibility with the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.

First, we must continue to grow our grand list through smart, strategic development that expands our tax base without overburdening existing taxpayers. Every new project that adds housing, commercial space, or investment in our community helps generate sustainable revenue.

Second, we need to maximize efficiencies in how we deliver services. That means using technology, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement to ensure we are getting the greatest value out of every tax dollar.

Third, I will keep working with our partners at the state level to diversify revenue streams and advocate for reforms that reduce reliance on property taxes – which remain the primary source of local funding.

Finally, it’s about being intentional: carefully evaluating the return on investment for every dollar spent, prioritizing core services like schools, public safety, and infrastructure, and aligning resources with community needs.

This approach – focused on fiscal discipline, innovation, and long-term planning – has kept West Hartford a AAA-rated community and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. My commitment is to continue building a budget that is efficient, fair, and sustainable for future generations.

How do you think the town will need to/be able to respond to cuts in federal aid to education, Medicaid, and food assistance? Cuts to federal aid for education, Medicaid, and food assistance would have a profound impact on many West Hartford families. These programs are lifelines for seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families who are already struggling with rising costs. Tariffs and inflation – including the recently announced tariffs on generic drugs – are only adding to that burden.

At the local level, our role is to be both responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and strong advocates for our residents. We will continue to invest in the essentials – quality education, public safety, and community services – while working with our state and federal partners to fight for fair funding.

At the same time, we must strengthen the local safety net through partnerships with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups that provide food, housing, and health support. West Hartford has a long tradition of coming together to lift up neighbors in need, and that spirit will be critical in meeting future challenges.

We also need to stay focused on growing our tax base to reduce pressure on families, and on using innovation and efficiency in government so that every dollar goes as far as possible.

Our community has weathered difficult times before. With careful planning, collaboration, and compassion, we will continue to protect the most vulnerable and ensure that West Hartford remains a place where every resident feels supported and valued.

Do national issues affect your approach to local governance, and if so, how? National issues absolutely affect our community, even if my day-to-day focus is on local governance. Rising costs from inflation and tariffs, changes in federal funding for education, health care, or food assistance – these decisions directly impact West Hartford families. As mayor, I see every day how national policies can create local challenges.

What I can control is how we lead here at home. I have always worked to collaborate with my colleagues, regardless of political differences. This is a volunteer role, and anyone who serves does so because they care deeply about making West Hartford a better place to live. We may not always agree on priorities or the best path forward, but I do not question the motives of those who step up to serve.

At a time when our national political discourse often feels divisive, I believe it is essential that we demonstrate another way – governing with respect, civility, and humanity. Our children are watching, and our community deserves leaders who set an example of constructive dialogue and collaboration.

In West Hartford, we focus on what unites us: safe streets, strong schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and a welcoming, inclusive community. That spirit of local leadership is how we will continue to thrive, no matter what happens in Washington.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing West Hartford today, and how do you plan to address it if elected? The biggest challenge facing West Hartford today is affordability. Housing prices and the overall cost of living have risen significantly, and that impacts everyone – from young people just starting out, to families trying to put down roots, to seniors who want to stay in the community they love.

There is no single solution, but there are clear steps we must take. First, we need to continue growing our grand list in a thoughtful, strategic way. New development expands our tax base and generates revenue, which helps reduce the burden on existing taxpayers.

Second, we must keep government as efficient and effective as possible, ensuring every dollar is invested wisely and aligned with community priorities – strong schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

Finally, we need to focus on balancing growth with inclusivity, supporting housing options at a variety of price points, and working with state and regional partners to find innovative solutions.

Affordability is a complex challenge, but by being disciplined, forward-looking, and intentional in our choices, we can help ensure West Hartford remains a welcoming, vibrant, and financially strong community for all.

What do you feel differentiates you from the candidates from other parties – or your own party – who are also running for this position? What differentiates me most is the combination of my professional background and my years of experience serving this community. As a CPA, I bring strong financial expertise and a clear understanding of budgets, long-term planning, and fiscal responsibility. That background has been invaluable in helping West Hartford maintain its AAA bond rating while still making smart investments in our schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

I also bring years of context and institutional knowledge. Having served this community for two decades, I know how to navigate complex challenges and how to work collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and residents to find solutions. Those relationships matter – whether it’s working with our professional staff, partnering with regional leaders, or advocating with the governor and state officials to secure resources for West Hartford.

Equally important, I believe in governing with respect, civility, and inclusivity. I value the perspectives of others, even when we disagree, and I work hard to find common ground. That spirit of collaboration is essential to keeping West Hartford the strong, welcoming community it is today.

Experience, financial expertise, and trusted relationships set me apart. They give me the ability to not just respond to challenges, but to lead with confidence and vision for the future.

Anything else you would like to share relevant to earning votes on Nov. 4? What I want to emphasize most is that these are not normal times. On November 4, more than policies are at stake – civility, honesty, respect, and ethics are on the ballot. The way we govern sets an example for our children and defines the character of our community.

While national leaders are not on the ballot here, their policies profoundly affect us. From the cost of health care and prescription drugs to cuts in education and food assistance, these decisions ripple directly into our households. That’s why we need local leaders who will not only manage budgets and services effectively, but who will also stand up for the values that protect our health, our well-being, our First Amendment rights, and our shared humanity.

I believe character matters. My record reflects a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and respect for everyone in this community. West Hartford has thrived because we work together, even when we disagree, and because we embrace diversity and inclusion as strengths.

As we look ahead, I ask for your support so that we can continue building a community that is safe, welcoming, and forward-looking – a community where our children see leaders acting with the civility and humanity they deserve to inherit.

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