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: Tiffani McGinnis

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family information: My husband Matthew and I have three adult children, our youngest is a Senior at UConn.

Primary occupation: Campaign Manager

Previous political experience: I am currently a West Hartford Town Councilor. Previously, I served as Vice Chair of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee and have managed local campaigns for State Representative Tammy Exum, State Senator Derek Slap, and former Town Councilor Leon Davidoff. I was the treasurer for Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and worked on Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas’s campaign. I also founded New England Women for Biden-Harris (now Women for Democracy) and GenX for Harris (now GenX for Democracy).

Other relevant experience that may be related to your desire to serve the community, and further qualifies you for the office you are seeking: For over 20 years, l’ve worked to elect Democrats across the country, talking with thousands of voters from all walks of life about their hopes, concerns, and what they expect from their elected officials. I believe that experience, combined with my own background, makes me uniquely qualified to represent all the residents of West Hartford as a Town Councilor.

Why are you running for office? I’m running for re-election because we must keep West Hartford moving forward.

West Hartford is one of the best places to raise a family, work, and retire, and that’s no accident. Our Democratic leadership has worked hard to keep our town strong, welcoming, and forward-looking. But we still face real challenges: affordability, safe streets, education funding, climate change, and making sure every resident feels included. I’m committed to protecting the progress we’ve made while finding innovative and practical solutions for the future.

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? West Hartford is experiencing growth, which indicates a healthy and desirable community. I support smart, sustainable development that adds value for residents while minimizing strain on our infrastructure. We need to balance progress with preservation by ensuring that new housing and commercial projects address community needs, enhance affordability, and strengthen our local economy.

What are your specific ideas for keeping future budget increases to a minimum? We need to establish both short-term and long-term goals to limit future budget increases.

In the short term, our focus should be on growing West Hartford’s grand list through smart and sustainable development while maximizing efficiencies whenever possible.

For the long term, I will advocate for reforms that allow towns to retain a fair share of the revenue we generate, such as a portion of the sales tax. Connecticut’s tax system places too much of the financial burden on towns, making us overly reliant on property taxes, even as the state accumulates a growing surplus. Additionally, I strongly support a transparent, community-driven budget process that enables residents to voice their priorities and concerns.

How do you think the town will need to/be able to respond to cuts in federal aid to education, Medicaid, and food assistance? We need to be proactive by working with the state and nonprofits to support our most vulnerable residents. These cuts will also increase the demand for local social services, which could strain our town’s resources and budget. Despite our best efforts, we may still face shortfalls. I will work to strengthen partnerships, advocate for state funding, and do everything possible to ensure that no one in West Hartford is left behind due to the shortsighted and harmful decisions made in Washington.

Do national issues affect your approach to local governance, and if so, how? Absolutely! What happens in Washington has a direct impact on our schools, our economy, and our sense of security at home. When national leaders undermine public education, roll back environmental protections, or create divisions for political gain, it is the responsibility of local leaders to uphold our values. I will be a fierce advocate dedicated to protecting our community and its essential resources.

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. Families are feeling the strain of rising costs, and the town must find ways to alleviate that burden while maintaining our valued quality of life. This means creating a fair and responsible budget, protecting funding for our public schools, and exploring new revenue sources to reduce our reliance on property taxes.

We must also continue to expand affordable housing options so that people at every stage of life can call West Hartford home. My focus is on keeping our community accessible, welcoming, and sustainable for everyone

What do you feel differentiates you from the candidates from other parties – or your own party – who are also running for this position? My life story gives me a perspective that many candidates don’t have. I grew up in a family that faced financial struggles, became the first in my family to graduate from college, and have navigated personal challenges while building a life for my own family. Those experiences have taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of opportunity. They drive my commitment to making sure every resident in West Hartford is heard, supported, and has the chance to succeed.

Anything else you would like to share relevant to earning votes on Nov. 4? While some may choose to ignore the chaos caused by the current administration, I believe it’s essential to recognize how national decisions directly affect our lives here in West Hartford. What happens in Washington, D.C., matters, and we need local leaders who are attentive and willing to speak out.

As your Town Councilor, I will continue to advocate for the values that make West Hartford a place we are proud to call home. If you would like to learn more about my campaign or my priorities, please visit www.TiffaniforWestHartford.com.I hope to earn your vote by November 4th!

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