Management

Jim Miron was elected Stratford’s first Mayor and Chief Executive Officer in a historic election held in November 2005. He completed his tenure in December 2009.As Mayor, Jim earned bi-partisan praise for his ideals, strong leadership skills, fiscal responsibility and his ability to listen and understand the needs of those who came to him for help.Jim Miron made Stratford’s government more open and accessible to all residents and businesses through the implementation of open door meetings held multiple times each week; the broadcasting of Town meetings on cable channel 79; the implementation of an improved and more interactive website, including an online citizen and business service center; and the implementation of an enhanced Customer Service policy to ensure the approximately 500 Town employees perform all of the services residents deserve and expect.A strong advocate for Stratford’s large senior community, Jim Miron proposed enhancements to the town’s senior tax relief program, which were approved unanimously by the Town Council not once, but twice.

Jim Miron also proposed, and fought for, for a local veteran’s property tax exemption to honor those who have served this country and know need some financial assistance.

The Town of Stratford, under the direction of Jim Miron, instituted an alternative fuel and/or hybrid vehicle policy. His policies ensured the Town becomes a leader in renewable energy use and responsible environmental policies.

Jim Miron helped to spearhead the Town’s Economic Development Department by creating a proactive, user-friendly business climate at Town Hall to assist the over 2,700 existing businesses in Town and to attract new businesses to Town. As Mayor Jim proposed and Economic Development Corporation to help redevelop Stratford’s Brownfields.

As part of the strategy to better position and market the Town, a marketing campaign for the Town, complete with a new logo and town slogan, “Offering More From Forest to Shore”, highlighted the strategic advantages of living, visiting and doing business in Stratford.

Jim Miron partnered with the United States Army, General Services Administration, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and the Connecticut federal delegation to market the Stratford Army Engine Plant that was auctioned by the federal government for redevelopment. Due to Jim Miron’s leadership, the property will be back on the tax rolls and create jobs.

Jim Miron remain committed to working in a bipartisan manner with the Town Council to redevelop the Shakespeare Theater; to resolve the Town’s dispute with neighboring Bridgeport regarding theSikorsky Memorial Airport;

In November 2008, after a long and spirited public debate led by Jim Miron, the voters of Stratford voted overwhelmingly to preserve and protect Long Beach West for public access and environmental purposes.

Under Jim Miron’s administration, the Town implemented sound fiscal management practices such as straightforward conservative budgeting with factual revenue and expenditure forecasts; the elimination of the use of the unreserved fund balance (rainy day fund) that has led to an improved bond rating; a conservative fiscal plan to grow the unreserved fund balance; a plan to fully fund all outstanding obligations; a plan to lessen the debt service; a plan that maintains the Town’s aging infrastructure; and implementation of improved fiscal oversight policies.

Jim Miron also became involved in regional and statewide issues ranging from transportation to municipal solid waste and recycling to emergency management and planning to education issues.