ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Stephen
WHERE I COME FROM
Stephen Ivain is a 3rd generation resident of Torrington. He is married with three grown children all of whom graduated from Torrington Public Schools. His wife, Philippa, is a teacher at Forbes Elementary School.
A THRIVING CAREER
Stephen, 55, is a senior business manager and financial analyst with 25 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies, supporting wealth management and benefits businesses. He manages teams of employees and vendors on projects related to investments, products, and system management. As such, he has lots of experience setting goals, managing budgets, meeting deadlines, and achieving results.
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Education: Steve graduated from Torrington High School in 1983 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Science from Connecticut College in 1987.
Volunteering: Stephen is also an active volunteer and is chairman of Chorus Angelicus, a choral school for children that is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. His children have all participated in their programs.
Steve’s description of how he and the Board successfully managed Chorus Angelicus through the pandemic illustrates how he will manage the City of Torrington if he is elected mayor.
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“The past two years required us to face many unknowns that would have overwhelmed a lesser group. Our donors were very generous, exceeding expectations and enabling the group to accomplish many critical initiatives. We immediately took on the challenge of holding rehearsals remotely and replacing live concerts with virtual concerts. We also updated the website and branding; adopted a new administrative and donor system; implemented a new financial aid program for students; and updated equipment to create virtual performances. Our talented staff performed all the heavy lifting, offered great ideas and worked many hours to keep things going. As a result of keeping cool heads, thinking creatively, collaborating well, and prioritizing our resources, the choir is now thriving.
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As the Board chair, I was responsible for leading the organization forward, which required new thinking, investments, and listening to input from volunteers and employees. This kind of leadership is what Torrington needs, and it starts with a mayor who understands how to produce results and who accepts responsibility.”
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The other local organizations Stephen is currently volunteering and serving with are:
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· THS BOE Governance Committee
· Torrington Historical Society, Corporator
· Torrington Heritage Land Preservation Trust, Board Member
MISSION STATEMENT
Bringing Opportunity to Life
This election presents Torrington with a clear choice. It is a choice between continuing down the path of slow decline or electing a leader with fresh ideas and perspectives who will get us growing again. I believe that my experience and personality make me the right person for the job. Above all, I believe my most important job will be to listen to the voters and be responsive to our residents and local businesses.
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I am the third generation of my family to call Torrington home, and I am deeply committed to our community. I have served in the financial services industry for over 25 years, helping to improve the stability and security of working families. My goal is to apply my business experience with energy, ambition and insights to move the city into a new era.
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Economic forces are demanding that we revamp our current economic development capability. I intend to achieve this by making city hall responsive and efficient, and working at all levels to get resources for our city, solve problems, and get things done.
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Sustainable economic development is critical to the success of our community. A successful business environment provides jobs and much needed revenue for the city, reducing the tax burden on homeowners. Our local workers support other city businesses like shops, services and restaurants, so economic development produces more businesses, more workers, and grows the local economy. The number one uncertainty in our future is the local economy.
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Sadly, the current administration has failed us. The numbers speak for themselves. Under the current mayor, the mill rate has increased from a little over 36 when she took office to more than 46 today. As a result, Torrington has one of the highest mill rates in the state. And new business and business growth have been anemic. Under the current administration, the grand list has grown by less than the rate of inflation.
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I have spoken with successful economic development managers in other cities in the state and am convinced that Torrington can do better, a lot better. I am confident that we can lower our mill rate and our taxes.
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If elected, I will also make it a priority to protect our cherished public spaces: our parks, rivers, trails and green spaces. I will also nourish our creative, innovative, and diverse culture – supporting the arts, events and diversity that make great contributions to the rich experience that is our community.