This page will describe the differences and similarities between the GRTC platform and GDTC platform.
Approach to Governance
Republicans: The Republican platform in Glastonbury emphasizes “sound governance and fiscal responsibility.” They highlight their role in making Glastonbury a well-managed town with a high quality of life. Their focus on “conservative fiscal management” indicates that they prioritize limited government intervention and financial prudence.
Democrats: Democrats also speak to responsible governance but phrase it in terms of “justice, integrity, freedom, and compassion.” They aim for a government that is “honest” and “transparent,” suggesting that ethical considerations and openness are at the forefront of their governance style.
Similarities: Both parties are committed to responsible governance and prioritize the well-being of Glastonbury residents. While they may approach it differently, there’s a common goal to make the town a desirable place to live.
Core Values
Republicans: Their values include individual liberty, self-determination, and traditional American values such as honesty, fairness, and hard work. They place a strong emphasis on the family unit and are against government imposition on individual and family choices, including education.
Democrats: The Democrats focus on values of justice, integrity, freedom, and compassion. Unlike Republicans, they do not specifically mention the family unit but extend their values to “individuals, families, and businesses.”
Similarities: Both platforms emphasize the importance of freedom and individual rights. The Republicans specifically talk about “liberty and self-determination,” while Democrats mention “freedom” as one of their core values. Each party also speaks to the importance of integrity and honesty.
Education and Local Policies
Republicans: The Republicans aim to assert local control over schools, zoning, and housing policy. They are against any form of “ideological indoctrination” in schools and advocate for parental rights and viewpoints in school policies.
Democrats: Democrats address education in terms of achievements. They point to the success of Glastonbury schools to use as the examples of what to expect in the future.
Similarities: Both parties want local control in governance, even if the focus differs. Republicans emphasize local control of schools, zoning, and housing, while Democrats talk about the need for housing and responsible management at the local level.
Public Safety
Republicans: Republicans specifically mention supporting law enforcement in their platform, specifically the need to protect police and other first responders from liability. In 2021, the Glastonbury Republicans were strongly opposed to mask mandates.
Democrats: Democrats do not explicitly mention law enforcement but do commit to promoting “the safety, health, and well-being of all residents.” During the Covid pandemic Democrats pushed for mask mandates to protect the public.
Similarities: Both parties express a commitment to public safety, albeit in different words and scopes. While local Democrats also support the police, the local Republicans were the only people to specifically mention it on their platform.
Environmental Policy and Conservation
Republicans: Republicans cover Glastonbury’s leadership in conservation and “green initiatives”. At this time there are no other examples of how to expand this initiative.
Democrats: Environmental policy is a more explicit priority for the Democrats. They discuss energy efficiency, sustainability, responsible waste management, and combating the effects of climate change. They also mention the preservation of open spaces and wetlands.
Similarities: Both parties demonstrate a commitment to conservation and specifically mention it on their. platform.
Fiscal Management
Republicans: Fiscal responsibility is a key pillar of the Republican platform, which is emphasized by their pride in the town’s AAA bond rating. They aim to limit government to what only the government can provide and cut costs when possible. An example of this would be a vote to reduce $200,000 from the 2023 BoE budget. There is no mention of supporting small businesses on the Republican platform.
Democrats: The Democrats focus the responsible management of tax dollars and stress the importance of thoughtfulness in financial decisions. Democrats mention supporting businesses on their platform and have passed legislation supporting small businesses.
Similarities: Both parties place an emphasis on responsible fiscal management.
Community and Inclusion
Republicans: They aim to maintain the character of Glastonbury. Kevin Nursick pledged to prioritize the restoration of Glastonbury’s rural charm.
Democrats: They stress the importance of community, mentioning that residents are “neighbors, our friends, and our families.” They also focus on much-needed affordable housing and inclusionary zoning regulations, suggesting a more explicit emphasis on social inclusivity.
Similarities: Both parties place an emphasis on ensuring that the feel of Glastonbury stays that of Glastonbury.