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STAMFORD, Conn. The Stamford Daily Voice met with Michael Pollard, a Democrat running for state representative in Stamfords 144th District, to learn more about who he is and why he is running against Republican incumbent Michael Molgano.
Pollard, 57, is the widowed father of two sons, Mickael and Mallury. He is a consultant for System Integrations. He has lived in Stamford for 21 years and served on the Board of Finance from 2003 to 2009 and is active with Always Reaching for Independence, The United Way, The Urban League, The 100 Black Men and Omega Psi Phi. Pollard's hobbies include golf, governmental affairs and current affairs.
1) What are the biggest issues facing the 144th District?
The top issues for many people are jobs and the economy, Pollard said. To attract more businesses, he would identify Connecticuts strengths and leverage them.
We are in a competitive market, not only with New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, but a competitive market globally, and to that end we need to look how we can position Connecticut as a global competitor, not just a local competitor, Pollard said.
Small businesses competing on the local level are important in the state, he said, and the government can help get them capital and information resources that are desperately needed.
Improving the structure of education and streamlining government were other areas that Pollard said people have brought up to him. Transforming those areas will take a long time, he said, and he expects people to be patient as they are improved.
2) What would you do differently than Rep. Michael Molgano?
Pollard said his experiences as a consultant and in the community show that he finds solutions to problems. He brought up some of his community experience, including the mentoring program he started for at-risk children at Hart School and the Sunday blood drives he began at Union Baptist Church.
Pollard also said he helped to improve the budget hearing process while chairman of Stamfords Board of Finance by structuring the departmental presentations and giving scenarios for potential cuts, so the board could see the value of each dollar. He also started a survey for public feedback for people who couldnt make it to the hearings but wanted to voice an opinion.
Its just my DNA, just the way I am made up, Pollard said, This is the same Michael Pollard that has been around for 22 years. There is no reason I am going to change when I get to the state.
3) Is Connecticut going in the right or wrong direction?
There are many dimensions to the state, which one do you want to talk about? Pollard said, explaining that each area would get a different answer.
When it comes to jobs, Connecticut needs to move in a new direction and is beginning to do so, he said. Pollard had similar feelings when it came to education, saying the improvements need to be more.
Pollard then used his consulting experience to compare the state with a Fortune 500 company, saying that each often has a list of initiatives it wants to put in place but cant because of a lack of resources. He said he is willing to talk about all of them, but the state needs to single out the most important and achieve it.
At the end of the day we dont have the resources to do them all, Pollard said, adding that the state cant waste its resources, either.
4) What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
If elected Pollard had three ways he plans to receive information from others to help him make decisions.
The first was the use of surveys, similar to what he used when he was on the Board of Finance, he said.
Pollard also said he has had great one-on-one conversations with people while campaigning and would continue those and might even form an advisory board. People tend to think they have it all and dont realize others may have a deeper or more unique understanding on issues, he said.
Pollard also said he would reach out to his friends in the consultant business who may know more about certain areas than he does and would provide a better opinion of what a decision may mean for the district.
5) Why should people vote for you?
Youve heard all of the reasons already, the candidate said, explaining that he doesnt know many people with the experience working in state and local government, working in the consulting field, and being as heavily rooted in the community as he is.
Pollard also said his family has taught him to value his community. His brother was an activist, and Pollard said he remembers the passion and excitement he had in making a difference.
What you see is what you get, and its what I am on record for, Pollard said.
Continue to check the Stamford Daily Voice in the days leading up to the election for more candidate interviews.
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