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Dear Windsor Locks Residents,

Over a decade ago I was sitting on my couch, not happy with the way our government was working. We were not being heard at the local, state, and national level. I had a choice to make; I could either continue to complain or get involved. Never was it a childhood dream to become a politician. Heck I was the kid that was afraid to speak in public and would shy away from the spotlight as often as I could, boy growing up changes a man. We all know what road I went down.

It was many years ago that I knocked on the first few doors and asked for support, as I was running for a seat on the board of finance. Those first few days on the road, I was a wreck. The last time I had knocked on the door of a perfect stranger was when I was a kid asking for Halloween candy. This was no trick or treat, but a serious ask for someone to support me, a kid that didn’t grow up in town, but wanted to make a difference and to help everyone’s voice to be heard. No matter what political party they belonged to, they would always have a seat at the table and their ideas would always be heard.

I won my first election, and I knew that night when the results were in that I had my chance to be effective. My time on the board of finance was a great learning experience and I met many people, who to this day I still have a great relationship with. We did it differently, it was not an automatic “no” nor was it a rubber stamp “yes.” We needed to be comfortable with the ask and if we had to go to our taxpayer and ask them for additional money, then we felt comfortable telling them the reason. While chairing the BoF an opportunity presented itself to run for a seat on the water pollution control authority. I immediately jumped at the chance as I am dedicated to helping this town succeed with every ounce of my being. We have done some remarkable things and have begun to rebuild that plant.

Fast forward to my time on the board of selectman. The last four plus years serving in the top seats in town have been an extreme honor and privilege. Together we have accomplished many things and have set many more in motion to continue advancements that benefit our town.

I am reflective on my time as first selectman and immensely appreciative of the chance you gave me. I can confirm that April 19th, 2024, will be my last day as the first selectman in Windsor Locks. A job I never thought I would run for, hold, or love.

The first selectman job is a 24/7 position 365 days of the year. Everyone knows that my wife and I are raising a young family and are active in the community with our children. What I did not realize when I started off on this political endeavor, was that it would pull me away from them as often as it does. I wanted to hear from everyone and would always listen regardless of what family activity we were at. They say this time will go by in a blink and when it has gone you can never go back. I do not want to be the dad that regrets not seeing every tee-ball hit made, soccer goal scored, and cotton candy smile at the carnival.

As mentioned, my last day will be April 19th and I am off to the Town of Winchester to become their new town manager. I am not leaving Windsor Locks; I am just taking on a new role here; the father and husband that my wife and kids deserve and want.

To the entire team that works for The Town of Windsor Locks, I cannot thank you enough, you have all given your best and have made coming to work every day enjoyable and fun. I could not have done this without you!

To the residents of this incredible town, thank you for the faith and trust you have supported me with, I will always hold the town’s best interest in my heart. This is not a goodbye but see you all on the sidelines while we cheer on our children or this town as both the futures look great.

Paul Harrington
Dad / Husband

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