Claire Barber

A lifelong Stratford resident with roots spanning five generations, Claire Barber is seeking to fill a two-year vacancy on the Planning Commission with a commitment to responsible development, resident-centered decision-making, and community heritage. Her family has lived on the same street for over a century, in a house built by her great-great-grandfather. Today, Claire lives across the street from the home she grew up in, just steps from where her father, who currently serves as a Stratford Shellfish Commissioner.

 

She attended Honeyspot School, Johnson House Stratford Academy, and Wooster Middle School, reflecting a deep personal connection to the local institutions that shape Stratford’s identity. That connection has guided her civic participation, from testifying publicly on the Surf Avenue lot development to volunteering at St. James School holiday fairs and painting sets for student performances.

 

Currently Assistant Director of Education at One River School of Art + Design in Westport, Claire has spearheaded meaningful partnerships, including a student art collaboration with the Beardsley Zoo. She balances a full-time career in arts education with graduate studies at the University of Bridgeport, where she is completing her master’s in elementary education. Her determination to serve her hometown has only grown stronger as she prepares for a future in public service and education.

 

She points to several accomplishments as evidence of her readiness for town leadership: completing a rigorous year of accelerated graduate coursework while interning full time, initiating an innovative partnership with Beardsley Zoo, and independently organizing high-attendance art shows that brought together live music and visual art. These experiences highlight her skills in organization, collaboration, and community engagement.

 

Claire is also a muralist whose artwork has appeared at Stratford United Methodist Church and Golden Hill United Methodist Church. Her creative roots run deep: she’s designed posters and album art for local bands and once performed in a reggae group featured on WPKN and WTNH’s CT Style.

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With local insight, creative problem-solving, and a generational love for Stratford, Claire is ready to bring fresh perspective and public accountability to the Planning Commission.