Paula Sweeley

Zoning Board of Appeals Zone 1

About Paula Sweeley

A Stratford homeowner for more than 40 years, Paula Sweeley has deep roots in the community and a long record of civic involvement. A retired career teacher with degrees from the College of William & Mary, the University of Bridgeport, and Southern Connecticut State University, she brings both analytical skill and a lifelong commitment to learning to every role she takes on.

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Currently serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), Paula was elected to fill a mid-term vacancy and has spent the past two years helping to ensure that Stratford’s zoning decisions are fair, consistent, and respectful of residents’ rights. Her experience as a commissioner has strengthened her understanding of how the Zoning Commission and ZBA complement one another: While Zoning keeps our town balanced – guiding where homes, businesses, and public spaces belong –not every situation fits the rules. The ZBA provides flexibility when strict zoning would cause real hardship, to ensure fairness while keeping Stratford’s growth smart and consistent.​

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Beyond public service, Paula is active with the Lordship Improvement Association and the Stratford Democratic Town Committee, serves as Blog Editor for Retired Educators of Fairfield, and has been a Booth Park volunteer. She frequently posts on various social media site and Patch.com, sharing information on Stratford government in an effort to better inform and encourage citizens to be involved in their government. A recent post was about what the ZBA does and does not do!

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Paula is running for re-election to continue learning, serving, and giving back to the community she’s called home for four decades. A lover of theater and international cuisine, she brings curiosity, creativity, and care to everything she does.