November 27, 2025
.com
Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXIX Iss. 48
‘Blue-collar Guy’ Ready for Leading Role By Nicholas Checker Special to Shore Publishing
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound
Newly elected Branford First Selectman Josh Brooks poses outside of Branford Town Hall on Nov. 14.
In Frank Capra’s beloved film classic, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) — starring the immortal Jimmy Stewart — an honest citizen known for unselfish work is drafted into a government leadership role, where he discovers life at that level to be drastically different and entirely more demanding. And now in the Town of Branford, 54-year-old Josh Brooks, known for his own unselfish work in his hometown, has become the first Democrat elected first selectman here in a good many years. He assumed the role after his election Nov. 4. “In order to want change and see certain agendas pursued and attained, you have to become a part of it yourself,” said Brooks in reference to why he ran for the office. “I’m a blue-collar guy, born in Branford, and spent my formative years in New York, then came back home at the age of 17. I’ve been a stone mason since I was 18 and worked in a quarry until starting my own business (Brooks Stone), as a mason and marine contractor.” A veteran of the Navy Reserves, Josh Brooks knows the essence of commitment and hard work … and what it means to roll up your sleeves and become part of the process for producing results. “I started getting more involved in the political process by running for
the Branford RTM (Representative Town Meeting) in 2007 and winning a seat. In that time, I’ve been with the majority and with the minority and always enjoyed debating and having a productive exchange of ideas,” Brooks said. “The building of the firehouse and rebuilding of the Walsh Intermediate School are among our accomplishments.” In town, he’s been involved in youth outreach and the Parent Teacher Organization in Branford. He and his wife Andrea have two grown children. Brooks served on the RTM for 14 years, establishing a background in public service, then took four years off. But the day was destined to come when he would return. And when Republican Jamie Cosgrove resigned his seat as Branford’s first selectman, Brooks knew that time had come. “I felt I was the best candidate to run on the Democratic ticket for the position … and wound up with the full support of the town committee. I believed my temperament was ideal for the job, and that my sense of transparency and ability to collaborate across the aisle would serve our town well.” Brooks found the most compelling reason to run for the first selectman post was the number of key issues the town was facing. “I wanted to champion tasks like See ‘Blue-collar Guy’ page 6
Madison resident Darren Kramer recently announced his retirement from a very successful broadcast journalism career...........................2
State Champion Hornets After winning the SCC title this fall, the Branford field hockey team then went on to win the Class M state title..............................................20
A Photographer’s Spotlight The New Haven Museum will be presenting a celebration of legendary theater photographer T. Charles Erickson......................24
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