Mayor Bob Chatfield of Prospect, Connecticut

Joining me today is Mayor Bob Chatfield of Prospect, CT. Mayor Bob entered office in 1977, and has 48 years of service in the role. He is the 7th longest serving active mayor in the US. During his terms in office, he brought in municipal water, a new library and community center to town. Mayor Bob shares all about Prospect, what it's like to serve his community for so long, and shares his penny pincher award!In this episode of Mayors of Main Street, Mayor Kristine Lott interviews Mayor Bob Chatfield of Prospect, Connecticut, a public servant who has dedicated an astounding 48 years to leading his small town. Mayor Bob shares the transformative journey of Prospect, detailing how he's systematically improved municipal infrastructure, from expanding water systems and drainage pipes to building new community facilities like a library, firehouse, and high school. Beyond his administrative achievements, Bob reveals the heart of local governance—staying connected to residents by visiting schools, hosting community events like a massive annual car show, and maintaining a small-town atmosphere where people know and help each other. His commitment to public service is deeply personal, stemming from early experiences working in local businesses and serving in the military, and he continues to serve with an unbridled enthusiasm that has made him not just a mayor, but a beloved local institution who is considering running for one more term to lead Prospect through its bicentennial celebration in 2027.