Throwing My Hat Into The Ring

The 2011 election cycle promises to be one of the most interesting campaigns the city of Waterbury has seen in a long time. With 3 Democratic candidates already having declared their intentions to run for Mayor, there is sure to be an intense fight for the Democratic nomination.

When you add the Republican and Independent parties to the mix, there is a strong chance that the November election will be a four person contest, with the Democratic endorsed candidate on Row A, a Republican on Row B, an Independent candidate on Row C, and possibly a Petitioning Candidate on Row D. When a Mayoral field gets this crowded, anything can happen.

Some people look at this situation and assume that the Republican and Independent candidates will have little to no chance of accomplishing anything meaningful. I look at the political landscape, and I see a tremendous opportunity. I see an opportunity for the Republican Party in Waterbury to pick itself up off the mat and take a bold step into the future. I see an opportunity for the Republican Party to usher in a new era of leadership with new voices bringing Waterbury to the 21st century.

For us to capitalize on this opportunity, however, someone needs to be willing to step forward and brave the rough and tumble world of Waterbury politics. For this reason I have decided to form an exploratory committee to seek the Republican nomination for Mayor in the 2011 election.

I feel that I have the experience to be a formidable candidate in the upcoming campaign. While other candidates are talking about helping downtown, I’ve actually been working at it, having been a member of the Main Street Waterbury Design Committee for over five years. For over four years I served as a member of the Environmental Control Commission, discussing various ideas for improving the environmental health of the City. My years as a teacher at Wilby High School and Waterbury Adult Education have also shown how important our students’ education is to the future of Waterbury. Finally, as a member of the Charter Revision Commission in 2010, I’ve shown that I am willing to stand for what is in the best interests of the citizens of Waterbury and the city as a whole.

I have also been involved in many apolitical aspects of the community, having been a dues-paying member of the East Mountain Neighborhood Association since 2002, a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Church Choir since 2005, and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Sheridan Council #24 since 2010.

When you consider my years of political experience and community service, I feel that I can make an impact in the future of Waterbury politics. I hope that you will feel the same way, and join me on the campaign trail this year. Together we can continue working for the betterment of our city.