The Citizen’s News asked candidates running for office four questions. The following are their responses.
Carole Codianni
Age: 59
Party: Democrat
(Running as a Petitioning Candidate)
Occupation: RN, FNP, Clinical Nursing Instructor
Past political posts: None
Why are you running for Town Council?
“I would like the opportunity to apply my unique skill set to the enrichment of the town.”
What, if anything, do you feel needs to be improved about town government and how will you fix it?
“Communication with the people of Prospect is in need of enhancement. Minimally ease of access is limited at present.”
How will you balance the needs of town government with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?
“A fundamental issue for individuals, families and governments is the need to address ‘need’ well before ‘want.’ Certainly health, safety and security are of paramount importance. Goals must be clearly set and plans set in place. Again, therein is the need of enhanced communication with taxpayers.”
What will be your goals and priorities if elected?
“Underserved and at-risk populations must be identified and their needs addressed first and foremost. Our elders, veterans, those with disabilities and farmers are among these populations.”
Jeffrey Alex LaMontagne
Age: 35
Party: Democrat
(Running as petitioning candidate)
Occupation: No Child Left Behind Tutor for CT Teaching Association, and a Substitute Teacher for Bristol CT. Public Schools
Past political posts: Prospect EMAC, Prospect Conservation Commission, and Economic Development.
Why are you running for Town Council?
“I am running as an Independent for Town Council. I hope to end political patronage which has plagued the council in the past and to bring to the forefront the important issues that face our town.”
What if anything, do you feel needs to be improved about town government and how will you fix it”
“I would like to see Prospect residents become more informed on issues that Prospect faces. I would like to create a Town Council Facebook page and give Twitter updates on occurring issues.”
How will you balance the needs of town government with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?
“I would only make an informed decision after all the facts have been presented and discussed. My decision would be nonpartisan and based solely on the welfare of the taxpayers of the town of Prospect.”
What will be your goals and priorities if elected?
“I would like to strengthen the laws that the town of Prospect has when it comes to blight by establishing a nonpartisan blight commission to help identify and bring to the council’s attention any properties that affect the health, safety or welfare of our residents. Also I would like to create incentives that would allow new business to come to town to fill the vast amount of empty commercial property that is for sale or rent. This would help to increase our tax base, which in turn would alleviate some of the tax burden on our taxpayers.”
Dominick J. Mirabelle Jr.
Age: 68
Party: Democrat
(Running as a Petitioning Candidate)
Occupation: Retired
Past political posts: Town Council, 2000-2006
Why are you running for Town Council?
“I am seeking a council seat to open up government in Prospect. For far too long town government has been monopolized by a chosen few at everyone else’s expense.”
What, if anything, do you feel needs to be improved about town government and how will you fix it?
“Town government needs transparency and accountability. ‘Team Chatfield,’ as the Mayor’s campaign called itself two years ago, has become entrenched and arrogant. It’s not healthy for any individual or faction to hold power for so long, since 1977 in Chatfield’s case. The Mayor has the council in his pocket, Republicans and so-called Democrats who are content with the scraps Mayor Bob tosses to them. They offer no resistance or fresh ideas for Prospect. I will be a voice for everyone, not part of a clique.”
How will you balance the needs of town government with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?
“To balance the needs of taxpayers and town government we must first break the ‘Team Chatfield’ lock on town finances. To repeat, when one faction controls town budgets, there are always layers of fat and inefficiencies. As a council member I will insist that all town contracts be reviewed and that the proper fees are collected such as building permit fees to ensure taxpayers are getting the best deal, not just ‘Team Chatfield’ and friends.”
What will be your goals and priorities if elected?
“My goals and priorities if elected will be to throw open town government to all people. Every spending and revenue item will be reviewed. Any and all public documents will be available to Prospect taxpayers and all questions will be answered in a respectful way. In the past Mayor Bob would condescend or ridicule anyone who had the courage to question his decisions on spending or other town matters. If I’m elected to the council I will be a strong advocate for any Prospect voter/taxpayer who might have a question about town government. No one from ‘Team Chatfield’ will ever again disrespect any town citizen who simply wants to know how and where their money is being used.”
Michael Scaviola
Age: 61
Party: Democrat
(Running as a Petitioning Candidate)
Occupation: Retired
Past Political Posts: Current Town Council member, Past Chairman of the Democratic Town Committee, Justice of the Peace
Why are you running for Town Council?
“I believe the people of Prospect deserve to have their opinions heard and taken seriously. I will be that voice for the people.”
What, if anything, do you feel needs to be improved about town government and how will you fix it?
“The people of Prospect are not being represented fairly when it comes to decisions made by the Town Council. I will not vote along any party line, but will vote based on what the people want. I will also push for a Charter revision. Our current Charter is outdated and does not give the Town Council the authority it needs to be the governing body of the town.”
How will you balance the needs of town government with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?
“I believe we can maintain the current level of services without any tax increase. When there is a necessary increase in costs, or services, the funds should come from existing programs. Simply put … if you want something new, get rid of something old. Raising taxes is not the answer.”
What will be your goals and priorities if elected?
“To represent the citizens of Prospect, and I can do that if they elect me to the Town Council. I can introduce new ideas, but ultimately I will vote on your behalf, for your best interest. I will not blindly follow the Mayor’s recommendations without first considering other opinions of the citizens of Prospect. You are not electing my ideas, but electing me to represent you.”
