Candidate profiles: Beacon Falls Selectman

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SelectmanThe Citizen’s News asked candidates running for office four questions. The following are their responses.

Peter John Betkoski

Age: 52

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Owner of Betkoski Brothers General Contracting

Past political posts: None

Peter John Betkoski
Peter John Betkoski

Why are you running for selectman? 

“I am running for selectman because I was raised with parents who always volunteered and taught myself, my brother and my sisters to give back to our community. As a local businessman, I know how hard it is to keep things going in the right direction, I have had my ups and downs and I am blessed to be where I am today.”

The town is facing two large infrastructure projects: upgrades to the waste water treatment plant and road repairs. How will you address them? 

“I would address the issues by working with the people in leadership to find grants to offset the expenses of the waste water plant’s needs without having a large impact on taxpayers. There are already approved plans for road repairs and we now need to implement them while being fiscally responsible.”

How will you balance the needs of town government with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?

“I would find balance by finding resources that would help ease the burden of the taxpayers and to work on building stronger economic base of community.”

What will be your goals and priorities if elected? 

“My goals and priorities, if elected, are to be an open, honest and caring leader to keep Beacon Falls moving in a positive direction for all citizens.”

Dominick S. Sorrentino
Dominick S. Sorrentino

Dominick S. Sorrentino

Age: 68

Party: Democratic

(Running on Republican ticket)

Occupation: Retired/working par time for Hallmark Marketing LLC

Past political posts: Selectman (2006-2011)

Why are you running for selectman?

“Gerard Smith asked me. He feels there is still much to do for the town and residents of Beacon Falls, and it will be rewarding for me to add my experience with his to accomplish his goals.”

The town is facing two large infrastructure projects: upgrades to the waster water treatment plant and road repairs. How will you address them?

“First of all it’s not how I will address them, it will be how we should address them. The waster water treatment plant upgrades have been addressed by the present administration. I would like to review the present information to share my comments if asked on this plan. Beacon Falls has 30 plus miles of roads, more than half need to be resurfaced, or rebuilt. Our road maintenance program should be reviewed and if the road maintenance is not covered properly, the town will need to adjust their program to get these repairs done. If funding is an issue the town should search out any and all available funding from outside sources. Our town is limited to how much our residents can be responsible for, financially. My answer for future needs lean toward economic development. This will help deal with this issue.”

How will you balance the needs of town government with the needs of taxpayers come budget time?

“Economic development is definitely needed. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) budget was increased last year, but this is not enough. We need an EDC person to be available on a daily basis to search out businesses for our town.” 

What will be your goals and priorities if elected?     

“My goals and priorities have not changed from the time, many years ago when I was first appointed to serve in Beacon Falls, ‘This is our town, share your concerns with me and together we will address them so we can move forward for the next generation.’”