Candidate profiles: Naugatuck burgess (Republicans) 

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The Citizen’s News asked candidates running for Naugatuck burgess in the Nov. 5 municipal election four questions. The responses from candidates endorsed by the Republican Town Committee are below:

Michael Bronko

Michael Bronko

Age: 57

Party: Republican

Education: Associate’s degree in Engineering

Political Experience: Mayor (one term), Burgess (three terms)

Occupation: Building contractor

Why are you running for burgess?  

“My experience serving as mayor and burgess provides historical background needed to move the borough forward in the right direction.”

What do you feel is the most important issue facing Naugatuck and how would you address it?

“We have to continue making a business-friendly environment in Naugatuck to encourage new, as well as current, businesses to call Naugatuck their home.”

How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a tax rate? 

“Always look for ways to cut spending.”

What is your message to the voters?   

“I will continue to support economic development to increase our grand list, which will lower taxes for our residents. I will also be vigilant to find ways to cut spending and be fiscally responsible.”

Jack Joseph DeOliveira

Jack Joseph DeOliveira

Age: 26

Party: Republican

Education: Master’s degree in diplomacy, Norwich University; Bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business, University of Alabama

Political Experience: Burgess (one term), Standing Building Committee Member, BAR (Brownfield) Committee, Bulk Trash Committee

Occupation: Legislative assistant at the Connecticut State Capitol

 

Why are you running for burgess?

“I am running because we need a new course of action and someone who is willing to be an independent thinker and asks the tough questions. Over the last two years I have openly voiced my concerns with the burdens our residents face. I firmly believe we need to do a better job at controlling spending while stabilizing taxes. In addition, I will continue to focus on economic development and ensure our education system has the resources it needs to succeed.”

What do you feel is the most important issue facing Naugatuck and how would you address it?

“Taxes. Taxes are undoubtedly the number one concern I hear from residents. Over the last two years, I was the only Burgess to vote against the $6 million in spending increases at the expense of taxpayers. These recent tax increases not only affected our most vulnerable, but those who are on fixed incomes. To address this problem, we need to reprioritize our values in the borough. We need to invest in what is necessary, not on want is simply wanted. We should also consolidate in services and purchasing power within our departments in the borough and regionally. There is still a lot more work to be done with this and savings to be had. We need to streamline local government to make Naugatuck a business-friendly environment for more businesses to want to stay and move here. The mill rate is a major deterrent.”

How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a tax rate? 

“I will continue to approach the budget and mill rate problems the same way I have in the first two years, by prioritizing wants and needs for the borough. Naugatuck is in the top ten for least-friendly tax rates in Connecticut, and because of this we need to make cuts in places where items are not required at the moment. While the budget process has taken on a more systematic approach, there is still room to increase transparency within individual budgets to better analyze how our money is being spent. Now is not the time to increase spending for minor projects, new borough vehicles or departmental raises. The residents have demanded tax relief and it is our job to provide that. I look at every line item and welcome the department heads to continue to work with the borough. A real shared sacrifice, but you cannot ask for sacrifice if you’re not willing to do it yourself. Borough leaders must lead by example.”

What is your message to the voters?

“Over the last two years I have been willing to be the people’s voice for smart growth. I am not afraid to step up and speak for those who feel unheard. I have not just been another ‘yes man’ and have brought a new outside-the-box approach to our government. I have encouraged healthy debate and have always stood up for what is best for the whole community. My message to voters is that you will continue to have my undivided dedication and commitment to moving this borough forward if I am honored to be re-elected. I will also again propose methods to bring the meetings live to the residents at low or no cost, so they can truly be engaged and not have to read the headlines to learn what took place yesterday.”

Jan Joseph Mizeski

Jan Joseph Mizeski

Age: 57

Party: Republican

Education: Electronics technician, DeVry Technical Institute

Political Experience: Board of Finance; Republican Town Committee

Occupation: Semi-retired; former telecommunications, IT (data analyst, product developer, project manager); retail management

Why are you running for burgess?

“I familiarized myself with financial and operational happenings in Naugatuck starting in 2014.  In 2014, I took part in the first of three budget referendums ending with the referendum in 2016.  Because of untimely news coverage, I began and continue to share borough government and other information on social media. Currently, I administer several groups on the Facebook platform pertaining to borough finances, current and historical information. The election process interested me, so I was state certified as an election polling moderator. I am a member of the Republican Town Committee and was appointed as an alternate to the Board of Finance. I am now a full member of the finance board and have just started my three-year term. Naugatuck has always been my home and I would like to take my experience and knowledge to the board of burgesses and become more involved in the decision-making process. I love the people of this town and would like to contribute to the continued and future success of Naugatuck.”

What do you feel is the most important issue facing Naugatuck and how would you address it?

“The most important issue is economic development in order to grow the grand list. This is an important time in Naugatuck as we have a downtown development plan in place, which is very much dependent on the state moving the train station and adding more train service. We also have a plan to revitalize the former Uniroyal properties along the river to become an inland port for commerce via train service. The former Peter Paul property is also close to being chosen for development. Everything possible needs to be done to further these projects along. As well as filling some of the vacant plazas and retail space in town with businesses.”

How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a tax rate?

“As a finance board member, I was part of our budget process with the 2019-20 budget. We have a good process in Naugatuck where each town department is looked at three different times prior to the budget being finalized. At any review, items may be added or deleted prior to the final vote. Our reserve fund balance is considered prior to setting the final mill rate. There is a plan being followed to increase our reserve funds every year to a set level so that the best interest rates are obtained when we go out to bond projects. The mill rate is established once the desired spending and savings levels are determined. In recent years there have been slight reductions in this rate. I would strive to make this downward trend continue.”

What is your message to the voters?

“My priorities are to continue and expedite economic development in the borough to increase the grand list. I will always strive to lower spending while not compromising public safety or education. These things will lead to a lower mill rate, which all of us in Naugatuck desire.”

Robert Neth Sr.

Robert Neth Sr.

Age: 61

Party: Republican

Education: Thomaston High School; studied at Waterbury State Technical School

Political Experience: Board of Finance (four terms, chairman for three terms); Burgess (11 terms, current second deputy mayor)

Occupation: Local business owner

Why are you running for burgess?

“I’m running for office to make Naugatuck a better place to live and take a common sense approach to government. I’m fair, honest, consistent and an independent thinker on all issues. One major goal in the next two years is to build the grand list.”

What do you feel is the most important issue facing Naugatuck and how would you address it?

“The most important issues facing Naugatuck is getting the Port of Naugatuck approved — this would be a grand slam for the borough — development of Parcel B, Parcel A/GDC building, the sale of town buildings on Rubber Avenue, add to grand list, the development of the old Risdon Property, continue to work with the NEDC in getting the Peter Paul property developed. As a member of the NEDC, I have frontline exposure to these projects. These projects are an avenue that will reduce the mill rate and taxes that impact the residents.”

How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a tax rate? 

“As former chairman of the Board of Finance, the finance board is the body that crafts the budget, we as burgesses have input and suggestions when we meet as a Joint Boards of Mayor and Burgesses and Finance. I typically review the budget and come back with suggestions and my opinion on where we can address items to cut.”

What is your message to the voters?

“My message to voters is: 29 different subcommittees that have made a difference in the borough. Always working hard for the residents in the borough.”

Matthew Aaron Tansley

Matthew Aaron Tansley

Age: 40

Party: Republican

Education: Studied liberal arts at Naugatuck Valley Community Technical College; Certificate in Communications and Media Operations from Connecticut School of Broadcasting

Political Experience: Arts Commission (seven years, current treasurer of the commission)

Occupation: Commercial landscape account executive

Why are you running for burgess?

“I believe every citizen has a duty to contribute and make a positive impact in the borough.”

What do you feel is the most important issue facing Naugatuck and how would you address it?

“The continued economic development within the borough in order to increase the grand list, lower taxes for residents, and make Naugatuck a realistic place for younger families to put down roots.”

How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a tax rate?

“By using my experience in the business world to implement lean management principles and driving out waste and streamlining processes in order to reduce our overall expenses, and operate the borough as efficiently as possible in order to better serve residents.”

What is your message to the voters?

“Get involved. There are many opportunities to volunteer within the borough in order to help make Naugatuck a great place to live.”

Donald Wisniewski

Donald Wisniewski

Age: 53

Party: Republican

Education: Seymour High School

Political Experience: Burgess (two terms); Board of Finance (two terms)

Occupation: Project manager

Why are you running for burgess?

“I have been a proud resident of Naugatuck for over 25 years and have seen how great this place can be to raise a family. I am running because I want to continue to help Naugatuck grow forward in a positive direction. I want to work with others to build the grand list and lessen the tax burden on our residents and to continue to help Naugatuck move forward and be a great place to live.”

What do you feel is the most important issue facing Naugatuck and how would you address it?

“Taxes are the most important issue facing Naugatuck taxpayers. I am proud to have supported the Port of Naugatuck project and the downtown transit-orientated development. We need projects like these to increase our grand list and will continue to work with the mayor and burgesses with a conservative mindset to lower our taxes.”

How will you approach crafting a budget and setting a tax rate?

“With a common sense, conservative approach. Cutting where there may be items not immediately needed. While taking in consideration the long term and future needs of the borough’s residents and businesses. From my experiences on the finance board and Board of Mayor and Burgess, I have learned that investing in the borough’s future is key to our success.”

What is your message to the voters?

“I will again continue to be focused on what counts, the citizens of our great borough of Naugatuck, and work hard, dedicated to protecting our tax dollars.”

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