Various local media have asked candidates to answer specific questions which will assist voters in making informed decisions in the November 7th municipal elections. The following are my written responses to questions asked by the Naugatuck Patch. (Cover photo from Naugatuck Patch).

Naugatuck resident Bob Mezzo tells Patch why he should be elected to the Board of Education. (Patch Media)

The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Naugatuck and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.Naugatuck Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

DemocratBob Mezzo, 52, is a Naugatuck resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

J.D. University of Connecticut School of Law;

B.A. University of Connecticut, Double Major Political Science and History;

Naugatuck High School, Class of 1989.

What is your occupation?

Commercial Lender, Ion Bank, 7+ years.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Wife Eileen (Sorcinelli) Mezzo, married 26 years; 34 year educator and current principal in Naugatuck Public Schools;

Children:

Ally (NHS Class of 2016, Graduate Emmanuel, teacher Platt High School);

Jay (NHS Class of 2020, senior computer science major, WPI);

Jack (7th grader at City Hill Middle School).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Wife Eileen, Associate Principal, Naugatuck High School.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Mayor, Borough of Naugatuck, 2009 - 2015; Naugatuck

Board of Mayor and Burgess, 1999 - 2003 (Deputy Mayor, 2001 - 2003).

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I believe that my experience, skills and familiarity with our school district give me a unique perspective and opportunity to work together for positive change. I am excited for the opportunity to return to public service in our most critical area of local government.

I have a lifelong connection to Naugatuck Public Schools in several different roles, and want to make our district all it can be.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Providing an exceptional educational experience for all our students and families that achieves the district's Vision of the Graduate. I will work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that all families have access to the necessary tools and community resources that will allow our children to focus on learning.

I also want to be a part of creating a school climate where educators and staff feel empowered and supported to be their best.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am so grateful that amazing people from diverse backgrounds have put forth their name to support education in Naugatuck. I believe that my professional experience, education and lifelong passion for Naugatuck Public Schools provide me the skills necessary to work collaboratively with those elected for positive change in our district.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I have been a part of 11 municipal budget processes and 7 on the board of education side. I have consistently fought to protect education budgets from unreasonable, reactionary and sometimes arbitrary cuts to funding. This has not always been popular, but educating our children is the most important thing we do as a community.

If elected, I will work to prioritize resources that have the greatest impact on fulfilling our district’s mission of making the Vision of the Graduate a reality. I have always believed that the board of education and municipal government can work together to reduce cost and duplication on shared functions.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As mayor, I served six and half years as a member of the Naugatuck Board of Education. My experience on the board gives me a unique knowledge of how both the board of education and the municipal government operate and when they can collaborate to maximize limited resources.

As a lifelong resident, spouse of a principal and youth sports coach of 30 years, I have developed many relationships with educators, students, parents and elected officials. In addition, Eileen and I have had children in the district since 2003: two who have graduated and gone to college, and a 7th grader at City Hill.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be humble, listen to others and always stay grounded in your Faith.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Aside from my Faith and my family, nothing is more important to me than the only hometown I have ever known. I have had to make many difficult and complex decisions during my time in local government, and am sure that some have not been the right ones. That being said, I have always done so with good intentions and communicated openly with everyone even if we disagreed. I welcome the opportunity to return to public life and work with others to make our district an amazing and inspiring place for students, families and educators.