Patch Candidate Profile: Mark Kaczynski, Incumbent Berlin Mayor

BERLIN, CT — Berlin Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Berlin resident Mark Kaczynski is running for another term as Berlin mayor as a Republican.

The following is Kaczynski's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Mark Kaczynski

How old will you be as of Election Day?

67

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://berlingop.org

What city or town do you live in?

Berlin

What office are you seeking?

Mayor of Berlin

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education

BA University of Connecticut, JD Pepperdine University School of Law

What is your occupation?

United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent/Attorney 30 years/retired. Currently Security Director/CT Pharma

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

Married to Faith, one son Matthew

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

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

I have been the Mayor of Berlin since 2015. Served on Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission for 16 years prior to becoming the mayor

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 was born and raised in Berlin so it is important to me to give back something to my hometown. I also want to continue the progress from the last 8 years.

I want to continue the policies from the last 8 years that have resulted in tremendous economic growth, financial stability, and continued investments in our town that have provided the highest quality town and education services that are residents expect.

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

I think there are many important issues that we face, two important ones are public safety and responsible budgeting that keep our tax rate low. As to public safety, we continue to modernize our police and fire department fleet, hire additional police officers, and are planning to renovate our police department. By adopting responsible budgets, we have properly funded our town government and school system while keeping our tax mill rate the lowest of 25 greater Hartford area communities

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

My experience, proven leadership and the results that I have brought to Berlin during the last 8 years. As an example, $115,000,000 in private investment in Berlin resulted in 1,394 local jobs created.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

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

Ongoing infrastructure projects and improvements to our town and school facilities, and continued discussions on a new senior/community center.

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

As I mentioned already, improvements in public safety, such as the purchase of four new fire trucks, improved funding to our schools, the $115,000,000 of economic development and paying down our town debt from $108 million to $72 million currently which raised our credit rating to AAA, so when we do borrow funds for town projects it costs the taxpayers less.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I think the Golden Rule is the best advise: Due onto others what you would have them do to you.

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

It has truly been an honor to serve the people of Berlin.

I am committed to the continued growth and vitality or our town and a town government that is responsive to all the citizens of Berlin.