Bethel Candidate Profile: Paul Szatkowski For Selectman

BETHEL, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Bethel and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Bethel Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Paul Szatkowski is running for re-election to the Board of Selectmen as a Republican. He also serves on the Public Utilities Commission, Permanent Building Committee, is vice-chair of the Ad Hoc Building Committee for Roofs at the High School and Rockwell School, chairman of the Ad Hoc Building Committee for the Roof at the Middle School, and vice-chair of the Ad Hoc Building Committee for the Renovation of Berry Elementary School and High School. He has formerly served on the Charter Revision Commission, Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials, Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority, and was the vice-chair of the Bethel Republican Party. Szatkowski has worked in the biomedical for approximately 40 years,

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Pressing Issues:
1. KEEPING BETHEL AFFORDABLE: Bethel requires more Economic Development in the industrial and commercial areas. The positive impact of this effort increases the Grand List and potential reduction or stabilization of residential taxes.
2. MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS COST OVER-RUNS: The new police station is a perfect example of cost over-runs. It was not fully vetted and even today after an approximate additional approved $800,000 by the taxpayers, the facility is not complete.

I suggested that we incorporate my proposal of having "Shovel Ready" plans complete before proceeding with the construction of any major building project. This recommendation is being considered by the current Charter Revision Committee.

3: THE HOLIDAY CRECHE: The holiday crèche is historical to the residents, business community and children of Bethel. We cannot allow splinter groups to destroy town wide accepted traditions. The Board of Selectman is responsible for anything that is placed on Town Property. I stand firmly on maintaining this position. If something is not appropriate to the occasion, it will not be allowed.

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

The taxpaying voters must decide which candidate represents their philosophy of government administration and use of tax revenue for the operation of the Town.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

1. Ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly
2. Present fiscally responsible budgets to meet the Towns' goals and responsibilities
3. Balance development and Grand List Growth
4. Increase oversight on Municipal Projects such as municipal buildings to stop cost over-runs
5. Seek Economic Development Opportunities to increase the Town's Tax Base
6. Increase Efficiencies to reduce the cost of Bethel Government
7. Govern with civility, respect, and transparency

14 Years as Selectman in the Town of Bethel

Among some of the many accomplishments are:
1. Re-roof of Bethel Middle School: on budget
2. Total renovation of Berry Elementary School: below budge and ahead of schedule
3. High School Renovation Project and Addition
4. Library Expansion
5. A New 750,000 gallon Eureka Water tank
6. Current Improvement to both Water and Sewer Systems
7. Solar Farm to reduce electricity expenses
8. Long Term Debt Reduction resulting in AAA bond rating
9. New and under-development municipal building as Police Station, Rockwell and Johnson Schools
10. Over 35+ miles of road improvements and paving
11. Support of Bethel Schools and its' Academic Progress
12. The list goes on!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

In all my decisions as a Selectman, I have put the residential taxpayer above party politics. I too am a taxpayer. In my 14 years, I have always applied that philosophy to my decisions.

My family have been residents of Bethel for 43+ years. Our children have all graduated from the Bethel School System and are graduates of various universities holding many degrees.

Both myself and my wife are active members of St. Mary's Parish.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

1. Listen carefully to your Bethel Taxpayer Constituents
2. Use common sense and your expertise in management decisions