Patch Candidate Profile: Anthony Rubino, Bethel Police Commission

BETHEL, CT — The 2023 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.

Retired Entrepreneur Anthony Rubino, 66, is running for election to the Bethel Police Commission as a Republican. He attended Post Jr College, and he and his wife Katie have two daughters. His three grandchildren attend Bethel Middle and High Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Served on the Bethel Police Commission from 2013-2021, holding the position of Chairperson for 2019-2021. Also served on the Bethel Economic Outreach Committee in the early 2000s.

Why are you seeking this office?

I want to continue the work I began when I previously held the position of police commissioner, and Commission chairperson: making the town of Bethel a safer pace to live.

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

Having adequate trained personnel. To attract well-trained and experienced police officers to Bethel, I can work with together with the Police Commission on initiatives to uphold and improve officer morale, ensure that officers are supplied with appropriate protective gear (PPE), and are given access to training.

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

I have more years of experience on the Police Commission than the other candidates.

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

When I was Commission chairperson I helped establish a fund for the replacement of patrol vehicles. I also oversaw the placement of speed bumps on Whittlesey Drive, through the School complex.

I am an active member of the Stony Hill Fire Department, where I have served for 45 years. During my tenure I became a state-certified firefighter and have served as truck engineer, chief engineer, company president, EMT (20 years), captain, assistant chief, and was chief for 5 years.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Learn as much as you can, get an education, and take pride in everything you do.