Patch Candidate Profile: Scott Anthony Clayton, Bethel Board Of Ed

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.

School Principal Scott Anthony Clayton, 49, is running for re-election to the Bethel Board of Education as a Republican.

Education.

BA-History, WCSU. MA-Secondary Education, University of Bridgeport. 6th Year-Educational Leadership, Sacred Heart University. Superintendent License/Certification-CCSU

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

Married-Wife Caryn (23 years), four children ages 20, 18, 15 and 11. Patrick, Junior at the University of New Hampshire; Ellie, Freshman at Rogers Williams University; Connor, Sophomore at BHS; Meghan, 6th grade at BMS.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

David Cappiello-Cousin. Former State Senator.

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

Yes. I was appointed to the Bethel BOE in 2010 replacing someone who moved. I was elected in 2011, reelected in 2015 and reelected in 2019. I am running for my fourth term. I am currently the chair of the Policy Committee.

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 I have the professional experience to help make important decisions that will help improve the quality of public education. I believe that the key to free society is a strong public education system. The key to sustaining our Republic is to ensure that our children are being educated in the manner that is consistent with the values in our founding documents. As a board member I’ve supported responsible budgets, the high school HVAC upgrade, safe and secure leaning environments, increased partnerships for college and career readiness, and an educational environment where collaboration and creativity are paramount. Most importantly, I’ve spoken out against the continued unfunded mandates constantly passed on to local taxpayers from Hartford.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituent is the continuous passage of unfunded legislative mandates passed by the legislature and the state's failure to properly address education cost sharing. I plan to be in frequent communication with the state legislature regarding the negative impacts that this constant flow of legislation can bring to a small town like Bethel.

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

First and foremost, I am a parent who has a vested interested in the quality of education that my children receive. Two, as a tax payer I want to be certain that my tax dollars are being well spent and I know that the quality of our school system has a direct impact on local property values and business investments. Finally, of all the candidates I feel that I have the most direct and specific professional experience as a school administrator and as a member of the Board of Education to help lead the school district.

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

Listening to parents is a priority. I want parents in town to feel comfortable expressing any concerns they might have, especially as it relates to policy, and curriculum.

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

I am a three term incumbent. I have had a successful professional career. My wife and I have raised four children while being involved in many community organizations.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always do your best-my father

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

In addition to my personal and professional attributes, I served in the CT Army National Guard from 1998-2005. I was Honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.