Patch Candidate Profile: Frank R. Salvatore Jr​​, Danbury City Council

DANBURY, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Danbury and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Danbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

System director, Sleep and Wound Care/Hyperbaric Programs at Nuvance Health, Frank R. Salvatore Jr, is running for election to the Danbury City Council representing the 3rd Ward, on the Democrat and Working Families Party tickets. He holds an MBA, and has been married to Sheryl for 34 years. The couple has a son and granddaughter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No relatives currently work in Danbury Government, but my family has a history of service to Danbury with my Uncle who was the Tax Assessor (Evo Butera).

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

One term City Council-at-Large (2019-2021)

Why are you seeking this office?

Because I want to continue to serve my community in a role where I can make a difference. I don't feel the current representation from the third ward is responsive to constituent requests and we hear nothing from them during the course of their time in office.

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

How our tax money is being used by the current administration while vital city services are underfunded and our future needs seem to be a year by year deal without proactive planning.

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

In my previous term of service, I participated in events and even started a podcast (Hat City Podcast) to communicate what going on in our city (I initially started with two other elected councilmen "coffee with your councilmen" at local eateries, but COVID cut that plan short and necessitated the podcast approach). I had an active website and found ways to ensure constituents were up-to-date.

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

Communication and response to constituents. There are many examples where constituents have told me they've contacted the third ward councilmen but have not heard back from them.

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

Ensuring transparency in our government and pay attention to how the city uses our taxpayers' hard earned money.

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

I was the first councilman in years to put forth a request for an ad hoc committee to look at incentives to help recruit/retain volunteer firefighters here in Danbury. After I left, the councilmen on the ad hoc committee which was led by the third ward councilman, never got called again and the issue has apparently died in the ad hoc committee abyss.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never take for granted the opportunities you have been given and remember to give back through service.

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

I am a tireless advocate when it comes to government. If elected, you can be assured that I will respond to constituent concerns/issues and even if I don't have the answers, you can bet I'll find if from someone who does know.