Patch Candidate Profile: Laurie Esposito, Danbury Town Clerk

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.

Artist, entrepreneur, caregiver, and former paraeducator/teacher's assistant in Danbury Public Schools, Laurie Esposito, 55, is running for election to Danbury town clerk as a Democrat. She is a graduate of Danbury Public Schools and married to Michael.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No one in my immediate family does, but some of my more distant relatives do

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

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I have lived in Danbury my entire life. I have seen our little town grow in to a city. Some changes for the better, and some not so much. I'm running because I believe that Roberto Alves has what it takes to guide our city in a positive direction. I am honored to be a part of his team in the hopes of making a better quality of life for all our Danbury residents. I believe that many politicians have forgotten that they are supposed to represent all their constituents, not either Rebublicans or Democrats, businesses instead of citizens. At the end of the day, we are all just people trying to get by. I believe in fairness. Being impartial.

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

I can't name a "single" pressing issue, because I think we have more than one. However, meeting the needs of our public schools, worker's rights and services for the elderly are priorities of mine. I would work closely with my colleges at city hall to help ensure that budgets may meet the needs of our Danbury residents.

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

Well, I can say that I have been very fortunate in my life to have had opportunities to work in many different occupations. This enabled me to meet people from all over the world. I enjoy learning and connecting with other people, and I enjoy teaching people what I have learned. Also, wrangling middle school kids for almost 18 years has prepared me for just about anything. They really keep you on you toes.

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

Sadly, it appears, inequity

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

I believe the political process is very difficult to understand for most people, including myself. People who live their lives working, trying to provide for their families don't have the time or energy to learn all the terms and lingo of politics. People who speak English as a second language also may feel left out of the process. I would like to see a change in how political figures speak to their constituents. More education available. People will get involved in their elections more if they better understand the process.

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

As a teacher assistant/student support, I had multiple jobs in one. Multitasking, making quick decisions, lesson plans, proof reader, organization skills, classroom management, administrative assistant, counselor, nurse, tear wiper, lunch lady, referee, safety advocate and that is all before noon.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Get up and get out there! You can sleep when you're dead" ~Joe Pepin & "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." ~ Maya Angelou

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

I am just a regular Danbury gal. I am far from perfect. I live my life according to the golden rule. Treat others as you want to be treated. My strength is my empathy and my integrity. They will not be compromised. At this age, I just hope that if I dropped dead tomorrow, I leave this world better than I found it.