East Haven Candidate Profile: Joseph E. Deko for Town Council

EAST HAVEN, CT —East Haven’s election season is heating up.

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

Joseph E. Deko, 31, is a Democrat running for reelection to the Town Council, Second District.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No

Education:

High School, Pursuing a Degree in Mortuary Science

Occupation:

Firefighter/EMT 10 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Town Council District 2

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

I feel as though the most important issue facing our town right now in our town is the quality of life. We have a lot of quality of life issues around town such as blighted properties (abandoned), a run down Main St, allowing public works to plow snow at the APPROPRIATE time, and complete road maintenance. Not to forget the major parking issues in the neighborhoods adjacent to the beach during the summer months; many times my phone rings or I get emails of cars blocking driveways, or intersections or even a fire hydrant. Once we start fixing those above mentioned issues, people will be inclined to stay here, and we will attract people to move here. East Haven should be somewhere that people want to live and STAY.

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

I am very involved in our community, I have made myself very available to the residents of our entire town. I am engaged with the town administration, and various departments to help residents with their issues. Although my opponents may have similar interests in making our town a better place to live/visit, my fellow council members and I are running for re-election to continue what we have done over our last term. Without re-election, the district would be starting at square one all over again.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Some other issues I believe we need to work on include holding the line on taxes. We (residents) shouldn't have to reach deeper into our pockets to pay for services. We need to really work on economic development and bring in quality restaurants, promote "mom and pop" stores, and some specialty stores. Not only would the residents of East Haven enjoy these stores, but it may attract people from other towns. We need to attract businesses to the industrial park to flourish that asset.

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

I would like to refer to my current term and track record. I have always been willing to take a phone call, or return an email and have always provided my contact information to anyone who asked for it. I have worked very closely with the Momauguin/Cosey Beach Neighborhood Association to address issues at the beach and surrounding neighborhoods. We got new no parking areas painted, additional (more aesthetically pleasing) garbage containers for the beach among other things. I have worked with the Police and Fire departments and have developed a strong relationship with both departments. I have worked with public works to address issues around not only my district, but around town. I have been a very active member of the council at budget time, and was very productive during such. I am an advocate for our children, seeing the future of our town and I realize the importance of investing in our children.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

"You will never make everyone happy, but when making big decisions, go with your gut" That resonates with me because I am the type of person who always wants to please everyone and sometimes that impossible. Before I make any big decisions, I reach out to the people who would be most affected by the decision, and I go with my gut. It hasn't failed me yet!

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

I want everyone to know that I am always available for a phone call /text/email. I encourage anyone to reach out to me with any questions or concerns they have. I am very open, honest and transparent (as all government should be), and I look forward to serving our town in this capacity for many more years.

Are you running for office in East Haven? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to East Haven Patch.