East Haven Election 2021: Samantha A. Parlato For Town Council

EAST HAVEN, CT —The state Municipal Election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Patch contacted candidates to answer questions about their campaigns.

Republican Samantha A. Parlato, 53, is running for Town Council District 4.

Occupation: Preschool Teacher

Family: Married to my husband Frederick for 28 years. Mother of three children. My family has been involved in the community for years which is one of the reasons I am passionate about serving East Haven.

Experience: Town Council District 4 and previous Board of Education Secretary

Family in government: NO

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

There are a few issues that I find pressing to me but the most would be the lack of fiscal transparency. Making sure that all departments report all expenditures in a timely manner is essential to making sure the town stays on budget.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

A few critical differences between me and other candidates seeking this position is my commitment to the town. As a councilwoman and I sit on multiple sub-committees. I have diligently reported to the council monthly reports on all of my subcommittee assignments. I have attended meetings in person before the pandemic and via zoom during the pandemic. It has been a pleasure to serve on these subcommittees and I look forward to continuing my work in the future.
I am always open to discuss issues with the public. I do not let party affiliation stand in the way of my decision process. I vote according to what is best for my district and the town as a whole.

Accomplishments:

I am proud of many of my past accomplishments. I am the current Chairwoman for the East Haven Chamber of Commerce, working closely with my executive board to grow local businesses by offering networking, advertising, and educational opportunities. I am also a member of the Police Athletic League, promoting activities for our youth in a safe and structured environment. I am a member of the Fall Festival Committee, working with a wide variety of people who organize, schedule, and implement a weekend full of activities for the entire community.
All of my involvement in these groups support and grow my ability to manage my time, understand the needs of the community, and be financially responsible. I am proud of my work growing along with these organizations and supporting the community.

Other issues:

My campaign platform is to put People Before Politics. I believe we need to work for the many and not the few. I would like to balance our budget with responsible debt policies, low and stable taxes, revised ordinances, and selections of qualified individuals for town appointments.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I will work to update our town charter for the betterment of all and make sure the people selected for the revision committee are committed to all the residents of East Haven.
I will continue to be an independent thinker and not shy away from polite debate on issues of importance.
My contribution will continue to be centered on the things that make our community special. We can protect and improve our community if residents speak with a strong and unified voice through their representatives. I will give the next generation a town just as special as the one I have come to love.