Enfield Candidate Profile: Bob Cressotti, Town Council

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

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

Name: Robert Cressotti

How old will you be as of Election Day? 66

What city or town do you live in? Enfield

What office are you seeking? Town councilor at large

Please give us your party affiliation: Democrat

Education: BS Secondary Mathematics Education, Masters degree computer science/mathematics sixth level degree

What is your occupation? Retired teacher, currently teach at Alternative High School, owner of Cressotti Baseball School

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

Marilynn, wife, children Jamie, Abbie, Samantha, Bryan; 5 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

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

Enfield Town Council, District 2 , currently mayor, councilor at large

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 am running for office because I am passionate about the town of Enfield and have been working diligently for positive changes that are now visible in Enfield. I will continue to seek improvement in investing and developing the economy through economic development. I will continue to focus on education, equity, and being fiscally responsible.

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

Economic development/taxes. We have to be business friendly to commercial and residential development. We need to make adjustments to service the needs of our residents. The demolition of properties and to redevelop areas in town to increase our tax base and grand list are essential.

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

I believe in communication and having open discussions prior to making decisions that affect the residents of our town. Over the past terms, in which I have served, I have made it a priority of mine to answer all calls and emails to assist in questions that residents have inquired about. My leadership skills and a sensible approach are strong points that make me be effective in my role as a councilor and mayor.

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

We will continue to discuss the issues of mental health, the opioid epidemic, and public safety. We will focus on our seniors, veterans, and citizens with disabilities as a priority. We will continue to focus on the open space issues, as well as, PA 490. The town charter needs to be revised . We will continue to address education, equity, and our economy.

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

I am proud to have instituted our senior volunteer tax credit program, the expansion of our senior tax credit program, the adoption of PA 490 status to preserve open space, ARPA fund relief to small businesses and non profits, Higgins Park expansion and the bandshell and much more. I have taught in Enfield for 38 years and currently teach all the math classes at the Alternative High School. I am a member of the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame, Windsor Locks Athletic Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance John Wentworth Good Sport Award. I am active in Connecticut Special Olympics and our Enfield Allied Stars athletic programs. I look forward to serving the town of Enfield.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always remember your family comes first!!

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

I am an active listener and communicate well with my constituents. I sincerely believe in all the committees and commissions I am involved with. We need to work together as a TEAM to achieve goals, objectives, outcomes and get results to move forward the vision for Enfield.