Enfield Candidate Profile: John Santanella, District 2 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: John Santanella

How old will you be as of Election Day? 56

What city or town do you live in? Enfield

What office are you seeking? Town Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here: District 2

Please give us your party affiliation: Democrat

Education: BA - Political Science, MBA - Marketing and Finance

What is your occupation? Business Owner

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

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 believe I can continue to make a significant contribution to our community. I am passionate about building an Enfield for the next generation of residents while respecting the generations that have come before. I will continue to focus on education, economic development, fiscal responsibility.

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

Taxes. The best way to reduce the tax burden on homeowners is to encourage new development and bring more tax payers to Enfield. This includes both commercial development and residential development.

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

I think everyone would like to know the answer to that question. Me and my opponent have had an opportunity to share a stage so the community could hear our different perspectives and she declined to participate. What does it say to voters when a candidate is unwilling to even have a debate?

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

In the next term the Council will open the Town Charter for revision. There have been no significant changes to the Charter in decades. I would advocate for changes in voting requirements for at-large candidates, residency requirements for certain employees, and changes to certain board memberships.

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

I was instrumental at getting the referendum passed for the public safety complex, dispersing ARPA funds to small businesses and non-profits, initiating changes to our food truck ordinance, supporting the culture and arts commission summer concert series, and supporting development around the district.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

“Don’t go to law school.”