Glastonbury Election 2023: Kim Finocchiaro, Town Council

GLASTONBURY, CT — Kim Finocchiaro is running for a Town Council seat in Glastonbury in the 2023 election.

Name

Kim Finocchiaro

How old will you be as of Election Day?

54 years old

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://glastonburyrepublicans...

What city or town do you live in?

Glastonbury

What office are you seeking?

Glastonbury Town Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

N/A

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

What is your occupation?

Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience

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

I have a husband of 30 years and two adult children ages 27 and 23 that also both attended the Glastonbury school system.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I have no other family members that work for the government or in politics.

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

I am a first time candidate running for Glastonbury Town Council

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?

After living in Glastonbury for nearly a half a century, I truly wish to give back to, as well as help shape and improve Glastonbury for current residents and future generations by serving on the Town Council. My skillset is something that is missing from the current Town Council. With the hiring of a new Town Manager and the potential of financially trained Council member this would be the ideal time to review the town budget & spending justification process.

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

The single most pressing issue facing Glastonbury residents is affordability. Glastonbury residents and our children deserve an excellent school system and quality town services. But we also need an affordable tax structure, not tax increases. Over the summer I was assessed an 8% property tax increase which outpaced my salary increase and I am certain other residents in Glastonbury are in the same position. This is especially impactful for those residents which are living on fixed incomes. It is time to step back to review and monitor the town spending just like residents are faced to do with their own checkbook.

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

As a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience as a Controller, Director of Strategic Programs, and Vice President of Shared Financial Services, I am keenly aware of financial operations and how they integrate in business as well as public settings. I feel that my professional background in finances makes me even more cognizant of how increasing property taxes on those living in town can directly impact their bottom line as well as the options for families. I am committed to ensuring that your hard-earned tax dollars are utilized prudently and judiciously so as not to further drive-up costs for our residents.

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

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

There are many other issues that need to be addressed if elected to the Town Council. Second to the pressing issue of keeping Glastonbury affordable for YOU as current residents is to deter crime and improve safety. The most common issue I am hearing from residents is increasing crime and safety. It has become a prominent theme of my car was stolen, my car or neighbor’s car was burglarized, our business trucks just had their catalytic converter stolen. Our traditional ways need to be expanded to protect against criminal activity for best practices for countering the negative consequences of state mandate. Another key issue is addressing large scale development that will forever change our town’s character and quality of life for current residents. This issue also needs to be carefully thought out as large-scale developments may lead to significant town budget increases if they require new schools and higher levels of public services.

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

With over 30 years in Accounting/ Finance in both private and public company settings I have experience with budget preparation and monitoring, financial reporting and related internal controls. I have always worked full time while raising a family. I am hard working, a multi tasker and hold people accountable to their commitments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I have been given is Opportunities don't happen, you create them!

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

I am absolutely committed not only to Glastonbury, but being part of a team who wants to work for YOU to improve it. Our Republican Town Council slate of six has a combined 232 years living in Glastonbury with each candidate possessing their own unique skillset.