Patch Candidate Profile: Louis Federici For Guilford Board Of Selectmen

GUILFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Louis Federici

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectman

What town do you live in?
Guilford

Campaign Website
https://guilforddemocrats.org/

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Attorney, 39 years

Family:
Wife Carrie; Son, Christopher; Son Robert; Daughter Allison

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Rob is running for the Guilford Board of Finance

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Guilford Zoning Board of Appeals, including 18 months as chair; three terms on the Guilford Board of Finance; two terms on the Guilford Board of Selectmen

Why are you seeking this office?
Guilford is an amazing town, and I want to continue to do my part in support of the community.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
…Affordability balanced against quality of life. The chief responsibility of any elected official is to carefully allocate community resources -- including taxes. No person in town government should ever take taxpayer’s money for granted. Every dollar spent is a dollar that came from someone who worked hard to earn that money. At the same time, we have an obligation to meet the needs of all of our citizens who are at various stages of their lives and may require different things from their government. That is our challenge and there are no quick fixes. Steady hard work is required, and I am committed to putting in the effort to meet this challenge.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I do my best to keep an open mind and listen to all perspectives. I am committed to working collaboratively with the other elected boards and members of the community.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Supporting education by ensuring that our facilities are adequate for our students and educators. Working to make sure that there is a variety of housing available, including for newcomers, young families and those looking to downsize. Maintaining our open spaces for all to enjoy. Making sure that all modes of transportation are accessible and safe.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a member of the Board of Finance, I supported the development of and bonding for the new Guilford High School. I also supported the bonding for the East River Preserve and other open space opportunities. Over those same years I, along with other members of the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and Board of Education helped to build up the Town’s Fund Balance, which provides a cushion for bad times should they ever come and is an essential factor in our excellent bond rating. Over twenty years in working on town budgets, in only four of those years have budgets that I worked on, been voted down at referendum.

While on the Board of Selectmen, I have supported the creation of an affordable housing commission and development of workforce housing in our community. I have participated in the Safe Streets task force to create better pedestrian and biking pathways in town. As a board we have strongly supported our public safety employees and leadership. I have been lucky enough to have been involved in negotiating union contracts with our town or school employees, and I have seen and heard first-hand, the dedication and commitment that they bring to their jobs.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Be your best at all times.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I take local government seriously. The interests of all stakeholders must be considered by elected officials when evaluating any issues that come before the community.