Madison Candidate Profile: John M. Picard for Board of Finance

MADISON, CT —Madison’s election season is heating up.

Madison Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

John M. Picard, 54, is a Democrat running for election to the Board of Finance.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No

Education:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Master of Science, Management – 2010 Concentration: Sustainable Enterprises Troy, NY

University of New Haven, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration – 1987 Minor: Marketing West Haven, CT

Notre Dame High School, West Haven, CT – 1983 Diploma

Occupation:

Certified Financial Planner, Ameriprise Financial (24 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Appointed Positions: Tweed New Haven Airport Board - Chairman (Current)
West Haven Water Pollution Control Commission - Chairman: 1994 - 1997

Elected Office: Mayor, City of West Haven: 2005 - 2013, West Haven City Council - Chairman: 1999 - 2001, West Haven City Council At-Large: 1997 - 1999

Other Civic Involvement : South Central Regional Council of Governments - Former Chairman & Former Secretary

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Madison has a number of projects that need to be addressed. We need to find creative solutions by collaboratively addressing the wants of the town and needs of the taxpayers. Working together, I believe we can better address issues that face Madison.

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

I am a tested leader with more than a decade of municipal finance experience through my tenure on the City Council and as Mayor of West Haven. In addition, my education and more than 20 years in the financial industry further augment this experience to distinguish me from my opponents.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I intend to evaluate the needs of our residents and taxpayers to ensure a balanced allocation of our revenue; to identify new opportunities to increase revenue, control expenses and reduce spending holding the line on taxes; and to enhance Madison's short- and long-term financial plans.

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

I spent 8 years as Mayor, many of which without tax increases while continually providing balanced budgets. I am excellent at building professional relationships, which allowed us to continue enhancing the programs and benefits for the community without additional burden on the taxpayers.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Ignoring a problem, doesn't make it go away, it usually just makes it worse. I have never looked at a problem as anything other than an opportunity to achieve something better.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

While I am proud of the work that I have done in various elected and appointed positions, I am most proud of my charitable work having served as Chairman of Start! Heart Walk, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association, in addition to serving the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness, the West Haven Community House, and Infinite Strength. In addition, I have been recognized for leadership and commitment to the community earning the New Haven’s Finest, Ray Tellier Football, Volunteer of the Year, an honorary Doctorate in Business from the University of New Haven, the Greater New Haven Chamber Government Leadership Award and the Notre Dame High School Knight of Honor. I am excited to join this year’s campaign as a candidate for Board of Finance and hope to leverage my experience and education to help Madison.

Are you running for office in Madison? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Madison Patch. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 28.