Manchester Election 2023: Jerald Lentini, Board of Directors

MANCHESTER, CT — Jerald Lentini is running for a Board of Directors seat in Manchester.

Name

Jerald Lentini

How old will you be as of Election Day?

40

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

https://manchesterctdems.info

What city or town do you live in?

Manchester

What office are you seeking?

Board of Directors

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

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democratic

Education.

J.D., Georgetown University Law Center; B.A., New College of Florida

What is your occupation?

Attorney (11 years)

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

My wife is Lauren, who was my high school sweetheart. Our son is Jordan, 5, who is in kindergarten.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Manchester Charter Revision Commission (2021-2022), Manchester Redevelopment Agency (2018-present), Manchester Ethics Commission (2017-present), Head Moderator of Elections (2021)

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?

We are about to embark on some of the most ambitious changes in our two centuries of history, and the next Board of Directors term will include major challenges, like starting the implementation of Manchester NEXT, overseeing the new library construction, and reshaping Charter Oak Park. These goals will need to be balanced carefully with our continuing obligation to ensure that the water in our taps is clean, that our streets are paved and plowed, that our businesses are able to operate, and that our families can continue to thrive.

Through years of serving on boards and commissions, I have seen up-close how our city is organized, I have worked side-by-side with town staff and other volunteers, and I know how effectively we can operate to further the public good. I hope that my skills and experience—as a lawyer, an MBA candidate, a member of those boards and commissions, and a parent—will help the town better serve every family that makes their home here.

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

The cost of living, especially in housing, is threatening to price the middle class and working families out of Connecticut. We need to focus on expanding our housing stock and providing all our residents with high-quality town services like parks, libraries, and public works, while avoiding painful tax increases or hidden fees.

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

I am, as far as I know, the only candidate for the Board of Directors with experience as a practicing lawyer. With all of the major development projects coming soon, it is important that we have someone on the Board who has that skill set.

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?

1. Making sure we're prepared for early voting to begin next year
2. Working with the state to expand public transit options
3. Combatting blight in our neighborhoods
4. Strengthening our public health system
5. Expanding public spaces and outdoor recreation

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

My service on the Charter Revision Commission saw a number of bipartisan compromises that created a better final product. As Head Moderator, I successfully oversaw both the 2021 local elections and a recount.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Nothing worthwhile ever happens unless someone makes it happen.

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

Beyond being a Democrat, I am also a democrat: I believe with all my heart in the political equality of every person who lives under our government, and their equal right to have a say in its operation. That belief forms the basis of my service to Manchester, because I view active citizenship as a personal obligation. I look forward to hearing from residents about what they feel we should be doing to make the Silk City work well today, and work better tomorrow.