Meriden Election 2023: Elain Cariati Running For City Council

MERIDEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for Mayor, City Council, Board of Education and more.

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

Elain Cariati, 58, is running for election to the Meriden City Council as a Republican.

What office are you seeking?

City Council at Large

Education.

High School Graduate-Platt High School

What is your occupation?

Self-employed

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

2 Adult Children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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 want to make a positive impact on my community. There are so many issues that need to be addressed in Meriden to make it thrive: Lack of economic growth, Extreme tax burden on the citizens, Wasteful spending on city projects and not to mention the overall quality of life.

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

I believe the #1 issue facing Meriden today is the lack of Leadership and accountability in the City Government. Under our current administration we have seen our representatives sit silent as our emergency dispatch center for the last 2 years has been at dangerously low staffing level. In addition, between Dispatch and Fire dept., we have seen their budgets exceeded at the tune of over 1 Million dollars due to overtime costs. Our elected representatives also oversaw and did nothing to help our citizens while the Tax Assessor manipulated property categories, that helped lead to home and business owners to receive extremely high property revaluations.

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

I am the only candidate putting forward concrete common-sense solutions to make Meriden a better place to live, work and to raise your families. My Democratic opponents just want to continue on the same path of just throwing money at a problem in hopes it will fix itself. Their way of thinking has cost our taxpayers millions downtown with nothing to show for it but vacant storefronts and blighted properties

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

Unfortunately, Meriden has gone astray for various reasons. Whether it be the lack of accountability on how services are being delivered (Tax Assessors Office is a prime example) at city hall, lack of transparency and communication between the city and its citizens, ongoing blight issues, increased crime, or the disappointing narratives about our city (some coming from the current councilors). Meriden is being done a great injustice by the current administration. With all that said, we are not beyond repair. We can be guided toward a positive path. We have to address our infrastructure, economic development and good governance; once those things are focused on, we have then started to move in the right direction. Those are the beginning steps in the course correction of Meriden's current path. It will take time and patience, but through collective efforts that Meriden can create a sustainable and prosperous future for residents.

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

Pursue absentee landlords standards. I would like to see landlords register with the city. This way we have someone on file that will be responsible for any problems at the location. I would also like to see City department heads (building, fire, engineering etc.) do monthly walks in areas to make a list of violations. This way the city can address safety and blight issues that plague Meriden.

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

The role of a city council member demands a unique set of tools and skills to effectively serve the community. My strong communication skills, collaborative approach, and passion for the community engagement form a strong foundation, that I believe is essential to be an efficient and diplomatic council member. As Councilor, I will be committed to making informed decisions and ensuring that the voice of the constituents are heard.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Believe in yourself. Do everything you do with pride.

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

I am always willing to listen to what citizens have to say. I aim to help resolve and assist with any issues they may have that are within the capabilities.

Are you running for office in Meriden? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on Meriden Patch.