Meriden Election 2023: Michael Zakrzewski 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.

Michael Zakrzewski, 63, is running for election to the Meriden City Council as a Republican. He is also endorsed by the Independent Party.

What office are you seeking?

Meriden City Council Area 3

Education.

Bachelor's Criminal Justice, Master's Public Administration

What is your occupation?

Retired Meriden Police Captain, 31 years of service

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

I am married, have 3 sons, with my youngest son and his wife about to have their first child in December. I have two step-daughters and two grandsons.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No relatives currently working for city, I am retired from city

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

I have not held public office before

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 am running for city council because I've lived here all my life. As a homeowner, parent, and grandparent, I want to keep this city a great place to raise a family. I have the experience in public safety, finance and community service necessary to be an effective city council member. I will work hard and make sure resident's voices are heard.

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

Economic development -- As a city councilor, I want to create an environment that attracts and retains businesses. This would provide job opportunities for residents. Developing relationships with local organizations and businesses, creating policies and programs that support job growth are my priorities. My goal is to help foster a vibrant economy that provides good sustainable jobs for our residents.

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

I believe I have the experience and education that makes me the best candidate for the post. As a police officer, I worked my way through the years to the rank of Captain and third in command of the Meriden Police Department. I have a Master's degree in Public Administration and have been involved in budgeting, planning and community policing. I have worked directly with the residents of Meriden which gives me a good incite to the problems they face, and have worked to help solve many of these issues. As a member and past president of the Meriden Lions Club, I take the Lions motto of "We Serve" to heart to do what I can to make Meriden better.

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

I believe that Meriden has reached the point where change is the only option. Spending is out of control and must be brought in check. I see a council that is divided and has lost sight of why they are in office. If elected, I will work for the all residents, I will strive to promote an environment in city hall that remembers we are elected to serve the residents, always putting them first.

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

Public Safety is obviously close to my heart and I believe my knowledge in this field would be a great asset to the council.

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

As a Meriden Police Captain I handled many of the same tasks I would do as a councilor. Making critical decisions effecting residents. My determination to be a better officer by obtaining a Master's degree taking classes and night or online. I have been involved in budgeting, planning long and short projects and purchasing. I have commanded the patrol division, the community police unit and the crisis negotiation unit. I am confident that I have the knowledge and experience necessary to make informed decisions as a city council member.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I tell people that we all have a duty to give back to society. I chose police work because I enjoyed working with and helping people. I chose the Meriden Lions Club because we work as a team to better our city. Meriden was an awesome city to grow up in. Meriden can be that awesome city I remember growing up in again. That is what I will work to accomplish.

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

I will work hard to represent the all residents of Meriden. Working with the residents, listening to their concerns and suggestions is always the highest priority for me.

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.