Middletown Candidate Profile: Molly Salafia For P & Z Commission

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Middletown and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Molly Salafia, 35, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA, is running for Planning and Zoning Commissioner as a Republican.

Are you running for office in Middletown? Contact Vinnie Salzo at vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Middletown Patch.

Family:

Married mother of a toddler and newborn

Education:

Masters in Architecture from Roger Williams University, BA Arch from Roger Williams

Occupation:

14 years as Job Captain in Commercial Architecture

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

2 terms as Planning and Zoning Commissioner, 10 years on Design Review & Historic Preservation Board of Middletown

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

Taxes

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

I am experienced in commercial architecture particularly getting projects thru permitting in cities thru out New England.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

My name is Molly Salafia. I am running for my 3rd term on Planning & Zoning because our work is not done. We need a comprehensive masterplan done by professionals for the riverfront & downtown. I want the process kept fair and streamlined for developers throughout the entitlement process. This is the only way to attract new business; when developers can ensure a return on investments. I want commissioners who are fair, knowledgeable of zoning regulations, due process, and represent all citizens and who do what is right. Our grand list needs to grow to lower taxes. I was born & raised in Middletown, I grew up in South Farms, I bought and renovated an antique home downtown which I lived in for 12 years and now rent out, and just purchased a home in the Westfield area of town. I am a married mom of a toddler and newborn. I have an undergrad degree in architecture with minors in historic architecture & art, a master's in architecture, am certified in LEED sustainable design and have 14 years’ experience working full time in commercial, public, mixed use, master planning, and industrial architecture. Please support me & all of the Row B Republican candidates (including my mom Linda Salafia) at the polls on November 5th.

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

14 years in the architecture & construction industry.

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

I will ensure the process for project review is fair for all.