Milford Candidate Profile: Erik Smith For School Board

MILFORD, CT — Milford's election season is heating and there are plenty of contested races with candidates eager to get their name on the ballot for the city's municipal election. One of those contested races is the race for the Board of Education.

Milford Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Erik Smith, 41, is running for Board of Education as a Republican in the third-district.

Are you running for office in Milford? Contact Brian McCready at brian.mccready@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Milford Patch.

Family: *

Father: Calvin Smith, Mother: Marie Smith, Sister: Michele McAvoy

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: *

I received a Master of Business Administration from Fairfield University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Quinnipiac University. Growing up, I attended Mathewson Grammar School, Harborside Middle School, and Jonathan Law High School.

Occupation: *

I am currently a top producing Real Estate Agent, with 5 years of experience. Prior to becoming a real estate agent, I have 14 years of experience as a marketing manager in the corporate environment.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

I have not held any previously elected positions

Campaign Website: *

Facebook.com/ErikSmith4BoardofEducation

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

The single most pressing issue facing our district is our school budget. With one of the largest budgets in the area, we should be utilizing the funds to improve our buildings and grounds, ensuring smaller class sizes, and ramping up safety for our administrators, staff, and children. In order to achieve this, I propose that we look into how and where money is being spent. If possible, I would like to see some of the money go back into the pockets of our taxpayers if the money isn't currently being spent wisely.

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

One of the many differences that sets me apart from other candidates is my lifelong affiliation with Milford. I grew up in this town and have a great deal of pride for our community, especially our schools. I am a proud alumnus of Mathewson Grammar School, Harborside Middle School, and Jonathan Law High School, and it is my goal to ensure our schools continue to improve so that our children can have the resources they need to have the brightest futures filled with endless opportunities.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I want to help make our schools the best they can be by putting our children and their safety first, supporting our teachers, communicating with the residents of Milford, and being mindful of taxpayers' money.

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

With a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Fairfield University, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Quinnipiac University, and 14 years of experience in the corporate environment, I have no doubt that my wide-range of expertise and knowledge is exactly what Milford needs to make our schools the best they can be.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

The best advice ever shared with me was "Listening is very different from hearing." I have come to realize that people have a tendency to hear someone's complaints or concerns and immediately react. While that may seem attentive and helpful, it really doesn't delve into the needs of the person seeking an answer. In business and in politics, it is so important to actively listen to the concerns of the people around us. One of the most sincere forms of respect is to listen to what another person has to say. Without it, we can never truly solve any problems or make any real progress.

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

I want my voters to know that I am dedicated to our schools and our community. I will work with the rest of the board members and central administration to build a bridge between Milford Public Schools and the community at large because a school system can only thrive when it has the support of the town as a whole.