Monroe Election: Samantha Spino For Board Of Finance

MONROE, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Monroe will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next several days, so check back often to see the latest.

Occupation: Cpa, Sr Manager - Consultant

Family: George Gilbert (husband) Joe Gilbert (son, 5) Eddie Gilbert (son, 3) Natalie Gilbert (daughter, 3 mo) Dempsey (family rescue dog)

Experience: Conservation Commission

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

As it pertains to the Board of Finance and the single most pressing issue facing our town is transparency and accountability in spending. I intend to take a deep dive into our town budget and expenditure proposals to ensure that funds are appropriated in a way that best serves our community.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

As a CPA with a nearly 14 years of accounting and finance experience, I bring a set of relevant technical skills that my opponent does not possess. As a result, and I will be ready to evaluate any new spending from day one with a fresh lens while showing respect for my fellow board members.

Accomplishments:

With a background in public accounting, consulting, and corporate finance, and I have hands-on experience with budgeting and assessing revenues and expenses for their appropriateness. I've collaborated with executives to create forward-looking models based upon solid assumptions and research.

Other issues:

My number one goal is to show transparency in spending for our community. This will be accomplished by asking tough questions about any new spending of taxpayer dollars; reviewing budget assumptions to build a solid foundation the future; and creating a three-year budget model to guide the fiscal health of our town.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

My husband and I chose to raise our family in Monroe because of the strong community, beautiful open spaces, and fantastic schools, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to give back using the skills I have honed throughout my career as a CPA.