Patch Candidate Profile: Benjamin Sabia For Monroe Town Council

MONROE, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name: Benjamin Sabia

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? Monroe

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Financial Aid, 3 years

Family: Father: Robert, Mother: Katherine, Sister: Amy and Brother: Bill. All Monroe Residents. My siblings and I went through the Monroe School System.

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I'm currently on Inland and Wetlands of Monroe

Why are you seeking this office? I've lived in Monroe just about my whole life. I've been seeing the changes and although some are good, a lot are worse. I'm the candidate who won't be afraid to call out those terrible decisions. The people of this town deserve transparency and communication. My Goal is to help make Monroe a safe and wonderful place for everyone! A place families can call home regardless if they are newcomers to this wonderful town, been here forever or anything in between.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Most candidates talk about taxes. I see something deeper. The biggest issue facing our community is uncertainty. People are worried. They’re worried about rising taxes, worried about the future of the schools that brought them here, worried about whether they can continue to afford to live in this town.

The truth is, taxes may go up despite every effort to keep them low. I will do everything in my power to prevent that, but what weighs most heavily on people is not just the numbers on a tax bill. It’s the uncertainty about what comes next.

My pledge is to bring stability and direction to Monroe. I want to make our town stronger and more financially secure, to preserve the quality of education that attracts new families, and to continue supporting those who do not use the school system but are every bit as vital to our community.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. I believe in rolling up my sleeves and doing the hard work that others shy away from. Whether it’s tackling tough issues head-on or working alongside the community, I’m here to do what it takes to move Monroe forward.

You’ve probably seen me around town. I’m the big guy in the bright, colorful shirts. I might look a little intimidating at first, but I promise I’m as easygoing and approachable as they come. If something in town is bothering you, I want to hear about it. Let’s sit down and talk, text me, call me, email me, invite me over for lunch I’ll even cook it for you. To me, Monroe isn’t just a town. Monroe is family.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? When people ask what accomplishments I’d point to, I don’t just talk about titles, I talk about results. Serving on Inland Wetlands I’ve gained experience balancing competing priorities and making decisions that directly impact our town. To preserve the town's flora and fauna, but also work with the commission to bring growth to Monroe. Most importantly, I’ve built trust in this community by being approachable, listening to people, and following through. Those are the same skills and values I’ll bring to this job. My neighbors, Friends, even Strangers can ask me for help and I'll be there, ready and able.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice someone ever gave me was "In a small town, the most important thing we can do is be there for each other. Check in on your neighbors, lend a hand when someone’s struggling, and take the time to listen. That’s what keeps a community strong."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I'm here for Monroe, plain and simple.