Patch Candidate Profile: Dominic Smeraglino, Monroe P&Z Commission Alt

MONROE, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Monroe and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Monroe Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Fiber optic systems technician Dominic Smeraglino, 47, is running for re-election as a Monroe Planning and Zoning Commission alternate. The Republican is a graduate of Masuk High School, and is married to Kristen. The couple has one son, 13, and a daughter, 16.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I was on the ZBA for 4 years, currently doing 2 year term for the spot I’m running for

Why are you seeking this office?

I want to help Monroe responsibly grow Commercially in order to keep taxes at bay and possibly lower them in the future

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

Taxes
By bringing in more business to Monroe we can hopefully lower taxes

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

I’m unopposed but past people in this role were always opposed to new business and any growth to Monroe. They wanted to keep it more like Easton but this isn’t possible unless taxes are raised every year and I don’t think most residents can afford that

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

I talked to a lot of residents of Monroe and most people want options when it comes to restaurants or shopping or any other commerce. It’s better to have people spend their money in town rather than in the neighboring communities

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Any job that’s worth doing is worth doing to the best of your abilities