Patch Candidate Profile: Samantha Spino, Monroe Board Of Finance

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.

Accountant Samantha Spino, 37, is running for re-election to the Monroe Board of Finance as a Democrat.

Education.

CPA & BS in Accounting, University of Maryland - College Park

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband, George Gilbert, and I share 3 kids--Joey (8), Eddie (5), and Natalie (2). We also have a droopy, 12-year-old mutt named Dempsey.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Conservation and Water Resource Commission (Monroe, CT) -- Jan 21 - Jun 23

Board of Finance (Monroe, CT) -- Jul 23 - present

Why are you seeking this office?

As a finance professional with many years of experience in budgeting and accounting, I believe I can make a difference in my town by using my skills to increase transparency for our spending.

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

My constituents pay a lot in taxes, and they want to know that this money is being used responsibly for services that benefit the town of Monroe and its residents. Transparency in spending is key, and I intend to work with the board members to create open lines of communication and clear reporting to support this.

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

I would be the only CPA on the board. My running mate and I have the most extensive finance experience of anyone running for this position.

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

I intend to work with my running mate to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in reporting. The finance team employed by the town is fantastic, and we want to help support them and create better connections between their reporting and residents.

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

I am a licensed CPA and Managing Director at CFGI, a leading national accounting consulting firm. With a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Maryland – College Park and over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance, I have spent my career working through a wide range of routine and complex business scenarios for private companies, local governments, NPOs, and public corporations. I have also supported the budgeting and modeling function for my clients, and I believe my skills can be used to benefit the town through serving on the Board of Finance.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I'm paraphrasing, but one of my former colleagues and good friends told me that you can't control what other people do, only what you do. It helps me when I get frustrated with other's behavior and refocuses me to do my best to get the job done.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am proud of my accomplishments, and I'm equally as proud to serve on the Board of Finance. I look forward to serving 2 more years for Monroe.