Naugatuck Candidate Profile: Jack DeOliveira For Burgess

NAUGATUCK, CT — Naugatuck'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 Mayor and Burgesses.

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

Jack DeOliveira, 26, is running for reelection to the Board of Mayor and Burgesses and is running as a Republican.

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

Family: *

Father: Joaquim "Jack" DeOliveira, Mother: Candida DeOliveira, Brother: David DeOliveira

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? *

I have an aunt by marriage who is a staff accountant in the Borough’s Finance Department.

Education: *

Masters in Diplomacy from Norwich University
Bachelors in Political Science from The University of Alabama

Occupation: *

I am a Legislative Assistant at the Connecticut State Capitol, 3 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Board of Mayor and Burgesses (2017-Present)
Member of the Standing Building Committee
Brownfield Area Revitalization Committee

Campaign Website: *

facebook @JackDforBurgess

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

Taxes! Taxes are undoubtedly the number one concern I hear from residents. Over the last two years, I was the only Burgess to vote against the $6 million in spending increases at the expense of taxpayers. These recent tax increases not only affected our most vulnerable, but those who are on fixed incomes.

To address this problem, we need to re-prioritize our values in the Borough. We need to invest in what is necessary, not on want is simply wanted. We should also consolidate in services and purchasing power within our departments in the borough and regionally. There is still a lot more work to be done with this and savings to be had. We need to streamline local government to make Naugatuck a business-friendly environment for more businesses to want to stay and move here. The mill rate is a major deterrent.

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

I bring fresh new ideas and I am not afraid to ask questions and propose other options. I do a lot of research and share my information, which is appreciated. I am unique in the fact that I am younger and fiscally conservative. I appreciate the challenges that our younger generation faces in deciding to remain in Naugatuck and I want to make Naugatuck affordable for not only my generation, but for everyone. My family has been here for many generations and I intend to keep it that way by helping attract our young professionals back to Naugatuck.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Economic development, education and providing for our seniors. As Naugatuck residents we all know economic development is critical for our community’s survival. I am proud to have supported plans for the future ‘Port of Naugatuck” over the last two years and other business-friendly initiatives to attract quality businesses to our community. In regards to education, I am a product of the Naugatuck schools system and have supported proper funding to improve our quality of education. As a young adult I understand how important an education system is to a community and we need to focus on fine tuning our system to offer the same level of education as surrounding towns. Lastly, providing for our seniors is necessary of our local government. Seniors are typically the most vulnerable citizens in our community due to fixed incomes. As Naugatuck residents continue to see taxes increase and the State fail to support programs, such as the elderly circuit breaker program, we must find ways to protect this class of citizens falling on hard times and unable to provide for themselves and family

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

Along with currently serving on the Board of Burgesses, I have worked in state government for the past several years dealing with all aspects of our legislative system from laws addressing the opioid epidemic to billion dollar budget deficits. I have a front row seat and could see all the decisions that are being done on the State level that can directly impact our Borough as it is happening. I speak with our residents, as well as others throughout the State, on a daily basis about what their concerns are, struggles are, and needs are. This gives me a great appreciation for every individual situation, as well as the ability to problem solve on a daily basis. These are skills that are an asset to my service as a Burgess.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

To always be curious and ask questions. No one has changed the world by following the status quo.

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

Over the last two years I have been willing to be the peoples voice for smart growth. I am not afraid to step up and speak for those who feel unheard. I have not just been another yes man and have brought a new outside the box approach to our government. I have encouraged healthy debate and have always stood up for what is best for the whole community. My message to voters is that you will continue to have my undivided dedication and commitment to moving this Borough forward if I am honored to be re-elected. I will also again propose methods to bring the meetings live to the residents at low or no cost, so they can truly be engaged and not have to read the headlines to learn what took place yesterday.