Naugatuck Candidate Profile: Laurie Taf-Jackson For Burgess

NAUGATUCK, CT — Naugatuck's election season is heating up 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.

Laurie Taf-Jackson, 54, is running for reelection to the Board of Mayor and Burgesses and is running as a Democrat.

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: Michael Taf ( deceased ), Mother: Joan B. Taf, Son: Matthew S. Jackson

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

Yes, my mother was the first woman Mayor In Naugatuck’s History.

Education: *

Associate Degree: Business Management, Briarwood College
Naugatuck High School Graduate, Class of 1983

Occupation: *

Paraeducator at Cross Street Intermediate School- 16 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Deputy Mayor 2017- Present
Burgess 2011- Present
Housing Authority Commissioner 2001-2011
Board of Directors for Youth Services 2015- Present
Ex- Officio for the Naugatuck Education Foundation 2011- Present
Liaison: Police Commission 2011- Present
Housing Authority Commission 2011- Present
Elderly Commission 2013- Present
Park and Recreation Commission 2011- Present
Justice of the Peace 2011-Present

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

As with most towns the most pressing issue for our residents is taxes. In order to garner relief for our constituents we must continue to grow our tax base. We have seen some relief with the new businesses that have been moving into town. That is why I will continue to work with our Mayor and fellow Burgesses to help move forward with projects such as the Port of Naugatuck and our downtown transit -oriented development project.

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

Not only do I bring years of experience to the table, I take the role of being a Burgess as an honor. Therefore I extend my participation well past the monthly meetings. As our business base grows so does my participation. Be it at a ribbon cutting celebration, attending business anniversaries or in assisting businesses with issues they may have on a town level.

However, it is just as important to support our residents as it is our businesses. Therefore on any given night or weekend you will see me supporting our residents at everything from a ziti dinner fundraiser to an after school volleyball game. Most recently I served as a coach for girls on the run, an after school program that helps build girls confidence level while training them for a 5k in the spring.

I was awarded volunteer of the year in 2019 from Cross Street Intermediate School given by the Naugatuck Parent School Foundation for my dedication and devotion to the children of Naugatuck. Of all the awards I’ve received over the years, this one was most meaningful as the child we mold today are the future leaders of tomorrow.

I’ve been able to achieve a solid voting record while maintaining my constant community involvement. Managing both the legislative and civil responsibilities in the manner I have over the years I believe separates me from my peers.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

As I continue to strive to help provide our residents with tax relief through Economic Development, I will work diligently in both the education and senior services arena. I will continue to work with the Board of Education in ensuring that every child be the vision of the graduate. Through numerous studies it has been proven that the key to success stems from a solid education so it is my job to help ensure that we provide the proper resources. Our seniors in this borough have spent their lives supporting others be it as an employee, a parent or a neighbor. Now it is our time to give back to them. In order to do so I will continue to work with the Senior Center so that my finger is on the pulse of the ever changing needs of this valuable population. As changes in healthcare and social services occur it is my duty that they have access to the best programs available.

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

One of mine was listening to our residents concerns on their ability to pay car taxes in a lump sum manner. I proposed to the Board of Mayor and Burgesses that we allow the residents to split their payments in two if it was over $300. Now rather than having to pay only in July if you meet that over $300 threshold you can pay half in July and half in January. This reflects my ability to think outside the box to meet the needs of our residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

By my mom, who said “ the greatest gift you could ever give is giving back to the community”. It was this saying and her serving as a role model that propelled me to seek public office.

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

I will continue to use creative methods to eliminate and reduce unnecessary expenses while investing in revenue generating projects. In addition, I bring a unique prospective to the table that others can’t being the only woman running for Burgess. I am proud to say I am for all of the people of Naugatuck and would be honored to continue to serve as your Burgess.