Naugatuck Candidate Profile: Rocky Vitale 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.

Rocky Vitale, 64, is running for 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: *

Names, ages and any pertinent detail you wish to share.

Wife Susan, 3 grown children

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

This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

None

Education: *

Waterbury State Tech – Fire Science technologies, Post College – Business Management, Sacred Heart University – Computer Science, Insurance Institute of America – Associate in Claims.

Occupation: *

Retired - 33 years in insurance industry

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Finance Board 2 years, Board of Education 16 years, Burgess 6 years.

Campaign Website: *

https://www.facebook.com/Rocky...

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

Tax relief is the main issue. I get it. I'm a taxpayer also. Economic development and controlled spending is the key to tax relief. New small businesses are moving in. There are some game changers on the horizon that will have a tremendous effect on lowering the tax rate. I believe it's an exciting time for Naugatuck. Economic development starts with a welcoming attitude for all types of businesses. Diversity is important. Working hand in hand with the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation, a quasi-public group, we will reap benefits well into the future.

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

I believe you can't legislate from behind a desk at a meeting. You have to be out there to see what is going on. You have to have a presence on social media. You must be on location supporting local businesses. I attend ribbon cuttings and getting to know business owners. I am liaison to the Police and Fire Departments and also attend many other meetings to keep abreast of issues. I actively reach out for opinions. Many times those opinions can get, lets say, blunt. That's okay. I understand some people are going to love you and some hate you. it comes with the position. I will try to assist all that have issues. My record of attendance at meetings speaks for itself.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I want to hear from the voters. Whether they agree with my voting decisions or not, they need to have a voice. I ignore the Democrat vs. Republican as we’re all in this together. Good discussion leads to answers to the issues. I’m just a normal guy that wants to do what’s best for the Borough. I have been trying to have Borough Board meetings televised to reach more residents. I am currently working on research to bring back large item pickup since this is an issue for residents. I will continue my commitment and I’m honored to have a voice that can be heard in important decisions.

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

I heard the concerns about litter and noise issues. I proudly chaired those committees and new ordinances were or will be adopted shortly to protect our residents. I have a great relationship with those that can affect change in the Borough. That helps to get things done. Along with the Mayor we've established a tremendous dog park all through donations and grants. I've supported initiatives by Mayor Hess to move Naugatuck forward and look forward to our continued relationship.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

I worked volunteer EMS for 32 years. I always kept in mind:
'When people are at their worst, I must be at my best". It's the same with politics. The vitriol can be overwhelming. Meet it with kindness. Keep in mind your responsibility to accomplish what you can for all citizens, not just the ones who like you. Put parties aside and work for all.

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

I am a normal, down to earth person. I am not rich, I struggle just like some others. Call me, email me, please feel free to talk. I will do all that I can. Sometimes there is nothing you can do about a situation. But I will always be forthcoming and honest.