Naugatuck Candidate Profile: Visar Tasimi 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.

Visar Tasimi, 30, 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: *

My wife, Anila. I have a brother, Krenar; a sister, Tina, and her husband Niko; and my parents Tasim & Donika, are all Naugatuck residents.

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

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

My sister and mother are elementary school teachers in the City of Waterbury.

Education: *

BS, Finance, University of Connecticut. 4.0 GPA, completed degree in three years.
Naugatuck public schools (K-12)

Occupation: *

Vice President, Strategic Delivery & Analytics at ConnectiCare. I have been at ConnectiCare for 2 years. I have 10 years experience in my career, previously working at Stanley Black and Decker, FM Facility Maintenance, and Aetna.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: *

Naugatuck Finance Board (2018-present);
Republic of Albania, Ministry of Diaspora: Advisor (April 2019-present)

Campaign Website: *

www.VisarForBurgess.com

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

The most important opportunity (rather than stating it as an issue) is economic development, which has a direct impact on the mill rate. Many residents have told me that the mill rate is their number one concern – I believe economic development is the solution. Our borough is finally at a place where real growth is occurring in our downtown (parcels A,B,C), and a ‘game-changer’ is unfolding with the Port of Naugatuck project. I strongly believe we need to support this project that will bring industrial & commercial investments, jobs, and make Naugatuck a destination for families seeking a quality town to raise a family. It is through projects like the Port of Naugatuck where we will grow our way through the high mill rate by spreading the tax burden across a larger grand list.

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

I bring to the table a unique blend of private sector experience, nonprofit leadership, and public service. My experiences have ranged from decision making at Aetna, a 60 billion dollar enterprise, to being the treasurer of the Naugatuck High School Marching Band Association, to most recently serving as an advisor on an global advisory council at the highest level of government. I have been through municipal budgeting seasons in Naugatuck and have an understanding of how our borough operates like many other candidates - but what I will add a fresh perspective, energy, and a strategic mindset to the board of Burgesses. I will use my career, nonprofit, and public service experiences to weigh all options, and focus on the best solutions that will move our borough forward.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Aside from economic development, I believe an equally important factor in improving our borough is through the quality of the school district. When speaking to friends, colleagues, and others, the first question that gets asked in response to "How do you feel about this town?" is "What are their schools like?". Families will make decisions about staying in their current town, or moving to another, based on their perception of the school system. This is why our school district should be a top priority of all elected officials. Our schools need the tools, resources, and support to meet the changing needs of our school children to provide the best education possible. I pride myself on the public education I received in Naugatuck, and how well it prepared me for college and my career, and we must position our teachers to do the same for the next generation.

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

I look to my educational, professional, and community/public service as my record. I completed my bachelor's degree a year early, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I have been recognized by the Hartford Business Journal this year in their "40 Under Forty" Class of 2019 for my achievements in my career. Finally, my record over the last two years as a Finance Board member - voting consistently to support the education department, to make much needed investments in Public Works and Public Safety departments that include new parks/athletic fields, supporting the use of public works construction crews to maintain our borough (as opposed to outside contractors), and support of the Port of Naugatuck and other large economic development projects. I believe I have the experience and credentials to serve on the Board of Burgesses, and will continue supporting the issues as my record reflects.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

When I was young and helping my father with projects around the house, he would tell me "Measure three times before you make any cuts [to drywall, lumber, etc], because you can't undo the latter". This has been my guiding principle in everything I do: study the facts, study them again, think about every potential outcome, and then make the decision. This would be the process I would follow as a Burgess: to be informed on the issues and every possibility, and select the path that gets the borough moving in the right direction.

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

I have been a Naugatuck resident for 26 (of my 30) years, a product of Naugatuck public schools, and a dedicated community activist. Whenever I take on a responsibility, whether it be in my professional career, in nonprofits I have served, or most recently in other public service roles – I dedicate my energy and efforts to see that the best results are achieved.

I am excited for the opportunity to increase involvement in my hometown, and I promise to keep Naugatuck moving forward!