Naugatuck Election 2021 Profile: Charles Marenghi

NAUGATUCK, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Naugatuck will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next several days, so check back often to see the latest.

Democrat Charles Marenghi, 53, is running for Burgess, Borough of Naugatuck in Naugatuck.

Occupation: Professional Educator

Family: Married to Gayle R. Marenghi (29 Years) 4 Children: Stephanie (21), Charles (19), Gwendolyn (13), and Gregory (11)

Experience: Burgess of Naugatuck 2019-Present, Selectman Borough of Naugatuck, Naugatuck Arts Commission (Former Chairman), and Howard Whittemore Memorial Library Board of Trustees (Former Chairman)

Family in government: My wife is the central treasurer for Naugatuck Public Schools

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing the borough is continuing to build our local economy. Economic development has been the focus for many years here in Naugatuck. In the last two years, we have laid the groundwork for substantial "Smart" economic growth. The borough board has adopted new policies that will use incentives to draw new industry to Naugatuck. We have improved our local infrastructure to make it clear to potential new business that Naugatuck open and ready to accommodate and welcome new ventures in town. Moreover, and in the past two years we have engaged in responsible local budgeting that has improved our bond rating. Working hard keeping our fiscal house on solid footing has proven well worth its while as we have restructured our long term debt with lower interest rates. This will result in millions of dollars in long term savings for the borough. With all of these accomplishments we have set the stage for economic development on a much more grand scale. If re-elected it is my intention to build upon what we have done. I will work with Mayor Hess to finish what we have started. I pledge to help the mayor make the "Port of Naugatuck" a reality. A reality that will grow our grand list and secure a prosperous future for Naugatuck. It is my plan to engage in continued responsible budgeting and "Smart" growth policies that preserve Naugatuck's natural assets and rich history while building a better future.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I feel that I represent working families in town quite well. As a father of four kids raised and educated in Naugatuck I have lived first hand the struggles and joys being a working parent in today's world. With each decision that I make politically I always take into account of how that decision will impact every borough family's overall quality of life. I want every family in town to live in a community that provides safety, opportunity, and a high quality standard of living. Families in Naugatuck can rest assured that they have a strong advocate working for them in local government. If re-elected I shall continue to do so.

Accomplishments:

My life has been defined by hard work, determination, and commitment to get things done. Coming from a family of modest means I had to work my way through college. It took some time to achieve my educational goals. However, working full time while doing my coursework only strengthened my resolve and appreciation of the value of that education. In my twenties I chose to serve my state and country as a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Serving in the military greatly shaped my belief in "Service above self." Returning to my hometown of Naugatuck in 1996 I resolved to get involved in the arts community in Naugatuck by serving on the Naugatuck Arts Commission. While on the commission I helped to found the Naugatuck Community Band and Choir. I saw a need in our community and worked hard to meet that need. As an parent I see my children as my greatest achievement. Volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, church leader, PTO officer, sports booster, and youth sports coach/administrator helped me to support my children in any way that I could. As a professional educator with over 20 years of experience in the borough I have worked with over 1, 000 fantastic youth in Naugatuck. Seeing many of them that have grown into wonderful adults is an achievement in the eyes of this teacher. I have been honored with several awards including Franklin Johnson Citizen of the Year, Paul Harris Fellowship, Naugatuck High School Alumni Association, Robert Genovese Patriotism Award, UCLL Gary Grom Volunteer Award, 2016 Naugatuck Teacher of the Year. In all honesty it was time consuming and sometimes exhausting work. However, and it was well worth the efforts. If re-elected I will continue to bring my work ethic and service above self commitment to the Board of Mayor and Burgesses.

Other issues:

My campaign platform for this 2021 election is to "Stay the Course." I simply ask that the voters of Naugatuck grant me the privileged to serve them again. If they do so, I will continue to work to support public education, invest in local infrastructure, promote economic development, and continue to be committed to serve the families of Naugatuck.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Burgess of Naugatuck is a position that's value is vested in the trust of the voters of the Borough of Naugatuck. I sincerely hope that the voters feel as though I respected and served their trust well these past two years. I would be honored to once again be granted the trust of Naugatuck's citizens and be granted the privileged to serve another two years.