Naugatuck Election 2021 Profile: Dorothy Neth-Kunin

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 the borough.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next couple of weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Republican Dorothy Neth-Kunin, 61, is running for Burgess in Naugatuck.

Occupation: Group Health Underwriter

Family: Husband Kenneth Kunin, 62, married 34 years, and 2 pugs Bailey and Rocco (a rescue)

Experience: Member of the Board of Education

Family in government: Robert Neth (Brother) –Burgess – Naugatuck Fred Grohs (Uncle) – Board of Assessment Appeals - Thomaston

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is a plan to increase Grand List to reduce Taxes, and this is what I intend to do about it. Dorothy will listen to stakeholders and through collaboration, express stakeholder concerns with the Mayor and Board of Burgess for the benefit of the Naugatuck residents – Dorothy will identify opportunities that focus on the continued efforts in making Naugatuck a desirable place to live. Dorothy will continue supporting an equitable and diverse community and provide support for an enriched, equitable, and engaging Educational system that all families can benefit from. In turn, and create a positive environment to entice a thriving and growing community (i.e. Grand List) and theoretically reduce taxes. Economic development and controlled spending is the key to tax relief.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Each candidate brings their own experiences, interests, and unique qualities to the table. Through collaboration, strengths are determined and individual strengths can be utilized to focus on what is best for the community. What Dorothy offers is 10.5 years on the Board of Education participating in several committees identified, but not limited to, Finance, Policy, facility, curriculum, along with life experiences and 35+ years in the insurance industry. Dorothy possesses a master’s degree in management, and 085 Certification, and and a certification in healthcare reform. Dorothy believes all candidates running do so because they truly care about their community and Dorothy believes she can bring a fresh perspective.

Accomplishments:

Dorothys accomplishments as a Board of education member and her professional career have been the result of collaboration and commitment. Dorothy believes collaboration, and the ability to listen with empathy, are necessary to be an effective candidate for Burgess. Dorothys accomplishments include Board of Education 10.5 years (4.5 years Vice-Chair; 4.0 years Chair; 2.0 years’ independent contributor) within the 10.5 years Dorothy served on the following committees – Contract Negotiating committee at all entry points, Administrative search committee, Superintendent search committee, Curriculum, Finance, Facilities, Communications, Policy committees and appointed to serve on the Non-Union Pension Board as well as the BOE/AFSCME Pension Board. Processed in collaboration with board members Superintendent and HR annual performance review. Lastly, and as a Justice of the Peace one must listen to the needs of the interested party and create and deliver a program that meets expectations. Dorothy is committed to doing the very best.

Other issues:

Dorothy is an independent thinker, open-minded, level-headed, fair, honest, and possesses a willingness to listen to other points of view. Dorothy understands the importance of Diversity, Equity, and and Inclusion while serving a diverse community.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Dorothy is blessed with sitting on the Board of Education for the past 10.5 years. Dorothy’s decision to run as Burgess is a culmination of many things but most important was the observation of many new families in the district expressing an interest in running for a seat on the Board of Education. Dorothy can tell all that she is a hard-working committed individual who will always do her best in support of the community but so is each and every elected member. Dorothy will strive to be mindful of our diverse community. will continue to do her very best in support of the community. Thank you for your support.