Naugatuck Election: Francis Santana For Burgess

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 Francis Santana, 47, is running for Burgess in Naugatuck.

Occupation: Secretary To The Superintendent Of Schools (Naugatuck)

Family: I have 2 sons, Shane (11) and Stan (18). Shane is in 6th grade and Stan graduated from Naugatuck High School in June 2021. He currently attends NVCC.

Experience: N/A

Family in government: No.

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

As I have canvassed the town, our residents want to see vacant lots filled with new businesses. They want the mill rate and taxes to be lower. They want to see more non-sports related programming for our youth. More resources for our seniors and vets. Other residents talked about the roundabout, others talked about the conservation of wetlands and wildlife. Currently the Board of Mayor and Burgesses, along with other commissions, are actively working on all of these concerns. Change takes time. We are all witnesses of the progress the town has made over the past few years. We are moving in the right direction. If I am given the opportunity to serve as a Burgess, and I will do the work it takes to continue to move Naugy forward.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

All of the candidates for Burgess bring a unique set of skills, perspective, ideas and experiences. The great thing about our democracy is that we all have the right to use our voice and become civically engaged. I am running because I want to use my voice to speak on behalf of ALL of our residents, and especially people of color and different cultural backgrounds. Being fluently bilingual in Spanish allows me the opportunity to reach a wider range of residents in town.

Accomplishments:

I am a first generation college graduate. My parents were migrants from the Dominican Republic. They worked hard and long hours to keep a roof over our head and food on the table. They instilled in us (my brother and sister) respect, hard work and perseverance. Everything I have overcome has been an accomplishment. I was born and raised in New York City where for many years I felt invisible and like a target at the same time. I had a rough upbringing in terms of surviving the streets of the Bronx. I attended a High School with over 4, 000 students. I was a truant for a couple of years until my social studies teacher, Mr. Levine, believed in me more than I believed in myself. I graduated high school and attended SUNY Cortland. I have a BA in sociology and criminology.

I have over 20 years of experience working with severely mentally ill adults, abuse survivors, substance abusers and incarcerated people. I graduated from the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) Class of 2020. This 20 week course teaches participants to advocate for children and families in their community. It also focuses on the importance of becoming civically involved. I serve on the Board of the Connecticut Partnership for Children (CTPFC), a local agency that serves children and families by providing them with resources, referrals and tangible items like food, diapers and clothing.

I have a post graduate degree in Human Resource Management. I work at the Board of Education and commend and support the hard work our teachers, secretaries, para educators, custodians, nurses, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, parents and administrators do everyday, especially in these trying times.

I do not have a political background and my party affiliation should not be a reason not to vote for me. All voters should make an informed decision and vote a person not a party. I want to listen to my neighbors, get to know them and their concerns. I want to build relationships with my community. I commit to asking questions, and have an open mind when making decisions and exercise my ability to compromise.

Other issues:

The Board of Mayor and Burgesses are working hard to bring more economic development to the town. I support projects like the Port of Naugatuck and the revitalization of Rubber Avenue and the development of Parcel B which will bring vibrancy to the downtown area.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I want voters to know that I moved to Naugatuck 4 years ago and this town has embraced me and my family from day one. The invisibility that I grew up feeling is no longer an issue. I have planted roots here in Naugatuck and there is no other place I'd rather be. One thing I have in common with EVERY Naugatuck resident is that I love this town and I only want to see it become better and stronger than it already is!

If voters allow me the opportunity to be their liaison and I will work hard and consistently to bring their concerns to the table. As a woman of color it is important for me to see the demographics of our local government be representative of the town's population.