Patch Candidate Profile: Anthony Rykowski, Naugatuck Burgess

NAUGATUCK, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Naugatuck and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Naugatuck Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Anthony Rykowski, 41, is a Naugatuck resident running for burgess.

Education

BS in Public Safety Administration

What is your occupation?

Police Officer/Detective Supervisor with 19 years of experience.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have been married to my wife Colleen for 10 years. We have an 8-year-old daughter named Shelby and a 6-year-old son named Mikey.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No I have not.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am a third-generation Naugatuck resident and truly love this town. Over the past several years I’ve seen far too many families forced out of Naugatuck because of our extremely high tax burden. We have failed over and over when it comes to controlling our spending and taxes. I’ve reached the point where I can no longer just sit back and complain, it’s time to get involved and be the change.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the astronomical tax burden placed upon them. I intend on challenging borough expenditures and focusing spending on projects that enable actual economic growth and create impactful revenue.

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

I believe that my experience working in challenged communities as a law enforcement officer, and as a small business owner, provides me a unique perspective as it relates to the very real effects of poor governmental spending and policy.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I intend to also address public safety and the necessity of fully supporting all of our first responders. There’s a significant nationwide shortage of first responders and we have to be vigilant in not only recruiting the very best and most highly qualified, but also in retaining those who we are lucky enough to already employ. The attrition rates in law enforcement and fire services are at levels never seen before so it’s imperative that we stay ahead of that.

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

At 41 years old I am a licensed master electrician with my own business. I’m also an 19 year veteran police officer entrusted to supervise homicide and other major crime related investigations for my department.

While carrying out these duties I put myself through college while also raising a young family. I believe this demonstrates my ability to manage both time and people while navigating extremely stressful situations.

My success in these endeavors also demonstrates my ability to make sound decisions, achieve goals, and remain committed no matter how difficult the task.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is that the key to achieving long term goals is to set short term goals within them.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like voters to know that I recognize my inexperience as an elected official. With that, I am not afraid to research, ask questions, and seek the input of those I serve. I will remain committed to my goal of making Naugatuck a more affordable, better place to live and work. I will let that guide my decision making always. I have full confidence that I can, and will perform if elected.