Patch Candidate Profile: Dorothy Neth-Kunin, 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 Dorothy Neth-Kunin, 63, is a Naugatuck resident running for burgess.

Education

Graduate Degree- Management; Undergraduate Degree - Finance; hold an 085 Business Manager Certification.

What is your occupation?

Group Health Underwriting Consultant, 40 years.

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

Married 36 years to Kenneth Kunin, no children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Robert Neth, currently Deputy Mayor.

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

Burgess for two years (11/2021-present).
Board of Education for 10 years (05/2011-11/2021).

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?

To ensure that others have a voice in making decisions for the community. As a burgess, I can be a conduit for the concerns and interests of the community.

It is my distinct honor to represent the community as burgess to make sure they have a voice at the table.

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 is tax relief. As with any municipality, the first order of business is to grow the grand list, manage the existing business, work with the board of finance and board of education to become financially prudent in spending while managing all expectations of our stakeholders, the tax payor.

Naugatuck at present time is in a growth and expansion mode, the Greater Naugatuck Valley is centrally located within the state of Connecticut and has become a desirable location. Many road improvement projects are either in progress or have been completed. Coupled with the upgrade to the sewer system and the revitalization of Church Street, downtown Naugatuck will become more desirable providing tax relief and increased Foot traffic.

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

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.

I completed the Parent Leadership Training Institute program increasing my awareness of the community allowing for greater understanding of their needs.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

If you run for office and follow your commitment to serve the community, you haven't failed.
Every two years there is an election and anyone wishing to serve the community can run for office in any capacity. I ask for continued support on November 7th.

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

I will listen to stakeholders and through collaboration express stakeholder concerns with mayor and Board of Burgess for the benefit of the Naugatuck residents.

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

I want to hear from the voters and actively seek out opinions and ideas.

My involvement in the Parent Leadership program as well as a member of the Parent School Council allows me to continue listening to parents and students.

I was able to bring bully prevention to the forefront initiating a poster contest K-12 recognizing various acts of kindness, belonging, acceptance, respect, etc. I look forward to future programs.

Bringing families to the community allows a community to thrive and education is in the forefront of new young families moving to the Naugatuck Valley. This is just the beginning.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be true to yourself, be compassionate in what you do, be empathic, and never take what you have or do for granted. Running for office is an honor and those who vote put their faith and trust you. Do the best you can and be honest.

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

I will continue my commitment and I am honored to have a voice that can be heard on important decisions. I am committed to serving the community and will always do my best in support of community.