Patch Candidate Profile: Erika Clements, Naugatuck Board Of Education

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 Erika Clements, 41, is a Naugatuck resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

WCSU-Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Walden University Masters of Science in Nursing: Leadership & Management.

What is your occupation?

Registered Nurse Director of Care Management 7 years.

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

My fiancé Luis Velasquez who is a constant supporter and encourager to me.
My three children, Christian Velasquez (14), Caiden Velasquez (11), & Caleb Velasquez (9) who are my inspiration and the reason I am pursuing a position on the Board of Education.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

I was previously on the Naugatuck Pop Warner Board of Directors, most recently as registration coordinator. Currently, I am the treasurer for Naugatuck Premier Football & Cheer.

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?

Our children need strong advocates at the Board of Ed level to ensure they have what they need to be successful throughout their public schooling and beyond that as they pursue life after graduation.

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 tax hikes that are being impacted by bills passed at the state level. This has implications for every single resident of Naugatuck. The focus should be on measures to lower the tax burden & give power back to the local government.

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

I have 3 children who have been or are currently being educated within the Naugatuck Public School system. I have first hand experience with what is successful and what is falling short.

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

Attendance is one of the issues impacting the success of students in our schools and one of the biggest contributing factors to the percentage of students who graduate and the number of students who go on to post high school education (either college or technical school.)

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My teacher, Mrs. Drauss in high school always said "Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better, and your better best." The outcomes in all aspects of our lives are directly correlated to the effort that is put into them. The more we put into our children and the public school system, the better we are shaping them to be the next leaders of our community.

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

Through listening and collaboration we can reshape, reform, and provide opportunity for all of our students. Our goal should not be simply to get students to only graduate from our school system but to be active, engaging citizens in Naugatuck.