Patch Candidate Profile: Kim Gallo, 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.

Democrat Kim Gallo, 65, is a Naugatuck resident running for burgess.

Education.

Graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1976. BS Elementary Education, Southern Connecticut State College, 1980. MS School Counseling, Southern CT State University, 1987. Sixth Year Certificate, Educational Administration, Sacred Heart University, 1993.

What is your occupation?

Teacher of Science, School Counselor, Assistant Principal: Naugatuck Public Schools, 1981-2004; Assistant Principal, Interim Principal: Nonnewaug High School, 2004-2010; Middle and High School Principal: Shepaug Valley School, 2010-2021. Retired in June of 2021.

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

Married to Tom Gallo since May, 1980. Three grown children: Sarah - married to Keith - Laughner; Adam - married to Kim (Calandro) Gallo; Mike - married to Lindsay (Witkoski) Gallo. Five grandchildren: Sierra, Abigail, Lucy, Kennedy, Richard.....#6 due in November!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Currently a member of the Naugatuck Board of Education, appointed in October 2022.

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?

Since my retirement, I have sought ways to serve my community and to utilize the educational and leadership skills that defined my career. Becoming a burgess would allow me to have a voice in the future of the town in which I was born and raised.

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 in our community is the need for smart growth, which will provide our residents with greater opportunities, a more stable community, and tax relief. In order to prepare myself for this position, I've read minutes from the Board of Mayor and Burgess meetings for the past several years. I've attended meetings with a variety of local officials to educate myself about Mayor Pete's plan for smart growth, and I am convinced that I can contribute to this effort by listening and learning, much in the same way I did as a member of educational leadership teams.

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

I have a great deal of respect for long-time burgesses such as Bob Neth and Fran Dambowski. Both work tirelessly to create a unified, non-partisan approach to the growth of our community. The lessons I have learned from our community leaders have convinced me that I can contribute positively to this team!

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

I am a lifelong educator, and I look forward to contributing positively to our schools. I will do my best to work with the leadership team to bring opportunities to our students, and to continue the strong partnership between the Board of Mayor and Burgesses and the Board of Education. As Mayor Pete says, "No Red. No Blue. Only Garnet and Grey!"

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

I have written grants to bring programs to my students, and have contributed positively to maintaining strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders: students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as community members.

I oversaw a $35 million renovation and addition to Shepaug Valley School, a project that modernized science labs and created The Agriscience Academy, a program that stabilized a shrinking school population and continues to offer numerous opportunities to students. As part of this project, I provided context and testimony to the CT legislature in order to secure grant approval.

These experiences are among the many in my forty-year career that show my ability to work as a team member, to maintain strong, positive relationships with those I serve, and uniquely qualify me for the position I seek.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I have had numerous mentors over the years, and have listened carefully to the advice of those who came before me. Perhaps the bit of advice that applies best here is to spend time listening when new to a position. I may not always agree with everyone, but I will be sure that all have the opportunity to be heard.

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

I grew up in Naugatuck, met my husband at Hop Brook Pool, and raised our family in the hometown that we love. Our family believes strongly in service: Both of our sons are former Marines, and our daughter serves her community as an occupational therapist. I am excited about the prospect of serving the community as a burgess!