Patch Candidate Profile: Rocky Vitale, 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 Rocky Vitale, 68, is a Naugatuck resident running for burgess.

Education.

Waterbury State Tech – Fire Science technologies, Post College – Business Management, Sacred Heart University – Computer Science, Insurance Institute of America – Associate in Claims.

What is your occupation?

Retired from the insurance industry.

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

Married with three grown children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My son is a police officer.

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

Naugatuck Finance Board (2 years), Naugatuck Board of Education (16 years), Burgess (10 years), chaired Litter Commission and Noise Ordinance Commission, Burgess Liaison to fire and police departments.

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?

It’s actually quite selfish. I enjoy and get great satisfaction by being involved and hoping I can make decisions that benefit everyone. I believe, as a burgess, you have to make informed decisions in the best interest of the Naugatuck.

I firmly believe that you cannot legislate from behind a desk at a meeting. You must be involved, see what is going on in the borough, and seek out information. Priorities are set by the citizens, balanced with any knowledge a burgess may have that isn't available to the public. As burgess, I actively seek out people’s opinions and ideas and integrate these into my thought process.

I have served the borough in one capacity or another in volunteer positions for almost 30 years. This is my home. I, along with many others, want to see if flourish. I raised three wonderful children here. They had success in school and now have moved on to success in the working world. That is what this borough is all about: helping everyone achieve success as much as possible.

As a resident for 36 years, I am committed to Naugatuck.

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

Without a doubt tax relief, now and in the future. As with any municipality, the first order of business is planned, controlled growth. Any municipality must be welcoming to new businesses, support existing ones and encourage a mix of both large corporations and mom and pop stores. This is the only way to alleviate the tax burden.

Exciting things are being done! Businesses are expanding, Rubber Avenue will be refurbished to the benefit of the business owners. Many road improvement projects have been completed such as Cross Street and North Main. Residents have a desire for many more road improvements. More is being spent this year on road repairs than ever before. Planned development of the downtown area be a game changer for tax relief and bring foot traffic to downtown merchants as well as well-paying construction jobs. Economic development starts with a welcoming attitude for all.

I hear businesses are moving out in droves. That simply is not true. While, sadly, some businesses will move, many businesses, large and small, are up and running or will be soon future. I have and will continue to support commercial projects that will provide tax relief.

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

We are all concerned about every aspect of our wonderful town. Anyone entering a political race should be commended. I seek out residents one on one to try to solve their concerns, not just sitting behind a table at meetings. My experience and commitment to that is unwavering.

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 do it right once in, you haven't failed.

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

That has been quite challenging the past few years with turmoil in the State budget and the need to keep taxes in control. While we lowered the mill rate this year, more needs to be and will be done. We simply must keep a constant eye on home values that are inflated due to forced reval and see if the state will allow us to provide some relief. Taxes are high. I get it. But there also is a responsibility to protect the Borough as a whole and act appropriately to ensure that the infrastructure is not deteriorating as it has been in past years due to lack of investment. Line by line review is the responsible way to separate wants from needs.

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. I ignore the Democrat vs. Republican. When we work together, we can accomplish more. We’re all in this together. Good discussion leads to answers to the issues. I’m just a normal guy that wants to do what’s best for the Borough. I will continue that pursuit.

I heard the concerns about litter and noise issues. I proudly chaired those committees and new ordinances were adopted to protect our residents. The litter issue is an unending battle. Working with the police department we have been able to identify dumping and hold dumpers accountable. This will continue.

I will continue my commitment and I’m honored to have a voice that can be heard in important decisions.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

When you are in a political office, some people will like you and some will not. Treat everyone the same. Help to resolve issues for everyone and don't take ill words personally.

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

I want to hear from the voters. Whether they agree with my voting decisions or not, they need to have a voice. We’re all in this together. Good discussion leads to answers to the issues. I just want to do what’s best for the borough. Let me know your concerns. Email, call, contact me. I will listen. I can’t promise to resolve all issues, but I will provide answers openly and honestly. will continue my commitment and I'm honored to have a voice that can be heard in important decisions.