Profile: Seth Bronko Explains His Vision For Naugatuck

By Brian McCready, Naugatuck Patch Editor

Most people in Naugatuck know the name Bronko, or at least they should as Michael Bronko was the borough’s mayor from 2007-2009.

But Seth Bronko is hoping residents will soon know his name especially when they head to the polls this fall.

Seth Bronko, 26, who is co-owner of Bronko Construction, of Naugatuck, is vying for the Republican mayoral nomination this summer and then hopes to be elected mayor in the fall.

Bronko said it’s his love for his hometown that has led him to want to run for mayor. He said he’s not satisfied with the current state of things in town, and he wants to be apart of a change that will “make a positive different in town.”

Tax Rate

Bronko says there is no secret the borough’s tax rate is too high and residents are forced to pay too much in the way of taxes.

Bronko said the key to reducing the tax rate is to expand the tax base, which requires attracting new businesses to town.

“We need to make Naugatuck a more business friendly community,” Bronko said.

He said if elected he’ll create a “Naugatuck Small Business Connection,” which would connect business leaders in town with government officials including the mayor’s office.

“This would give businesses in town a voice,” Bronko said. “Business leaders in town complain that they feel like they’re on an island.

Bronko said it would be important as mayor to gain feedback from business leaders in town.

“We need to make sure small businesses succeed and stay in Naugatuck,” Bronko said.

Another thing he’d do is host a “Business Fair” on the Town Green.

“This would give businesses an opportunity to showcase themselves,” Bronko said.

Restaurants and retailers could showcase their products all in one place to residents.

Bronko said fixing the mill rate issue will take time and the key is building the tax base and bringing new businesses to town.

Naugatuck Schools

Bronko said the hiring of new Schools Superintendent Sharon Locke was one of the best decisions the school system has made in a long time.

He said she has a great vision for improving the academic success of students and as mayor he’d work closely with her to help facilitate that improvement.

A new program he’d launch if elected is a “Mayor’s Mentor Program,” where the mayor’s office would work to mentor high school student.

“This would create an incentive for excellence in education,” Bronko said. “I’d ask teachers to identify students who excel and select a handful and meet with them regularly to mentor them.”

He’d also like to have students partner with local businesses as part of an internship program.

Who is Seth Bronko?

“I’m a motivated and light-hearted person,” Bronko said. “I love to laugh and have fun. I’m also very determined and driven.”

Bronko is also a newlywed, having gotten married in November.

He said he knows in talking with residents many are disappointed and frustrated especially with the tax rate, but he says people love their town too.

“I have a positive outlook for what Naugatuck can be,” Bronko said. “Naugatuck is a great town and it has a great location. We’re in a great spot and there is a great community spirit in town.”