North Haven Election 2023: Joseph Solimene Running For Board Of Ed

NORTH HAVEN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in North Haven with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Board of Finance, Town Clerk/Tax Collector and more.

North Haven Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Joseph Solimene, 47, is running for re-election to the North Haven Board of Education as a Republican.

Education.

Washington College of Law, American University, LLM, Quinnipiac University, J. D

What is your occupation?

Auditor

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

Wife Elycia, married 20 years; four kids: Joseph, Jr., Elaina (North Haven High School Students), Alexander (North Haven Middle School student), Daniella (Green Acres Elementary School)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am seeking reelection to the Board of Education. I have been on the BOE since 12/17.

I was a member of the planning and zoning commission 11/16-11/20.

Board Member, Quinnipiack Valley Health District, 2014-2021

Member of the North Haven Senior Property Tax Freeze Advisory Committee 2016

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?

I am seeking reelection to the Board of Education for several reasons. First, I am extremely proud of the work that the board has done and what we have accomplished over my first six year term. We navigated unprecedented times, and remain cohesive with a singular focus on what was in the best interest of the student body.

Second, I believe that I still have more to offer as a board member. I think that I see things differently than other members of the community, having children in elementary, middle and high school, and being exposed to all the different levels of school in our district. If we elected, I will continue on the path that I started which is to put the best interest of the students first. This issue transcends politics and is the core of ever board member primary duty.

I bring a conservative approach to budgetary and policy concerns, and I think if you ask any board member, that while I am a conservative Republican I am not constrained by political affiliations, and will work with someone if their reasoning is sound, and their ends further, the best interests of our student body.

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

The buses. The problem our district is having with our bus company, impacts students and families on a daily basis.

I was one of the first board members to raise the issue of substandard service from our bus company. I reviewed the contract and I am of the personal opinion that they are in breach of a contract. I broached the subject with the superintendent and the former Director of operations, about the potential of getting a refund due to their failure to comply with the contract.

For over a year I have continued at meetings and with our district leadership to discuss the bus company and potential solutions to the problem.

If I am fortunate enough to be reelected, I will continue to push this issue to make sure the district gets the service it has both contracted for and deserves.

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

I have children in the high school, middle school and one in elementary school. I think that puts me in a unique position to see what is going on and be active in each of our school communities.

In addition, I am the only candidate running who has held a leadership position on the Board having previously served as vice-chair for three years.

I’m passionate about the position, the work we do and the positive impact we can have on students.

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

I speak with community members regularly about their concerns and answer their questions.

I am always willing and happy to speak with anyone in our district. The best way to be an effective member on the BOE is to hear about North Haven citizens concerns so we can address them the best way possible.

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

I have experience with the board’s role in the budget process and policy making. I have leadership experience among the board having been vice chair. I’ve served on and recently have been chair of the Curriculum and Instruction committee. I’m actively involved in the district not only as a board member but as a community member and father of four school aged children.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father told me to “Do what I love and love what I do.” Unfortunately, being young and stubborn led me down a long road to reach that destination. Thankfully, I arrived at that point. Life can be exceptionally difficult and challenging at times. Being happy with who you are, where you are and what you’re doing makes things much easier.

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

I’m proud to be a member of the Board of Education. I do not take the role or its responsibilities lightly. Giving back to the community is important to me and I would be honored and thankful to be re-elected to continue to serve this Town.

Are you running for office in North Haven? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile on North Haven Patch.