North Haven Election 2023: Michael Freda For First Selectman

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.

Republican incumbent Michael Freda is running unopposed for his eighth term as First Selectman.

Education.

BA Sociology and Public Speaking

What is your occupation?

14 Years as North Haven First Selectman

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

Wife Shirley and children Michael, Shari and Michelle

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

First Selectman, Board of Finance

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 still not satisfied because I am motivated to continue to accomplish even more in North Haven. I am very driven and focused to bringing in new businesses, supporting public safety, supporting education, helping our seniors and improving our parks, our recreational facilities, our sports fields and to continue deliver outstanding services in all areas to our wonderful residents.

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

The emergence of car break-ins, catalytic converters being stolen, cars being stolen and criminals thinking that there are no consequences anymore. I intend to add more Police officers here in North Haven, I will continue to support law enforcement regional task forces to combat crime, and I will continue to support law enforcement through my position as First Selectman, and through my position as a member of the statewide law enforcement panel POST. I have made public statements that we need more consequences for those who commit crimes. Representing our citizens and having their backs and their family's safety is very important to me at all times. I have made public statements that I am disgusted, fed up and we are not going to take it anymore and there will be consequences.

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

Although I am running unopposed, I do have an opponent and that's the man in my mirror whom I see every morning and whom I am always competing against. My experience includes having been a Corporate CEO, I have sat on Corporate Boards and now being in office for 14 years, I also sit in several statewide boards and have been Chairman of many of them. My overall experience includes strategic planning, operational execution, public speaking, public presentations and organizational financial management.

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

I will continue to let our citizens know how much I care for them and how much I care for their families, and their overall well being.

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

Being responsible for bringing in hundreds of new businesses to North Haven, bringing in the medical epicenter on Devine and State Street, overseeing the finances of the government to achieve a AAA gold standard financial rating, working to help our residents on a variety of issues and having bi-partisan relationships all across the state of Connecticut to get things done and create positive outcomes for our residents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It's advice I gave myself and that is to give people your undivided attention when they ask to speak with you, no matter how busy you are.

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

I stay in top physical condition, I work out vigorously every day and am prepared for any situation that this government would ever be presented with.

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.