Patch Candidate Profile: Amy Romano, Shelton Board Of Education

SHELTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Shelton and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Shelton-Derby Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Republican Amy Romano is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

Interior Design Degree, Paier College of Art.

What is your occupation?

Real Estate Developer.

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

Married to Mark; we have three children, Tyler 21, Niko 16, and Luca 11. Tyler is a recent college graduate from The College of St. Rose and is pursuing his MBA. Niko is currently a Shelton High School Junior and Luca is a Perry Hill School 6th grader.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes. Shelton Board of Education since 2019.

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?

To continue being the voice of the children, parents, and the taxpayers of the community.

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

At this time, I feel that Special Education costs are a pressing issue. If re-elected, I plan to advocate the creation of a sub-committee solely for Special Education to collaborate with the Director on a monthly basis on the needs of the department and students. This is something that is long overdue and would bring those needs to the forefront of the conversation. Everyone involved can help all parties understand the needs and the challenges our school system is facing during budget season.

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

Being a business owner, I understand how to operate a business, finances and much more. I often remind people that the Board of Education is a “business” and it needs to operate like one in order to be effective. Also, being the only member on the board with children in the system, I have a pulse on what is happening within the walls of the schools, which often leads to parents contacting me to seek advice as I can relate and be their voice when needed.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

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

Special Education costs and services.

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

I have served on the Board of Education for the past four years and have proven to be a dedicated member of the board by working collaboratively on committees as well as on my team. Some accomplishments were supporting new curriculum, reorganizing administration staff to bring more resources in the classroom, assisting with building projects, and fundraising to support students. Most importantly I assisted with restoring the relationship between the City and the Board of Education to advocate for funds to balance the budget and the money needed for our students.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Life is all about catch and release, you need to learn what things to keep and what to release, you can’t carry all things.

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

I have been part of the Shelton community since 2004. Our family came to Shelton to create a home for our children to grow up in. Having three children, I have a vested interest in our community and educational system. I have always been active in the community whether it was assisting being a room mom, being a volunteer for Junior Achievement for the students, and even being asked as a business owner to help students with projects during academic support time for enrichment opportunities.