Patch Candidate Profile: Anthony Simonetti, Shelton Alderman

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 Anthony Simonetti is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Aldermen in the First Ward.

Education

Shelton elementary schools for grades K-5; St. Margaret Mary School for grades 6-8; Notre Dame High School, West Haven. BS in Business Administration, University of Scranton; additional credits for MS in Business Administration, University of Bridgeport

What is your occupation?

Presently a part-time substitute instructor at Emmett O’Brien Technical School, and the Monroe and Trumbull school systems.

Retired as the 53 year owner/manager/administrator of nursing homes in Shelton, Derby, North Haven and Phoenix, Arizona.

Managed a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona for five years.

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

Married for 42 years to Janice; two sons, Tom and Nick; daughter-in-law, Ashlie and grandson, Anthony.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes.
First Ward Alderman for 14 Years;
Board of Aldermen Finance Committee Chair;
Board of Aldermen Street Committee Member;
Shelton Republican Town Committee Chair, 14 years.

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 want to continue to give back to the people and Shelton community who provided me with many opportunities when I was growing up in Shelton. So many were my teachers, coaches, scout masters and mentors. By concentrating on the Board of Aldermen directives to administer fiscal policies that ensure tax dollars are spent judiciously and wisely I can ensure the citizens of Shelton, young and old alike, that they will continue to have a safe environment in a welcoming place where there are excellent schools, well maintained infrastructure and where they will not be overwhelmed by government regulations and/or excessive taxes.

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

We are now the sixth safest city in Connecticut (a major jump from the 40th) so I want to continue our efforts to provide a safe environment for all in schools on our streets, in our parks and on our trails.

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

As a private business owner and as a Board of Aldermen member for 14 years, I have experience dealing with government agencies my opponents do not have. I am able to recognize and either dispense or mitigate unnecessary regulations that stunt business growth. I promote capitalism to ensure our tax base is strong and have always fairly and respectfully treated the taxpayers of Shelton.

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?

My campaign has not changed since I first sought office. I believe the Aldermen, by City Charter the fiscal authorities for the city, should be vigilant about keeping taxes low, good stewards of the taxpayer's money, promoting balanced growth in the city and holding the line to spending and borrow. As a member of the Board of Aldermen, I will always honor and respect its fiduciary responsibility.

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

Voting to hold maintain or lower our city’s mill rate; chairman for three years of the Shelton High School Renovation and Building Committee. In my position as a Nursing Home Administrator, caring for elderly persons who in many cases were unable to care for themselves, while making decisions with regard to their finances, I was respectful and dutifully followed a strict protocol to ensure that they were properly cared for and were not taken advantage by others. I have continued to follow that protocol to ensure taxpayers are treated respectfully and their tax dollars are spent judiciously.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be a man for others.

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

I have been and will always be available to speak or meet with any citizen or group to listen to their concerns and views on any matter to resolve problems. I am not in favor of apartment/multifamily construction outside of the downtown area.