Patch Candidate Profile: Anthony Smeraglino, Shelton Board Of Ed

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 Smeraglino is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

Culinary High School & Technical School.

What is your occupation?

District Manager for Bridgeport Nutrition Center.

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

Wife, Suzann; daughter, Nicole Thompson and son-in-law, Shawn Thompson; grandsons, Brayden, 14, and Rylen, 11. Son, Joe Smeraglino and daughter-in-law, Joanne Smeraglino; grandsons, Henry, 11 and Calvin, 8.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes. Board of Education, 2005-2011; Board of Education Finance Committee.
Appointed to Housing Authority, Board of Tax Review and Zoning Board of Appeals.

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 better our school system.

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

Approved budget line items are increasing unnecessarily. Develop a reliable system to accurately report finances to the Board on a timely basis.

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

I have proven myself when serving previously on the Board of Education. Now I am older and wiser.

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?

Cooperation needs to exist among all members of the Board, no matter what “side of the aisle” you may sit, as the Board’s ultimate responsibility is to provide the means for students to receive an excellent education.

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

I managed a $7 million college food service program and successfully ran a private school service program with extensive catering in Greenwich.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be humble, be strong and be happy.

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

I have been a dedicated and involved citizen of Shelton for over 45 years. I am currently employed by the Bridgeport Board of Education as the District Manager of its Nutrition Center where I oversee the food service programs and work with the state of Connecticut to keep school programs in line.