Patch Candidate Profile: Ben Perry, Shelton Board Of Aldermen

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 Ben Perry, 55, is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Aldermen in the Second Ward.

Education

Shelton High School, Class of 1987.

What is your occupation?

Owner and operator of S&G of Shelton, LLC, located in Shelton and S&G Hauling, LLC, located in Derby, which employ a total of eighteen local residents.

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

Married to Christen Sylvester Perry for 24 years. Two daughters, Sophia, a Iona University senior and Gabriella, a freshman attending Sacred Heart University.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

No.

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 looking to utilize my time and experience to improve the community that has been good to me and my family, represent the needs and concerns of the residents of my ward, and resolve topics of public concern in a timely manner.

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

Residents and businesses face a rising cost of living. I plan to maintain the city’s strong financial position while keeping in mind the needs of residents and businesses.

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

My years of business experience have afforded me the ability to effectively communicate and problem solve. The Board of Alderman faces ever changing and conflicting demands and an open-minded approach to a balanced city plan is needed as Shelton continues to develop.

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

Only one member of the Board of Aldermen voted no on the budget. In doing so, he voted against a negotiated agreement between the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools. He voted against an additional $2.5M appropriation for the schools which covered the cost of the contractuals. By voting against the budget, he also voted against keeping our mill rate at a low and stable rate of 17.47 mills.

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

Working with other city departments to assist in resolving issues affecting residents and to ensure all city departments are fiscally responsible.

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

Being a successful small business owner in Shelton for many years, I have completed numerous, large-scale projects on time and as budgeted. Through those projects I have been able to collaborate closely with countless other small business owners throughout our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always strive do the right thing.

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

I am a life-long resident and a self-employed small-business owner in Shelton for over thirty years. I have been a volunteer member of the Board of the Friends of Jimmy Miller for the past 18 years. I previously served for four years on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley, and was recognized in 2015 to its Hall of Fame. I enjoy being involved in my community and watching its continued and positive growth. Most importantly, I care about the future of our community.