Patch Candidate Profile: Bernard Simons, 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 Bernard Simons is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Aldermen in the Fourth Ward.

Education

BS in Business Administration, Sacred Heart University.

What is your occupation?

Zoning, blight and wetlands inspector for the City of Shelton; licensed insurance agent and prior owner of an insurance agency.

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

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Yes. Fourth Ward Alderman, 2019 to present; Board of Education (four years); Board of Education Finance Committee Chair; Public Building Improvement Committee and Chair; Board of Apportionment & Taxation and Chair.

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 would like to continue working to make Shelton a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.

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

There are actually two pressing issues: the city’s infrastructure (roads, bridges, water and sewer systems) and updating technology. I would intend to develop a long-range plan to fund our infrastructure (roads, bridges, water and sewer systems) and technology needs in a manner that allows us to minimize debt and manage repayment

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

As the previous owner of an insurance agency, I was involved with product marketing, management, insurance, financial services, banking, and investments. From my extensive travels throughout the United States and from living in several states and towns and cities in Connecticut, I have had the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t. This is knowledge I try to apply this knowledge when making decisions.

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

Using long-range planning to make sure the Board of Education is properly funded in order to better serve the needs of students.

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

Four year terms on the Board of Aldermen and Board of Education; previously served as Board of Education Finance Committee Chair; also a member of the Public Building Improvement Committee and Chair; previously on the Board of Apportionment & Taxation and as Chair.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen twice as much as you speak.

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

I am so very proud to call Shelton as my home for more than 35 years.