Patch Candidate Profile: Bryan Lizotte, Shelton Board of 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.

Democrat Bryan Lizotte, 65, is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Alderman in Ward 2.

Education.

B.S. Medical Technology

What is your occupation?

Business owner, Shelton Gift Boutique.

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

One son: Patrick, age 17.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Appointed as chairman of the Shelton Bicentennial Committee in 1989.

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?

As a business owner in downtown Shelton, I have seen many issues with the downtown area. I have also been approached by business owners, residents and customers with issues. Firstly, much of the free municipal parking has been taken away to put up apartment buildings that don't even provide enough parking for their tenants. This makes it difficult for people to patronize the local businesses and restaurants.

Many sidewalks are in disrepair, making it hard for people to walk, especially a distance to patronize a business. There is no on-street handicap parking. There is rarely any police presence in the downtown area. Canal Street East has only one way in and one way out. There is no easy way for resident of the apartments on Canal Street East, to walk to the restaurants and businesses in downtown.

We need a lighted walkway. There need to be more trash receptacles so there won't be so much litter on the streets. Also, there needs to be better communication and more support for our schools, for the sake of our children.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is parking for residents, businesses and patrons of the businesses in the downtown area, and this is what I intend to do about it. First of all, I would like to encourage downtown residents to park in lots, instead of on the street. Have lined parking spots on the street, to optimize the number of cars, that will fit on the street. Look into the possibility of "timed" parking on the street and enforcement. Also optimize parking in lots and acquire vacant lots for parking.

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

One of the candidates has been in office for a while and I feel has ignored many of the issues and concerns people have in the downtown area. The other candidate is a developer, and we need committed public servants on the Board of Alderman, not those with a financial interest.

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

The incumbent has not addressed the parking problems, lack of police presence, nor the trash and sidewalk issues.

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

I also feel we need to support our school system better and our police. We should reprioritize our resources to dedicate an officer to "walk the beat" in downtown Shelton, as we have had in the past.

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

I was one of the original organizers of the original Shelton Day, a member of the Shelton Jaycees and the Derby-Shelton Rotary. I am also a business owner. I have organized numerous events and work hard to get things done.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If you try something you might fail, but if you don't try, you will never succeed.

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

If I am elected, I will not hide. You will always be able to find me at my shop and talk to me about any issues or concerns you may have about our city. You can also call or text me anytime at 475-235-1922.