Patch Candidate Profile: Jim Orazietti, Shelton Board Of Education

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 Jim Orazietti is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

St Joseph Parochial School, Shelton High School, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain.

What is your occupation?

Retired from 35 years Sikorsky Aircraft; currently a part-time zoning inspector for the City of Shelton.

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

Married to Sharon, one daughter and one granddaughter.

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 (seven terms, Finance and Buildings & Grounds chair), Board of Appropriation and Taxation (two terms), Conservation Commission, Perry Hill School Building Committee Vice Chair, Public Building Improvement Committee, Asst. Register of Voters.

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?

Promote financial transparency and ensure that dollars are spent appropriately on education and essential services.

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

Special education and health insurance costs. I will continue to co-operate with the city and necessary boards to ensure we are able to fund these skyrocketing line items outside of our operational budget.

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

I believe I’ve earned the working cooperation of our city leaders over the past 25 years of volunteering in various capacities in our community.

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?

It's not important who receives credit, but that our students receive a proper education in a safe environment.

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

Besides being part of the team responsible for multiple building and facility improvements and promoting the beautiful Perry Hill School initiative, I was responsible for beginning the process to have the state reimburse over a million dollars due to the City of Shelton.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be patient.

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

I'm approachable and I always work to achieve the best results.