Patch Candidate Profile: John Anglace, 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 John Anglace, 91, is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Aldermen in the Third Ward.

Education

BS, Industrial Relations, University of Bridgeport.

What is your occupation?

Now retired; worked for Pfizer, Inc. as the Director of Labor Relations for 22 years and as the Director of Retiree Relations for 6 years.

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

Two children, five grandchildren and one great grandson.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes. Melissa Camerato.

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

Yes.

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 continue my volunteer commitment to help my community.

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

First, funding our infrastructure and technology in a manner that allows us to manage repayment within our means. Second, we have proposed Charter changes that increase the annual amount that can be borrowed under our 5-year repayment schedule and we have suggested another Charter change that creates a Joint Technology Committee which, if approved, would allow the BOA to petition the voters for Capital funding specifically to be used for City and Board of Education technology needs. Without this the BOA is limited by Charter to the amount it can spend annually for Capital improvements which needs periodic updating to keep pace with rising costs.

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

My experience in local government, familiarity with the administration of the city and Board of Education, and understanding state law and its impact on local government.

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?

My many years of experience with the budget process which is critical to fully funding education needs while keeping taxes affordable. A low mill rate helps our citizens cope with the many state and federal laws and executive orders that raise the cost of food, mortgages, gasoline, etc.

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

I have served as president of the Board of Alderman for years and have compiled a record which is the envy of most other Connecticut municipalities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work with everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to achieve the best for Shelton residents.

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

I have a long history of positive constituent service, of helping our city accumulate fully-paid open space, develop parks, create economic development without creating debt to do so.