Patch Candidate Profile: Judy Szewczyk, Derby Board Of Aldermen

DERBY, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Derby 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 Judy Szewczyk, 76, is a Derby resident running for the Board of Aldermen and Alderwomen in Ward 1.

Education

BS in Mathematics, California State University Stanislaus

What is your occupation?

Retired.

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

I am a widow and have 3 daughter and 4 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None.

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

I was elected to the Derby Tax Board for 8 terms starting in 2005. I was chair for 5 of those terms.

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 think we all need to be involved, in some way, in government.

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

The most pressing issue facing my constituents, and everyone really, is making ends meet. I want to push for regionalization of services that could save us a lot of money and keep taxes as low as possible.

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

I probably have more experience in local government than most of them and I am very conservative.

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

I'm not.

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

We need better long range planning that includes maintenance too.

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

My service on the Tax Board for many years as the chair person and owning my own successful business in the past.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Don't worry about things you can't control or fix.

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

I will work hard.