Patch Candidate Profile: Julian Campoli, 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 Julian Campoli, 33, is a Derby resident running for the Board of Aldermen and Alderwomen in the Second Ward.

Education

University of New Haven, Bachelors Degree Criminal Justice; Fairfield Prep

What is your occupation?

Land Surveyor at Accurate Land Surveying, LLC

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

Bruna Campoli (wife), John and Jacqueline Campoli (parents), John Campoli (brother), Chloe Campoli (sister), Neil and Barbara Dorso (grandparents)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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 am looking to serve the people of Derby and specifically the people in my community. I want to be part of a team that is willing to work together in order to do what is best for Derby and the people who live here. My vision is to cultivate a culture that brings unification and positivity to the leadership of Derby, which will set the example and trickle down to the people who live here.

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

A lack of hope for Derby as a whole, and faith in the city government. As your representative, I plan to bring transparency, honesty, responsibility, wisdom, understanding, and integrity to all levels of the the city government. I want the people who live in Derby to trust city officials to lead us to a place of prosperity. Older generations always talk about how downtown Derby was"the place to be". Completion of the Main Street project presents immediate development opportunities. This is Derby's chance to become a vibrant and exciting place to live in once again.

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

I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I want to be a visual example for anyone willing to watch what it is like to have a relationship with God and to experience Him continually. To be a walking testimony of what it is like to experience His completeness, presence, peace, joy, love, grace, and provision on a daily basis. To show that following Him means putting aside your "self" in order to serve others and meet their needs. I don't want to force the faith I have on anyone, but I would like others to see what it is like to live life to the fullest with Him.

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

Ron Sill is the only one seeking reelection from the 2nd Ward. Ron works hard for community and knows what it means to serve others. His record speaks for himself. He is a sensible person who is willing to work with others regardless of political party. He has done a great job as a member of the Board of Alderman for a number of years. If he is reelected I look forward to working along side of him.

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

Financial responsibility. We need to wisely budget and spend money that our taxpayers work so hard to earn. Making a new downtown Derby more attractive to a variety of large and small businesses is the key to breaking the financial burden on residents.

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

I have been in various leadership roles throughout my life whether it was in school, Boy Scouts, sports teams, and in the work place. Whatever it is that I work at, I work at it with all my heart. I always work to lead by example. I also have the ability and gift to unify and bring people together in order to work towards a common goal.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The power of life and death are in your tongue, so speak life to others.

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

Troop 3 Eagle Scout and active role in Cornerstone Church Oxford, CT