Patch Candidate Profile: Ludwig Spinelli, Shelton 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 Ludwig Spinelli, 74, is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Aldermen in the Fourth Ward.

Education

BS, MS Southern Conn. State Univ.

What is your occupation?

Retired health care CEO.

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

Wife Christina and three sons Matthew, Geoffrey & Justin, all SHS grads, 5 grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

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

Alderman 1991, Zoning Alternate 2012.

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 have extensive government experience having worked in Bridgeport and New Haven. I have successfully written million in federal and state grant applications. I was the CEO of a major community health center in Fairfield County and oversaw a budget of $54 million annually. I have also taught on the college level and was on several non-profit boards.

I am seeking to restore transparency to the city and listen to the resident's. I oppose Plan Development District's in R-1 zones, and seek to support the School District with adequate funding. Our mayor has lost touch with the residents and has become a major developer and landowner. Our infrastructure is crumbling and the city lacks a current vision of economic development.

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

Keeping taxes low. I will ensure an adequate budget and encourage growth without hurting homeowners. I will also refrain from wasteful litigation against union members and reach consensus through honest negotiation. Investment in technology and our schools must remain a priority.

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

I will develop a real budget and not one contrived by the mayor that encourages leaving open vacancies in the police and other departments. The current administration bonds for operating expenses that cost taxpayers more down the road as interest rates rise. I will work with the opposite party on behalf of the children and faculty to make our school district exemplary.

The PDD is overused by developers who continue to tax our infrastructure and threaten residential zones. We are in dire need of a full time city planner. Also, other towns have Economic Development Directors, while the mayor requires all major projects to go through him.

I do not seek employment with the city; my opponent is currently employed by the city.

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

My opponents are rubber stamps for the mayor. The inadequate city budget and its negative impact on the schools, technology and infrastructure lower real estate values. They have approved an unrealistic raise for the mayor while, key positions remain vacant. Their actions against members of the police and other city departments will result in unnecessary litigations and fines the taxpayers must cover. Attempts to limit citizen input in the previous and proposed charter revisions are another example of resident disregard.

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

Development of a revised Master Plan, and better road care and paving.

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

I served as an alderman in the Pacowta administration. I will be an advocate for the residents and seek solutions to issues. I am aware of excessive development and overuse of the PDD that favors developers.

I have the expertise and time to review projects that come to the alderman and question why department heads do not fill budgeted positions. I will also seek a new city auditor as our funds have not been properly safeguarded in the past.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be a good listener and do what is right.

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

I strongly support our sports leagues for all ages and adorate for more frequent hazardous waste collections.