Patch Candidate Profile: Michael Weber, 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 Michael Weber is a Shelton resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

BS in Accounting, University of Connecticut; MBA, University of Notre Dame.

What is your occupation?

Director of Finance, Global Services & IT Industry

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

Wife, Ashleigh; two daughters, one attending Shelton Intermediate School, one attending Elizabeth Shelton School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not currently but have in the past. My mother, Margaret Weber, was Assistant Town Clerk for the City of Shelton for 24 years.

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?

Education is the cornerstone of every community. With two children in the Shelton public school system, I have a vested interest in seeing that our children receive the best education available. I have extensive experience working with different stakeholders to successfully achieve a common goal. I feel I can continue the collaborative relationship with the Board of Alderman to make sure our students receive the necessary tools to succeed.

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

Our most pressing issue is containing the rising costs associated with our education system, while providing an environment that enriches our student’s education, experience and preparedness for the next step upon graduating from our schools. We need to look at all options, both conventional and outside the box, that will allow us to contain those costs so that we can invest in the growth of our education system.

After spending the past 25 years working in the Global Services & IT industry, I have seen firsthand the benefits of having a robust STEM and Analytics education program and would work to expand that curriculum in Shelton. I would work to incorporate more analytics into our decision making, so that we can provide feedback to our constituents on the District’s performance.

Education is many parent’s first priority and they take a passionate approach to advocating for their children. I think transparency and communication will be key in achieving and continuing Shelton’s success.

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

I have an extensive background dealing with budgets, contract negotiations and collaborating with different stakeholders to achieve maximum results.

Like most public service areas, there must be a balance between fulfilling the mission of the Board and making sound fiscal decisions. The Board would be well served by my business background and I would work tirelessly to make sure we are fulfilling our fiscal responsibilities as well as academic.

I feel the best way to achieve success is to listen to all opinions, gather the necessary data and then make the best decision that will benefit our children. Working in the IT services industry has given me an appreciation for data analytics and the benefits it provides in decision making. I have two children currently in the Shelton school system so I bring an additional view and insights as a parent.

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?

I think the continued collaboration between the Boards of Education and Aldermen is key to our success. If we all work together, we can both contain costs and invest in our education system. At the end of the day, we all want to see our children get the best education and to enable them for success.

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

I have successfully managed multi-million dollar operations and collaborated with stakeholders that have different objectives to achieve successful results. Those results have led to reducing my client’s costs allowing them to utilize those cost savings to invest in a better service for their customers.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The answer is always “no” unless you ask.

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

I am a graduate of the Shelton school system and know that it laid the foundation for me to be successful in college, graduate school and my profession. My achievements confirm what my parents always believed: a strong education is the key to a person's future success.

After a period away, I decided to move back to Shelton to raise a family because I believe it is a great community. After living in other Connecticut towns, I have come to appreciate all that this town has to offer, stable taxes among them.

My brother, also a Shelton graduate, was Chairman of the Board of Education in Delray Beach, Florida, so I understand completely the responsibility, effort and energy that is required by being a Board member.

My candidacy is based more on the alternative skill set I can bring to the Board of Education, and how I would utilize it to help the Board provide students with the best education possible.