Patch Candidate Profile: Tina Parelli-Silkoff, Derby Tax Board

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.

Democrat Tina Parelli-Silkoff, 50, is a Derby resident running for the Board of Apportionment and Taxation.

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Service Counseling from Lyndon State College.

What is your occupation?

Oral Surgery Associates - 6 years.

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

Married for 21 years to Michael Silkoff, 2 children James 20 years old and Cassandra 16 years old. James is a 2021 graduate of Derby High School, he played varsity football and baseball and is a member of National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Cassandra is a junior at Derby High School. She runs Varsity cross country and indoor and outdoor track. She is also a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

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?

To help monitor the finances of the city on a regular basis. To work towards improving the city’s yearly budget and to help adopt tue annual municipal budget and tax rate.

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

Working towards reversing the city’s deficit and help to ensure our taxes are not raised.

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

I really don’t think there are any major differences. I think we all want the same thing. We want our city to run efficiently and for the city’s finances to make sense.

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

N/A

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

I worked for the Fairfield YMCA for years and was responsible for the day to day management of budgets for several departments.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be present and always listen to every side.