Patch Candidate Profile: Jackie Battos, Simsbury Board Of Selectmen

SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Simsbury resident Jackie Battos is running for the Simsbury Board of Selectman as a Republican.

The following is Battos' questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Jackie Battos

How old will you be as of Election Day?

48

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Simsbury

What office are you seeking?

Board of Selectmen

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education

I started off at Latimer Lane School, continued at St. Mary's School and graduated from Simsbury High School. I also took classes at Central Connecticut State University and the University of Rhode Island.

What is your occupation?

I'm a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway in Simsbury. I have been a Realtor for 17 years

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

I grew up in Simsbury with my 2 brothers and 2 sisters - Phil, Chris, Cat and Laura. Many people know my mom Suzanne from her time working at the Simsbury Library.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No family members work for the Town of Simsbury

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

I served as a selectman on the Simsbury Board of Selectmen from 2019 - 2021. I served as a commissioner on the Zoning Board from 2015 - 2019 and I am currently serving as an Alternate. Prior to that, I served as a commissioner on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2012 - 2015.

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 seeking this office to be the voice for the community and continue listening to our residents. My job as a realtor gives me a good understanding of what people are looking for, including a wonderful place to live with great schools and a nice sense of community.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is balancing the need for maintaining our superior education standards while keeping our mill rate low for all of our residents. I have voted to prioritize our schools while not increasing our mill rate and I will continue to do this.

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

Putting Simsbury first is my priority and always will be. I think that most of the candidates running for office in Simsbury feel the same way. Simsbury's tax base has steadily grown. I feel this allows us to balance the budget and maintain our standard of living while keeping our mill rate low.

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

I'm happy to discuss any concerns of residents at any time, not just during the campaign.

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

My expertise in negotiating in my job and my many years of serving as a volunteer will be a benefit to the board of selectmen. I feel it's important to maintain the needs of the community while considering the restraints of the state level that are before us. Simsbury is a wonderful place to live and it's important to keep its historic character and charm.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The best advice is a quote from Maya Angelou - "What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain."

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

I am passionate about Simsbury, all the town has to offer including our many options for recreation. It is a beautiful place to live with great schools and a nice sense of community.