Patch Candidate Profile: Jim Morelli, Southington Town Council

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

Southington resident Jim Morelli is running for the Southington Town Council as a Republican.

The following is Morelli's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Jim Morelli

How old will you be as of Election Day?

64

What city or town do you live in?

Southington

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education

Born and raised in Southington. Attended local schools. 1981 Graduate of CCSC with a BS IT Manufacturing.

What is your occupation

District Sales Manager-OEM Life Science Northeast

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

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

PZC Commissioner 2012-2019 Town Council 2019-2023

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?

As a born and raised resident, I want to do all I can to preserve the beauty, charm, and excellence of this great community

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

An uncertain and unstable economic future along with prudent development.

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

I am an open and unbiased observer and always consider all residents not my personal position. I am a strong believer in conservative values both economically and in development. My goal is to preserve our past while setting the best course for future generations. Growth is challenging and our budget is always difficult. I take my votes very seriously on these topics. I try to always consider multiple possible scenarios and vote for what I think best suits our town in its entirety.

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

Democrats have continually shown that they do not have the best interests of our population as a whole. They are for spending and increases, yet they have no plan on how to pay for this added monetary burden to the taxpayers. This could only be tax increases and diminished services elsewhere. They are constantly critical of the extremely well-completed, bipartisan annual budget year over year, but never show what they would do better. They claim that Republicans cause fiscal cliffs and then Democrats propose that we do just that by adding personnel that are not in the master plan budget. To me, they have been stone walls - speed bumps to the progress of this community. The Plan of Conservation and Development done nearly 6 years ago identified that our residents' number one priority is conservation and controlled development, yet the Democratic-controlled Town Council preserved 1 acre under their term. In these last 4 years under Republican control, we have secured some 225 acres that will not be developed. In addition, there are numerous active negations underway for many more acres to be preserved. This equals no houses. Southington being a top national destination only means that there will continue to be pressure to build. We must continue to be aggressive in securing land. Republicans push for commercial and industrial development. The fantastic results have equated to flat and or minimal tax and mill rate changes in some of the most volatile financial times ever!

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

Topics that are constantly on our radar are public safety, seniors, education, infrastructure, conservation and quality of life in Southington.

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

With almost 10 years in local politics, I have learned to keep an open mind and always voice my opinion. The evidence of my ability to professionally conduct myself and integrate with a team is transparent enough. The entire Republican team has a plan. We constantly adjust, review and revise our plan. We have consistently made sound decisions on some of the toughest topics, always in a collaborative manner with Southington residents first and foremost. A strong team generates strong sound leadership. As a proud member of the Republican team, I believe that our record speaks volumes for my and our abilities.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Always vote your conscience, which may not particularly be the popular choice. A very wise woman instilled that in me!

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

I am honored to be entrusted with your votes in the past and I an anxious to enter into another 2 years with your endorsement. We have many things to accomplish. The list never goes low. Southington is in great fiscal shape. Our public safety and service are second to none. The education system always ranks highly. We have some monumental projects underway road construction and modification Route 10 in Plantsville, reconstruction and enhancement of downtown Plantsville, the state-of-the-art next generation library, major school projects and so much more. Lets never forget enhancements and improvements for those with disabilities! Southington has and will continue to be at the forefront of opportunities for all! I look forward to continued involvement in these things as I am your voice!