Patch Candidate Profile: Mike Del Santo, 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 Mike Del Santo is running for the Southington Town Council as a Republican.

The following is Del Santo's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Name

Mike Del Santo

How old will you be as of Election Day?

51

What city or town do you live in?

Southington

What office are you seeking?

Southington Town Council

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education

Masters Degree Criminal Justice Administration

What is your occupation?

Supervisor Family Services -CT Judicial Branch- 24 years.

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

Married, two teenage children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Southington Planning and Zoning Commissioner 2001-2009, Southington Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman 2009-2019, Southington Town Council 2019-Present.

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 firmly believe Southington is the best town in the state of Connecticut. I am honored to be nominated by my party to once again run for a seat on the Town Council. If successful, I will continue to work hard for the residents of this great town- with a continued focus on public safety, economic development and improved infrastructure. Now more than ever, we need strong local leadership to combat crime, inflation and the general protection of the family unit. I ask for your support on November 7th.

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

Inflation. Southington is currently doing well financially due to the current strong Republican leadership. The last 4 years, there has only been a 4.3% increase in taxes (including 3 years at 0%) - well below federal levels.

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

I believe my reputation as an elected official these last 22 years has proven that I make sound, wise decisions based on the better welfare of all Southington residents.

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

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

I have the knowledge and experience to continue to lead Southington in the right direction. In my tenure as a planning and zoning commissioner and town councilor, I always listen to residents and work hard for their best interests.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be nice to the people on your way up because you may meet the same folks on the way down.