South Windsor Candidate Profile: Craig Zimmerman, Board Of Education

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The 2023 municipal election season is heating up in South Windsor, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

South Windsor Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Name: Craig Zimmerman

How old will you be as of Election Day? 64

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

https://swdems.org/

What city or town do you live in? South Windsor

What office are you seeking? Board of Education

Please give us your party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Masters in Business Administration & BS in Finance

What is your occupation?

Presently retired. Worked for the Department of Social Services for 32 years - including various management positions.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

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

Board of Education for approximately 10 years, the last 6 as Chair. Also, Public Building Commission for approximately 4 years, and Parks & Recreation Commission for well over 10 years. Recently appointed to the Charter Revision Committee.

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 continue our work providing the best possible education to each of our approximately 5,000 students, while keeping all of our students and staff safe. As the fastest growing school district in the state, this includes some unique space and staff requirements.

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

Addressing our unique school enrollment growth within available space and budget. I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to meet this ongoing challenge with the other eight Board of Education members, our Superintendent Dr. Carter and her administrative staff, and all of our teachers and staff.

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

The current Board of Education, including members of the Democrat, United and Republican parties have done a good job working together. With an election coming up on November 7th, I believe each of our five Democratic candidates brings a unique skill set that will help make the new BOE very productive.

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

I plan to talk about and support our new Strategic Plan, and continue to champion the outstanding job currently being done by our school administrators, teachers and staff.

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

As Board Chair during the past six years, I think my leadership skills helped the board to work collaboratively with the school administration for the betterment of the district - for example, while our enrollment greatly increased, while we built multiple schools, and while our students and staff dealt with COVID related challenges.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

You should treat everyone how you yourself would like to be treated.

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

If re-elected, I will continue to work collaboratively with the other eight people elected to be the best high performing board possible.