Stamford 2023 Election Profile: Mary Lou Rinaldi For Board Of Finance

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 7 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Stamford.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Name

Mary Lou Rinaldi

How old will you be as of Election Day?

70

What city or town do you live in?

Stamford

What office are you seeking?

Stamford Board of Finance

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

BA English summa cum laude; minor in Corp. Communications

What is your occupation?

Corporate Human Resources- 40 years (retired)

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

Life-long resident of Stamford (3rd generation)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Board of Representatives: 16 yrs (1980-1995); Board of Finance: 28 yrs (1995-Current)

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?

• Life-long commitment to public service
• Desire to share my extensive experience and knowledge for the betterment of Stamford
• Continue my efforts to fund the rebuilding and renovation of Stamford schools in the most affordable way by taking advantage of the state's increased percentage of reimbursement
• Continue my work to improve Stamford's fiscal integrity and sustain its AAA credit rating
• Deliver the best services to Stamford citizens while keeping taxes as low as possible

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

"the ever-increasing cost of government." I have recommended to the last four Stamford administrations that the city should do an organizational review of all the city departments to determine if those departments are are doing the specific tasks as mandated by the city charter and fully address constituent needs.

This review would also update employee job descriptions to ensure that city employees have the proper skill set to fulfill their job requirements and to better reflect the advantages of 21st century technology. Such an undertaking will surely improve government efficiency, maintain or ultimately reduce staffing levels, improve government interface with its citizens, and provide better employee satisfaction.

Given recent staffing challenges, I believe this is the optimal time for the city to undertake this project. I will continue to push for this important work to be done and, given my professional HR experience, assist the administration in any way I can.

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

I believe I bring significant historical knowledge and perspective to my service on the Board of Finance, having voted on many municipal operating and capital budgets during my time on both fiscal boards.

In addition to my financial acumen, business and human resources expertise, I have also helped to make significant improvements in the value to some of the city pensions, growing the size of their respective portfolios and reducing the amount of city contributions. While I enjoy working with my fellow board members in general and have a deep respect for the talents of my Democratic running mates (Geoff Alswanger and Laura Burwick) in particular, I believe I have demonstrated some of the candidate differences and earned the trust of Stamford voters in the upcoming November election.

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

I will continue to address my long-standing concerns about the city's delay in completing its annual audit - now 9 months overdue. This is a serious matter that undermines the city's financial integrity and can potentially affect its AAA credit rating. As previously stated, I believe a critical task for the Board of Finance is to shepherd the massive school construction projects currently underway, by better tracking cost, eliminating cost overruns before they happen, and working with the Grants department to ensure that the city gets promptly reimbursed for its funding output.

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

• Successful professional career of 20+ years at a prominent financial services company: GE Capital - the financial arm of General Electric
• 7 re-elections to the Board of Finance; 8 successful terms on the Board of Representatives
• Two-time Board of Finance Chair; Audit Chair; CERF Pension Board Chair
• President of the Board of Representatives; Chair of the Fiscal Committee

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"In politics as in life, always keep your word" Certainly within the realm of public service, once you have made a commitment to someone, "your word is your bond" and you must never waiver, despite any political pressure that may be applied.

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

Over the years and in every elected position I have held, I have always believed that my first allegiance is to Stamford's citizens who have put their faith in me.