Stamford Election 2021: Gary C. Palomba For Board Of Reps.

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 2 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.

Unaffiliated candidate Gary C. Palomba, 60, is running for Board of Representatives, District 16.

Occupation: Controller For The F.a. Bartlett Tree Expert Company

Family: Wife - Michele; two sons – Gary and Michael

Experience: Board of Representatives in Stamford District 16

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Stamford Public Schools

Our City is facing a number of pressing issues, and it is not fair to narrow them to just one. However, for the purposes of this question the answer needs to be our public schools. We are at a crossroads where we must address structural issues throughout the school system, as well as the overall quality of the education in the City.

The children of this City, are our biggest, best and brightest assets. The entire Board of Representatives must work closely with the Board of Education, the Board of Finance, the Mayor’s office, as well as several other Boards and committees in order to identify a plan that will allow us improve all our schools. My approach is to make this a priority, and thus make myself available for this coordinated effort.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I believe that what might set me apart from others seeking a position of the Board of Representatives is that I am not a divisive person. I already work tirelessly for the Board of Reps and my District, and I will continue to do so. My approach is to work to bring people together from all backgrounds, and from all points of view, so that we can address the issues at hand.

The Stamford Board of Representatives, the City, and District 16 does not need people who will be obstructive. We do not need people who change paths because they do not get what they want. We need strong leadership, and I believe I deliver that better than others who might be seeking a position of the Board.

Accomplishments:

I have a 30+ year career building teams within various businesses that have delivered outstanding results. My teams have operated at the highest levels, and have tackled the toughest challenges. The teams that I have led have implemented financial systems in three different companies, delivered millions of dollars in cost savings, improved operating efficiencies, and much more. I have also held one of the District 16 positions on the Board of Representatives for the last 2 years. I feel all of this is clear evidence that I can not only "handle" the position, but that I can handle it very well.

Other issues:

The other issues that I feel that are important to our City, and to District 16, relate to controlling development, taxes and the safety of our streets. I am opposed to over development, and would not support any development unless it will benefit the City “and” the District in which the development will occur.

District 16 is a strong family orientated community, and my goal is to maintain that by opposing any development that would threaten that quality of life. People all across the City talk about taxes, and my goal is to keep any increase to a minimum while making sure everyone (person and business) pays their fair share.

Finally, our streets need to be safe for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. We must curb aggressive driving and we must make it so people know their dangerous driving will not be tolerated and will be penalized.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Stamford is a growing and diverse population that needs strong well rounded leadership to lead it in to the future. We do not need people who will be divisive or disruptive. We must work together and I feel my background, and my roots in Stamford, make me the person who can thrive and succeed in that type of leadership role.

What might set me further apart from others are my Stamford roots. When someone says their family moved here 40 or 50 years ago, or that they have lived in Stamford for 20 or 25 years, it does not impress me. I am 60 years old and I have lived in Stamford all my life. In fact, my Grandfather and Great Uncle built the building that once stood on 1 West Main Street in 1912, after coming to Stamford years earlier.

I am proud to say that is where I first lived after coming home from Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and that I am a lifelong Stamford resident. I am proud to represent District 16, and proud to give back to the Stamford community that has given me, and my whole family, so much.