Stamford Election 2021: Jonathan V. Portanova 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.

Republican Jonathan V. Portanova, 25, is running for Stamford Board of Representatives District 13 in Stamford.

Occupation: Project Supervisor, Manager And Consultant

Experience: Republican Town Committee Member District 13

Family in government: Yes, my cousin works for the Fairfield First Selectwoman and previously served on the RTM. She’ll be a valuable resource when working on mutual issues affecting Fairfield County such as the Fairfield County Five.

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

The single most pressing issue that is facing our city is affordability. By finding efficiencies in the budget, cutting wasteful spending and growing our Grand List, all without hurting essential services or our schools. Stamford’s residents including older adults will be able to live and thrive in this special City.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

The critical difference between myself and the other candidates is my managerial background. As a manager at Underground Fitness, Project Supervisor at Portanova Excavating and Consultant at Camelot Construction, I will bring a unique perspective to the Board and will use this hands-on experience to help strengthen our schools, improve public services, including safety, create more affordable housing and find efficiencies and savings in the City's budget.

My success in the areas of finance, customer service and human resources will be valuable in ensuring essential projects are done correctly and under budget. Additionally, my expertise in underground utilities, sidewalks, storm drain systems, property zoning and paving will be helpful in my goal to improve residents' quality of life.

Accomplishments:

As a member of Stamford's Knights of Columbus Council #5833, I have served on its Executive Committee and currently hold the positions of Council's Social Media Chairperson and Public Relations Officer. In these capacities, I have enhanced the organization's marketing, recruited new members, raised money towards the disability community and promoted volunteer work within the Stamford community. For the first time in many years, our Council achieved the coveted Star recognition, a top honor awarded to high performing Councils.

Other issues:

• Taxes: will control spending to keep all districts affordable.
• Small Business Opportunities: Growing up in a family business, I will use the same family-friendly policies to serve as an advocate for our small business community and help them thrive while promoting entrepreneurial opportunities to highlight and celebrate our City’s diversity.
• Safety Regulation: I will advocate against hate and violent crimes.
• Public Services: I will work to improve public services making them more responsive, accessible, affordable and easier to use.
• Infrastructure: We must protect and preserve our Green Zones and invest more in paving.
• Transparency and Civility: I will be respectful and accessible to all constituents no matter their party affiliation. I will provide regular updates, hold (COVID safe) District meetings and welcome residents' comments, and questions and ideas.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am a proud, life-long Stamford resident who will be a strong advocate for District 13. I am running for this office to help make the City I love a better, more affordable place for everyone.

Additionally, I am a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. If elected, I will work with the other members of the Board of Representatives to make public services more accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities and ESL.

I encourage residents to visit my website, www.stamford13th.com, and and email me at Jonathan@stamford13th.com.

Thank you to the Stamford Patch for giving me and the other candidates this important opportunity.