Patch Candidate Profile: Ashley Gaudiano, Trumbull Town Council

TRUMBULL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Trumbull and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Democrat Ashley Gaudiano, 36, is a Trumbull resident running for Town Council in District 4.

Education.

Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD; Elon University, BA in Political Science.

What is your occupation?

Nonprofit management with a focus on community impact, development, marketing and advocacy/policy; 11 years in the field.

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

I am a proud mom to Carter (10) and Molly (8) who both attend Frenchtown. I've been married to my husband, Joe, for 13 years. Plus our much adored four legged family members.

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

I am serving my third term on Trumbull's Town Council, all representing District 4. I am currently the Council Chairman.

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 am running for re-election so that I can continue to serve our community. I believe that our neighbors deserve elected officials who will listen to their views, act responsibly and transparently, be good stewards of their tax dollars, and invest responsibly in education, parks and recreation, senior services, public safety, and other critical public services.

I have a track record of doing all of these things over the last nearly six years and I hope to gain the opportunity to continue doing so in the future.

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

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the challenging economic conditions we are experiencing. Prices of essential items and services have risen, and wages have not kept pace, leading to hardships for many individuals and families. Although I cannot directly influence the overall economic situation, I am committed to ensuring stable taxes through responsible fiscal management and prudent spending.

Additionally, I advocate for continued investments in education to ensure the future prosperity of our children and the long-term well-being of our community. Lastly, I want to emphasize my dedication to bolstering the various aspects of our community that make Trumbull an attractive destination for families. Our parks, pools, trails, sports fields, diverse restaurants, thriving businesses, social services, senior programs, and of course our first responders, all of which contribute to the vibrancy of our town.

Even in the face of economic challenges, I remain committed to preserving and enhancing these essential community resources, ensuring that they continue to enrich the lives of our residents.

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

The major differences between me and my fellow candidates include:

Firstly, I bring to the table nearly six years of hands-on experience in this role. Serving in an elected capacity is a substantial responsibility, and the initial learning curve can be quite steep. My time has allowed me to engage with thousands of residents, giving me a profound understanding of the issues they find most significant.

Secondly, as a parent of school-aged children, I am acutely attuned to the needs and challenges faced by our educational system. I also comprehend the financial constraints that accompany budgeting decisions.

Lastly, my extensive work with a variety of municipal governments, both large and small, across the state has equipped me with a wealth of insights and ideas. I have a keen sense of what approaches yield success and which ones do not. I am passionate about bringing innovative solutions and practices from across our state to benefit Trumbull, aiming to build upon the achievements of recent years.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

While I am challenging two incumbents, I want to emphasize that the majority of the work we undertake on the Town Council is a bipartisan effort. It is crucial to recognize that even though we may have differing perspectives on specific issues and approaches, we share a common commitment to advancing the well-being of our community.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that the most significant challenge lies with those who may not fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This includes individuals who fail to attend meetings, neglect their homework, or do not invest the necessary time and energy required for this role. Serving on the Town Council demands a dedication to our community, and it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

I encourage voters to carefully assess the performance of their elected town council representatives by considering factors such as meeting attendance, the ability to ask insightful questions, preparation, and a proactive approach to finding solutions. It is crucial to prioritize candidates who actively contribute to the betterment of our community rather than simply voting against initiatives.

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

Other issues I intend to address are:

Securing Additional Funding: Supporting town staff and providing necessary resources to seek additional state and federal funding opportunities that can benefit our community and help us undertake important projects.

Supporting Social Services: Ensuring that our social services are robust and accessible to those in need is a priority for me. I will work to enhance and expand these services to better serve our residents.

Senior/Community Center: Continuing the conversation and efforts surrounding the identification of a location and development of a senior/community center is essential. Such a center can provide a valuable resource for our older residents and the broader community.

Assessing Facility Needs: I intend to work collaboratively with stakeholders in town to develop a plan to address the long-term facility needs of our schools and community facilities to ensure they meet the evolving demands of our growing community.

Walkability and Feasibility Planning: I will continue to support efforts to enhance walkability of our town, and collaborate on projects surrounding long-term feasibility plans for key areas in our town, including the mall, Long Hill Green, and White Plains Road. These plans will help guide future development and revitalization efforts to benefit our community.

By addressing these issues, I aim to contribute to the overall well-being of our community, ensuring that it remains an excellent place to live, work, and thrive.

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

Years of Service: My nearly six years of experience in my current capacity have equipped me with a deep understanding of the role and its demands. This tenure reflects my dedication to serving the community and my ability to navigate the intricacies of municipal government.

Engagement with Residents: Over the years, I have actively engaged with thousands of residents, listening to their concerns, and working to address their needs. This demonstrates my commitment to representing and advocating for the interests of our community effectively.

Collaboration with Municipal Governments: My experience collaborating with various municipal governments, both large and small, across the state has provided me with valuable insights into what works and what doesn't in local governance. This knowledge equips me to bring innovative ideas and solutions to our community.

In addition to my public service and community engagement experience, I have also spent over 11 years in nonprofit management. During this time, I have managed budgets, overseen philanthropic investments, and collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders from various sectors. This experience has honed my financial management skills, allowing me to make informed decisions about resource allocation and ensuring that funds are used effectively to achieve desired outcomes.

Furthermore, my work in the nonprofit sector has involved collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and community organizations. This has provided me with valuable experience in building partnerships and finding innovative solutions through collaboration.

My background in nonprofit management, coupled with my public service experience, positions me well to address the diverse needs, challenges, and opportunities throughout our community.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Lead with love" and "Be kind, everyone is fighting a hard battle."

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

I would like voters to know that my connection to Trumbull is a chosen one. My family and I made a deliberate choice to make this community our home, and we have put down our roots here. We were once newcomers to Trumbull, and we understand the experience of starting fresh and building a life in this town.

Our decision to raise our family here reflects our genuine love for Trumbull. It's a community that is special to us, and it is an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that Trumbull continues to be a place where families like mine can thrive, and where the values and aspirations of our residents are championed.

I am dedicated to listening to your concerns, advocating for your needs, and working collaboratively to make our town an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Your support is essential, and together, we can continue to make Trumbull a wonderful and vibrant community for all.