Patch Candidate Profile: Chris Bandecchi, Trumbull Board Of Education

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.

Republican Chris Bandecchi, 38, is a Trumbull resident running for the Board of Education.

Education

I have a BS in Political Science from Southern Connecticut State University, and an MS in Political Science/Public Policy and Administration from Southern Connecticut State University.

What is your occupation?

Director of Community Development, City of Waterbury

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

Married to Trish; daughter, Harper (Jane Ryan); son, Paxton

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I am a current member of the Board of Education, elected in 2021. I serve on the Finance and Facilities Committees. I also serve on the Middlebrook and Booth Hill Elementary School Roof Building Committee. I am also a Justice of the Peace in Trumbull.

I am a former board member of Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public agency that provides venture capital and strategic support for start-up technology companies. While on the Board from 2013-2021, I served on the Audit, Compliance, and Governance 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?

I am running for re-election to the Board of Education because I believe Trumbull’s Public Schools are our town’s greatest treasure. I want to continue to ensure that our children receive the best education by providing the resources that they and our teachers need and deserve. As a current board member, I have prioritized this by voting to fully fund responsible budgets during my term. If re-elected, I will continue to do so because our children are our future and there is no better investment than in their education.

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

The struggle between resources and need. Trumbull Public Schools are diverse and students have a variety of academic needs, especially resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, our schools and facilities are in need of physical improvements. Finding the resources needed to meet these needs is always a challenge. As a member of both the Finance and Facilities Committees, I have worked hard to make sure our schools can meet these needs with the resources available, and I will continue to do so if re-elected.

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

My background in government and public administration provides me with a unique experience that will allow me to continue to effectively help the Board engage with our residents and parents and provide a transparent and fiscally responsible budget that gives our teachers, students, and administrators the tools and resources that they need for success.

As a father with a child in elementary school, I have also been able to provide a different and needed voice on the Board, and will continue to do so if re-elected. As a parent, I have a genuine interest in ensuring that we have the best school system possible.

As an incumbent, I am familiar with the School budget process, and its policies, guidelines, needs, and challenges. This will allow me to continue serving our community and children on day one.

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

N/A. I am an incumbent, seeking re-election to the BOE.

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

In addition to ensuring our children and teachers have the resources they need, I want to continue to ensure that we have a transparent board that is apolitical.

I believe that we need to ensure that class sizes remain small and conducive to learning.

I would like to ensure that our schools remain safe, healthy places for our children to learn and grow.

Our facilities are in need of improvements. As a current member of the board, I voted to support the TPS master plan, which lays out various phases of capital improvements to our schools. I have also worked hard to ensure various improvements as a member of both the Facilities Committee and the Town’s Middlebrook and Booth Hill Elementary School Roof Building Committee. Professionally, I have extensive experience in overseeing grants and multi-million dollar capital improvement projects. I believe that this unique experience will allow me to continue providing a valuable service to our community.

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

As a current board member, I work very hard to ensure that we are doing what is best for Trumbull’s students. I regularly communicate with fellow members of the board, ask questions, and request backup materials and data. I believe in looking for solutions and collaborative efforts, and I am proud of what I have helped the Board accomplish so far. I feel that my record as a Board of Education member over the past two years speaks to these efforts, and my ability to continue effectively serving as a member of the board if re-elected.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work hard, and treat others with respect.

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

My wife and I live in Trumbull because we believe it is the best community to raise our children. We have two kids, one of whom is in second grade at Jane Ryan. I promise to listen and work hard for Trumbull residents, and look out for the best interest of our students. I strongly believe in public service and the importance of public education, and I am committed and dedicated to ensuring all our students receive an outstanding education. Our children are our future, and there is no better investment than in their education.