Patch Candidate Profile: Evan Centopani, 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.

Republican Evan Centopani, 41, is a Trumbull resident running for the Town Council in District 7.

Education

I graduated from Fairfield University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. I am securities licensed having passed both the series 7 and the series 66.

What is your occupation?

I work as a financial advisor.

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

My wife and I have 2 daughters; ages 6 and 12. Respectively, they attend Booth Hill Elementary School and Hillcrest Middle School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

I have never held public office.

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 want to serve my community in a way that ensures all voices are heard, respected and represented.

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

Taxes. Adequate thought, care and planning must be devoted to our town's spending so that we can reach a balance between what is attractive in the present and feasible in the future. What's more; the essence of our town must be carefully considered and appreciated so that it may be preserved.

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

I've travelled to over 30 countries and am fortunate to have a career where I can work from almost anywhere. Still, I would never consider leaving Trumbull; it's a unique town, it's my home and I love it here. I grew up here, my family is here and it is my sincere hope that the town will remain a place where my daughters will want and be able to raise their own children. I can't compare myself to the other candidates on this matter but I know that my interest in the success of this town is deeply vested. I'm 41 years old and I plan to be here to the end; I want to see this town at its absolute best.

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

Whether it's residential or commercial development, it's vital that Trumbull's character be maintained. Evolution of the town should take place in a way that is natural and does not compromise the fundamental traits that make it such an excellent place to call home.

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

As a professional working in the financial planning space, it is my job to listen to my clients and to help them achieve their goals; both short and long term. Whether I'm working alongside a team of advisors with expertise similar to mine or a professional from an entirely different discipline, I am always eager to collaborate. There is no room for ego or ideology when the most fundamental goal is to benefit those you have been tasked with helping.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

You have two ears and one mouth and it's best to use them in proportion.