Patch Candidate Profile: Lisa Tesei Valenti, Trumbull Town Clerk

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.

Lisa Tesei Valenti, 61, is a Trumbull resident running for town clerk.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Unaffiliated

Education

BBA Pace University Accounting and Information Systems

What is your occupation?

Self-Employed Financial Consultant: bookkeeping, taxes and office management Licensed Realtor since 2007

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

Married to Greg for 38 years. Two Trumbull High Graduates Mitchell (09) Sarah(11) Empty Nesters with 2 Shih tzu GiGi and MiMi

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My father was a municipal employee in the Greenwich assessors office and my brother Peter Tesei started his political career at 18 years of age. He served as Greenwich first selectman for 12 years. Our family was very active in local politics. I got involved in Trumbull politics in 2007.

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

Served as an alternate for Board of Finance 2007-2009 Town Council 2015-2021 (3 terms).

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?

Local politics is very important to me. I have been registered as a Republican, Democrat and Unaffiliated in order to serve the town. We are all neighbors and friends. David, John and I all served on town council and were frustrated with motions passing based on party line rather than what was best for the town. We talked about this venture for 10 years. We felt now was the time to see if we could make a difference. Town Clerk was perfect for me as this position is non political.

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

Taxes and Spending. Knocking many doors and hearing from the constituents that they can not afford their life long home motivates us to try to find solutions. In my position of Town Clerk I would be an advisor to David as the town clerk is responsible for various duties and functions governed by Connecticut State Statutes and the Town Charter.

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

Mary Markham is beloved in Trumbull and I would have big shoes to fill but I am up for the challenge. I believe we both love the town and have strong work ethics to get the job done.

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

Being self-employed as a realtor and financial consultant, I manage my time well. I enjoy continuing my education in each field and I know I will have to obtain certification for Town Clerk. This certification by the state includes 5 modules: Land Records, Vital Records, Elections, Records Management and Misc.Records/other Duties of Town Clerk.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated yourself.

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

I was not born and raised in Trumbull but am appreciative of the education and childhood this town has given my children. I believe in giving back and this is a way I can. Should I be elected I would like to have hours to accommodate those who work 9-5. Perhaps opening the office on Saturday once a month or a late evening weekly. I will also decline any health benefits.