Trumbull Election: Ashley Gaudiano For Town Council District 4

TRUMBULL, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Trumbull will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next couple of weeks, so check back often to see the latest.

Democrat Ashley Gaudiano, 34, is running for Trumbull Town Council District 4.

Occupation: Nonprofit Management

Family: My family includes my husband Joe, and our two children, Carter (8) and Molly (6), plus many animals including our dogs, cat, hamster, and fish.

Experience: Trumbull Town Council District 4

Family in government: No

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

The single most pressing issue facing our town is COVID-19 and the impact it has had on the health of residents, businesses, and more. As a town, we have navigated the pandemic well. We have high vaccination rates and must continue to make the vaccine available. We have supported our businesses, and must continue to do so with things like Trumbull Restaurant Week and the help of the Economic Development office. We have deployed sensible practices in our schools and must continue to ensure that in-person learning is the priority and that it is done safely. And we have budgeted strategically with conservative practices that have netted our town the largest balance in the general fund in the town's history. I will support the efforts of our First Selectman, Town Hall officials, Trumbull Public School staff, and more so that we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic safely, and with the physical and fiscal health of the residents, and businesses and town as our priority.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am a two-term incumbent that has the experience with the Town Council to do the job and do it well. I come to the table as a parent of elementary -aged children – we access and utilize different services in town, are invested in the growth of the public schools, and have decades ahead of us. As we see a huge boom in housing purchases, my age and life stage mirror the demographic of those who are moving to town, which makes me an excellent candidate to represent their interests. Finally, I come to the table with extensive nonprofit management experience and am a licensed attorney, and both of which provide skills needed to do this job well.

Accomplishments:

I have held this position for two-terms and have legislated during a pandemic, voted on budgets with so many unknowns, navigated the creation of an equity task force, and served on sub-committees and building committees. I have a near-perfect attendance record and do the work needed to ensure I vote in an informed and competent manner.

Other issues:

If re-elected, I will focus on fostering a welcoming environment for all residents, ensuring high-quality education for our children, enhancing Trumbull’s walkability, maintaining a stable tax rate through sound fiscal management, and supporting the Town in navigating the continued effects of COVID-19.