Wallingford Candidate Profile: Votto For Board Of Education

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Wallingford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Michael Votto, 69, is running for re-election to the Board of Education as a Democrat.

Family:

Wife- Ann, Children – Ariana, Michael Jr., Gena and 5 grandchildren.

Education:

BS, MS 6th year

Occupation:

Retired teacher and administrator

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Board of Education since 1999.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Ensuring that all children are successful in a safe environment.

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

My experience on the BOE, my experience as an educator 46 years, parent, and especially a parent of a special needs adult.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Continue work on Advanced Manufacturing, STEM, maintain class size guidelines, accountability with School Improvement Plans, coordinate efforts to improve standardized test scores.

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

Experience on the Board such as interviewing all prospective administrators, negotiated most union contracts, served on a number of Board committees such as Stipend, Calendar, 11 School Renovation, etc. Held all Board leadership positions.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be yourself but be your best self.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have loved my chosen career in education and would love to continue my experiences as a teacher and administrator in a different role to assist all the children of Wallingford.