Wallingford Election 2023: Michael J. Votto Running For Board Of Ed

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council and Board of Education.

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

Michael J. Votto, 73, is running for re-election to the Wallingford Board of Education as a Democrat.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://wlfddems.org

Education.

BS, MS, 6th year

What is your occupation?

Retired teacher and administrator

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

I have been married for 52 years to my wife Ann. We have three children. Ariana Fritz who is a Latin teacher, Michael Jr. who is an Asst. Principal, and Gena who is a special needs adult who lives home with us and is employed by the Kuhn Agency in Meriden.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Have been elected 11 times to the Wallingford Board of Education serving 22 years and was first appointed and served 1 year for a total of 23 years.

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?

To continue to use my 50 years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator and Board of Education member to provide the best educational and social experiences to the children of Wallingford. My professional experiences have always included the motto of "children first."

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

To provide the best educational and social experiences for our children in the best learning environment.

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

My tenure on the Board of Education. If elected I will have 20 more years of experience of all present members seeking reelection and 22 years of experience for any new candidates. l have served in the important roles as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary of the Board. I also have the experience of serving on the many committees of the Board of Education. I have the experience and professionalism needed to be one of the Board representatives negotiating with the nine unions associated with the Board of Education. I have served on the ACES Board of Directors, Wintergreen Magnet School liaison to the Board, the Teacher Evaluation Committee, Policy Committee, Facilities Committee and many others. I am genuinely and keenly interested in all curriculum that comes before the Board for approval. Having a special needs child, I have the unique position and interest of being an advocate for those children and their parents. It is my desire to use all of these experiences to assist any new members to acclimate to the position.

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

Continued improvement in the areas of reading and math, curriculum that addresses traditional teaching and well as innovative methods, improved facilities, and more communication between school and home to better prepare our children for the rigors and expectations of school.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be yourself but be your best self. Offer your time, efforts, and kindness to all.

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

Education has been my lifelong interest along with being a good parent and role model for my children and grandchildren. I am a firm believer in practicing those wonderful beliefs and traditions that have been handed down to me and to utilize all the benefits of them personally and infuse them in a classroom as they are needed.