2025 Patch Profile: Brian DeLude, Berlin Mayor

BERLIN, CT — Berlin Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Brian DeLude is running for the Berlin Mayor as a Democrat. He is opposed by incumbent Republican Berlin Mayor Mark Kazcynski.

The following is Brian DeLude's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Brian DeLude

What office are you seeking? Mayor

What town do you live in? Berlin

Campaign Website: https://www.brianforberlin.com

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Program Manager with the Judicial Branch, Court Support Services Division

Family: Maureen, wife, manager of business intelligence; Camden, daughter, college junior at ECSU, English major with plans of becoming a teacher; Calvin, son, college sophomore at University of South Carolina, studying broadcast journalism.

Calvin provided play-by-play for the Berlin High School football team during his time at BHS, as well as many basketball games.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Yes, my wife and I both work for the state.

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I am a member of the Berlin Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Mayor to bring the community together.

I have a non-partisan approach that will engage the community to increase civic involvement, to bring creative solutions to Berlin to develop community infrastructure, to give Berlin citizens more activities/amenities within Berlin, and to support a world-class education.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Communication and transparency.

I will hold regular office hours, advertise, and then summarize important meetings so folks know what is happening in a sound bite.

I won’t repeat “it’s on the website”. I will hold regular town hall meetings to update folks about what’s happening with specific projects and general events.

I will increase engagement to fill vacant commission seats, grow civic awareness, and turn out the vote, so voices are heard.

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

I am interested in knowing what everyone thinks and needs in order to be proud of Berlin, regardless of your party affiliation or anything else.

I want to know when you disagree, are upset, or need help. I am available, connected, engaged, and interested.

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

I will have open hours and more engagement to highlight civic opportunities.

I would like to help fill the 26 open commission seats in town.

I’d like to clarify the budget and the budget process, helping people to understand that their vote counts, so they come out to share their opinion.

I’ll host regular budget workshops and town committee meetings to hear your thoughts.

I’d like to move the needle forward on a senior/community center, senior housing, and the East Berlin pool complex, and keep you in the loop about what is happening.

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

My current position as Program Manager with the State of CT Judicial Department Court Support Services Division includes managing a $106 million budget, helping a wide range of people from many various programs listen to and actually hear each other.

I am experienced at creating connections, finding common ground, and getting things done.

My experience on the Berlin Board of Education has given me a great understanding of the budget process and what doesn’t work well.

Living in town for almost 20 years, raising my kids in our school system, and coaching soccer for years, I am excited for what I can bring to this position.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Principles only matter when you stand by them when it’s inconvenient. This has guided me through much of my life, good times and hard times.

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

I believe that no one should be Mayor for more than 10 years.

When there are major town projects that have been promised and not provided, it’s time to step aside.

I will set goals, take action steps, get folks involved, let the community know what’s going on, and keep moving forward. I am a humble man,

I know I will need help learning the job and doing it well. I am willing to work harder and do more for this town than my opponent. I appreciate your vote.