2025 Patch Profile: Sandra Coppola, Berlin Town Council

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

Sandra Coppola is running for the Berlin Town Council as a Republican.

The following is Sandra Coppola's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Sandra Coppola

What office are you seeking? Town Council

What town do you live in? Berlin

Campaign Website: https://Berlingop.com

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Contracting specialist - 15 years

Family: Husband Christopher. Been married for 23 years and have lived in Berlin for 15 years. My husband serves on the Economic Development Commission.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I have been on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Plan of Conservation and Development Committee.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am currently on the Town Council and would like to continue to serve.

I believe I provide a broad background with my experience and would like to continue to help Berlin grow in a fiscally responsible manner.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Depending on the constituent, this answer would be different.

Parents tend to be more concerned with the Board of Education budget and school services; our seniors are concerned about increasing taxes and the overall cost of living.

And for some, it is about maintaining the rural feel of our town.

I would continue to work towards a budget that takes all of our residents into consideration and to continue to provide a robust BOE budget while keeping mill rate increases minimal.

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

I believe we all want what is best for Berlin. We just have different ideas as to how to get there. I am for a budget that meets the town's needs while also working to improve town amenities.

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

I have been on the Town Council for three years and believe that I have contributed to ideas and projects.

I have been in the administrative side of health care for over 40 years and have worked on the insurance and provider side.

In each instance, I needed to be creative to stay within budgets while also managing a large number of direct reports.

I am also currently on the board of directors for the Connecticut Medical Group Management Association.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Your life is an occasion, rise to it. You are the only person who can put limits on what you can do.

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

I hope to be re-elected as town councilor and to continue to help make Berlin a great place to live.