Patch Candidate Profile: Jeff Vailette For Branford First Selectman

BRANFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name:
Jeff Vailette

What office are you seeking?
First Selectman

What town do you live in?
Branford

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
Fleet/Commercial Manager at Crabtree Chevrolet (23 years)

Family:
Jeff and his wife Terri have three children, Jeff, Melissa, and Andrew, as well as five beautiful grandchildren.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I have been a member of the Branford Board of Finance for over twenty years

Why are you seeking this office?
I am seeking the office of First Selectman because I love this Town and want to create tax relief for all our residents by expanding the commercial tax base, reduce bullying townwide and enhance the physical plant of our school buildings, and assure that we maintain our Rainy Day Fund so that we are prepared for any cuts in federal or state grants. I have worked for 12 years with Jamie Cosgrove and want to continue the good work he has done to build a better, stronger Branford.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The local property tax burden on all residents must be our first priority. It will not be fixed by gimmicks like a "freeze" without a specific plan for how to pay for it on a going forward basis. The only way to provide real tax relief to everyone is by attracting a smart mix of national retailers like Costco, biotech firms, and small businesses so that local residential property taxes can be lowered. We must also make investments in our public school buildings and other infrastructure so maintaining our Rainy Day Fund so that we preserve our AAA bond rating will allow us to make those investments while saving the taxpapers millions in interest payments. Finally, none of this will work if we don't pass responsible operating budgets. I have spent over twenty years on the Board of Finance making the tough choices necessary to balance the budget. I'll be ready on Day One to deliver.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
In one word: experience. I have worked alongside some of Branford's most dedicated residents as a member of the Branford Rotary Club since 1993, the Branford Italian-American Club since 1978, and been an active member and leader of the Branford Festival for 35 years. Most importantly, as the second longest serving member of the Board of Finance, I have the experience needed to balance budgets in the face of great challenges. My opponent is a good person, who has served off and on as an RTM member. But he has never served as a leader on the RTM in any capacity and is simply not prepared to lead our Town at this crucial time, with rising costs, climate issues, and federal uncertianty looming in the near future. I am ready to lead on Day One.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to real tax relief for all residents (not just shifting the tax burden from one group to another group of taxpayers), we need to address bullying, both in school and on social media. We need to have a plan for the physical plant issues at Sliney. And we need responsible budgets that maintain our Rainy Day Fund and preserve our AAA bond rating.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
My record of experience speaks for itself. I have been an active member of the Branford Rotary Club since 1993, the Branford Italian-American Club since 1978, and an active member and leader of the Branford Festival for 35 years. Appointed by former First Selectman Unk DaRos to the Board of Finance over twenty years ago, my ability to work across party lines to do what is best for Branford has been proven year in and year out. Finally, as lifelong Branford resident who raised a family here, voters can be sure that I will focus on people, not politics.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Work hard, take care of your family, go to Church, and be a good friend. The rest will take care of itself.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I love Branford. It would be an honor to serve you as First Selectman. I have assembled a great team of experienced citizens who are ready to work for all our residents. And we will always remember that in the end government is about people, not politics.