Confident Almeida Says He's Ready To Take Over Corner Office

DANBURY, CT — Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton has run unopposed in each of the last three election cycles, en route to becoming the longest-tenured mayor in the city's history. The streak of unopposed mayoral races ends Tuesday, as Democrat Al Almeida will challenge Boughton for the right to run the city.

Almeida hopes to improve some of the issues he feels Boughton has neglected over his 16 years as the city's mayor. The 45-year resident's campaign slogan is "Developing a Desirable Danbury," something he says will be achieved through the improvement of education, regulation of property taxes, relieving traffic congestion and better management at city hall.

Despite trying to do something that hasn't been done in nearly two decades, Almeida says he is ready to take over the corner office.

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"I have a feeling we're going to be surprising a lot of people," Almeida said of his feelings before Tuesday's election. "I feel that the Democratic party is alive and well, and I'd like to think I'm contributing to that. The community has had 16 years of Mark [Boughton] and is looking for a change."

Almeida moved to Danbury after emigrating from Portugal at the age of 11, and attended the Danbury school system. He graduated from Henry Abbott Technical School , where he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.

He then joined the U.S. Army where he served alongside his opponent Mark Boughton. He served two tours in Iraq, and was responsible for community building of infrastructure in the south of Baghdad.

Almeida's military record is extensive, earning a Legion of Merit medal; 3 Bronze Stars; 2 Meritorious Service medals; 5 Army Accommodation medals with a Valor Device; Operation Iraqi Freedom medal with four Campaign Stars, and a Combat Action Badge.

The father of three children, he has worked for the State of Connecticut as an investigator in the public defender's office for the past 23 years. He also currently holds the rank of Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and oversees a $210 million budget.

"We have to be stewards of money being provided, as well as providing maintenance, logistics and administrative services," Almeida said of his work in Iraq and with the Army Reserves.

On the heels of the longest-ever state budget impasse, Almeida highlighted downtown's development, bringing employment to Danbury and an improvement in the city's education system among the city's biggest challenges. He has also argued for the need to reduce traffic congestion through a comprehensive traffic study and keeping City Hall open five days per week.

Citing Morris Street School's winning of a National Blue Ribbon, Almeida said it sets the blueprint for putting resources in schools and approving the city's graduation rate.

"It's all about quality of life," Almeida said. "As a public servant, you have to be able to attract quality of life."

Boughton has ignored the issues in pursuit of a higher office, Almeida argues. Citing conversations with residents, Almeida says entire neighborhoods have gone upwards of a decade without being paved or addressed. He also criticized the incumbent for not agreeing to a formal debate, despite engaging in candidate forums.

"Nothing personal against Mark, but it's about Danbury and building a quality of life in Danbury," Almeida said. "Mark cares about Danbury, but there are other interests he has outside of Danbury."

The longtime Republican mayor Boughton refuted claims that he was refusing to debate his opponent, citing three candidate forums in an interview with Patch. He further said Almeida does not get to decide the format of when discussions between candidates occur.

Almeida enters Tuesday's election with intentions of taking back City Hall for the Democratic party. He said he is inspired by the vibe and interest in the election, and said it boosts his confidence.

"I have been with the military for 39 years, and I served the state for 24 years," Almeida said. "Now it is my time to serve our great city, the city that has given me everything in my life."

Image via the Al Almeida for Mayor