Patch Candidate Profile: Debbie Rizzo For Danbury City Council At Large

DANBURY, 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:
Deborah "Debbie" Rizzo

What office are you seeking?
Danbury City Council At Large

What town do you live in?
Danbury

Party Affiliation:
Republican

Occupation:
With over 30 years' experience in real estate, I've concentrated the last 15 years in commercial and industrial properties. I am employed at Linde Headquarters in Danbury as an industrial real estate specialist.

Family:
I have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. My oldest, Kristi DeRubertis and her husband Justin, live with their 3 boys: Jack, Dean and Blake in Bethel. My middle child, Shari Duffy and her husband Bruce, live with their 2 kids: Freddy and Brooke in New Milford. Lastly, my youngest, Michael Rizzo Jr lives in Newtown and helps run one of the family businesses, North America Equipment in Danbury

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, I served on the Bethel Board of Education.

Why are you seeking this office?
The Rizzo Family has always lived by Faith, Family, and Business/Community. I am at the point in my life where I have the time and energy to commit to the great City of Danbury and all its people. I am committed to representing EVERY voice in our city. I believe strongly that good governance means listening with empathy, acting with integrity, and using good common sense to find real solutions to real issues at hand.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The current state of immigration and the concern I have for our resident immigrants. There is so much fear mongering going in our immigrant community. I would like to help ease their fears. I believe we need to focus on new initiatives to provide the help that so many undocumented immigrants, wanting to become fully documented, are in need of. They need help with finding services that can guide them with the paperwork and also provide the legal assistance that is needed. Danbury is a strong community of settlers; our immigrants enhance our community. They deserve a voice of reason, one who has the courage to champion for them, and I believe that I am that person!

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I can and will work collaboratively across party lines, and I believe that cooperation - not division - is the key to making progress. I will work hard to ensure Danbury continues to thrive as a city that values Unity, Fairness, and Forward-Thinking Leadership

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
First, I'm concerned about safety in Danbury. It concerns me when I see our mayor needing an armed bodyguard at events. Secondly, I believe we need to strengthen our commercial industry base, which in turn would take some tax burden away from our residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have always been heavily involved in community service. I've worked on and/or chaired several galas: including Regional Hospice of Western CT, The Mayor's Ball of Danbury, The American Cancer Ball and The Danbury Hospital Ball just to name a few. All of those galas raised a tremendous amount of money that went back into our community. I also committed over 10 years of service to the Danbury Athletic Youth Organization, as a cheerleading coach. Of course, these are all just a sampling of my involvement in Danbury. The Rizzo Family as a whole are ingrained and committed to future of Danbury.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Listen with an open mind and heart, long before you speak.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Danbury is not just my home, it's where I was raised, educated, and where I continue to work at a global corporation. I've seen first-hand the strength, diversity, and spirit that makes Danbury such a remarkable place. I firmly believe in serving all people - regardless of nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation or political affiliation. It will be my honor to serve you.