Patch Candidate Profile: Michael J. Coelho 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:
Michael J. Coelho

What office are you seeking?
City Council at Large

What town do you live in?
Danbury

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation:
Republican - proudly cross- endorsed by the Independent Party of Danbury

Occupation:
Senior Project Executive with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. I’ve successfully managed and built projects ranging from affordable housing and student housing to community facilities such as the New Fairfield Senior Center and the Portuguese Cultural Center. I am responsible for project budgets, contracts, construction management, and schedules for projects valued up to $100 million, ensuring successful delivery on time and within scope.

Family:
I’m happily married to my beautiful wife Michelle, and we’ll be celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary next month. We have three amazing children — Taylor (27), Christopher (19), and Kate (15).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My wife Michelle has proudly served as an elected member of the Danbury Board of Education for the last four years and also on the State Central Committee.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes — I was elected to the Zoning Commission in 2021, where I served for two years. I was fortunate enough to then follow my friend Michael Halas on to the City Council. I was re-elected to the City Council at Large in 2023, where I am currently serving and also hold the position of Minority Legislative Leader.

Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking re-election to the City Council because I feel truly fortunate to have been born and raised in this great city. Danbury has given me, my family, and so many others countless opportunities — and I believe it’s my responsibility to give back and help ensure that future generations can enjoy that same opportunity.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing our community is affordability — ensuring that Danbury remains a place where families, seniors, and young professionals can live, work, and thrive. I will continue to advocate for responsible budgeting, encourage smart development that respects our neighborhoods, and protect taxpayers while maintaining high-quality city services and education.

My goal is to make sure Danbury’s growth remains balanced and sustainable — a city that honors its past, plans wisely for its future, and make sure our community remains affordable, safe, and vibrant for everyone.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I’m not a career politician — I’m a lifelong Danbury resident, a husband, father, and business professional who understands how decisions at City Hall affect real families and businesses. I bring private-sector experience, fiscal discipline, and a collaborative approach rooted in results, not rhetoric. My record of community involvement and project management gives me a real-world perspective on how to get things done efficiently and effectively.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Beyond affordability, I’m passionate about keeping our neighborhoods safe, improving our roads and infrastructure, strengthening our schools, and helping businesses thrive. I will always stand with and support our police officers, firefighters, and all first responders who protect us every day — they deserve our full respect, appreciation, and backing from City Hall.

I’ll also keep pushing for honest, open communication and transparency at City Hall — because people deserve leaders who listen and lead with integrity.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Over the years, I’ve learned that real leadership means getting things done — even when it’s not easy. From overseeing large-scale construction projects to volunteering and leading in our community, I’ve shown that I can manage complex challenges, bring people together, and see projects through to success.

Serving on the City Council has reinforced my belief in collaboration. I’ve proven that I can reach across the aisle and work with both sides to find common ground and deliver results that benefit everyone in Danbury, not just one party or one group.

My experience balancing budgets, leading teams, and listening to residents has prepared me to keep serving this city with fairness, accountability, and commitment.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received came from my two uncles, who had a big influence on the person I’ve become.

My Uncle Nando, who came to Danbury from Italy, told me before I left for college to “always keep an open mind,” and added, “your mind is like a parachute — it only works when it’s open.” That saying has stuck with me my whole life and continues to guide how I try to approach every situation.

My Uncle Tony taught me something just as important — that no matter what you do, never lose sight of Faith, Family, and a little Fun along the way. Those words remind me that success isn’t just about achievement — it’s about values, relationships, and perspective.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’ve been blessed beyond measure with a wonderful wife, great kids, supportive amazing parents, loving grandparents, in-laws, and friends who keep me grounded and grateful every day. Family is everything to me — it’s why I care so deeply about keeping Danbury strong for future generations.

As a first-generation American proud of both my Italian and Portuguese roots, and as a graduate of Henry Abbott Tech (Class of ’87, Hall of Fame 2017), I take pride in giving back to the school and community that helped shape me. I now serve as Co-Chair of the Abbott Tech Hall of Fame Committee and on the Wolverine Foundation Board with my mentor and friend, Coach Arthur Haddad.

I’ll never claim to have all the answers, but I’ll always give my best. When making decisions on the Council, I ask myself one simple question: Is this what’s best for Danbury?