Meriden Election 2025: Bruce A. Fontanella Running For City Council

MERIDEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council and Board of Education.

Meriden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Bruce A. Fontanella is running for re-election to the Meriden City Council as a Democrat.

What office are you seeking?
City Council - At Large

Occupation:

For over forty-three years, I practiced law in Meriden.

Family:
I am single with no children, but I have six brothers and sisters, thirteen nieces and nephews, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews that I consider my family.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have served on the Meriden Board of Education for twelve years in the 1980s. I am presently completing my second four-year term as a member of the City Council. I am the Deputy Mayor; a long-time officer of the School Building Committee; and a member of the following committees: City Council Senior Center\Health Department Building, Economic Development, Public Safety and Human Services

Why are you seeking this office?
Serving on the City Council is my way of paying back Meriden for all it has given to me. My beliefs are in the center of the political spectrum, and I support fiscal responsibility; a transparent government; and effective economic development, public safety and public education departments.

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 my constituents is turning around the annual decline in the Grand List. This change in direction may only be reached by successful economic growth. As a member of the Economic Development Committee, I have worked to accomplish this goal.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
First, I have a lifetime of experience as result of serving on the Board of Education, the City Council and other City committees and boards. Second, as a local attorney who has represented Meriden's citizens for over forty-four years, I have a unique understanding of Meriden's issues, needs and strengths. Third, I am a hometown boy who is dedicated to making a difference.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
First, stop the annual decline of the Grand List by concentrating on economic development. Second, implement changes in the Economic Development Department to increase its efforts to seek out new industries and businesses for Meriden. Third, support the demolition of the abandoned hospital, the construction of a new elementary school and a Senior Center and the renovation of an elementary school and a Health Department building. Fourth, continue to develop fiscally responsible City and Board of Education budgets.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
First, as Chairperson of the Senior Center and Health Department Building Committee, we have made great progress in advancing the construction of a new Senior Center and the renovation of the Health Department building. Second, I have supported adequately funded City and Board of Education budgets. Third, I am prepared for meetings of the City Council and the City Committees so I may participate in a meaningful way in discussions. Fourth, the Mayor recently appointed me the Deputy Mayor which I interpret as a sign of my value to the City Council.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Preparation and hard work breed success and accomplishments.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Meriden has been, and continues to be, my home and workplace. I am a Meriden man. Serving another four-year term on the City Council would afford an opportunity for me to return a small part of what Meriden and its citizens have given to me.