Meriden Election 2025: Latisha Martinez 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.

Latisha Martinez is running for election to the Meriden City Council as a Republican.

What office are you seeking?
City Council Area 1-Downtown Meriden

Campaign Website

https://www.meridenrepublicans...

Occupation:

Elite Bail Bonds & Silver City Firearms 15 Years Experience

Family:
Mother of 4. 3 daughters ages 21 yrs old, 12 year old twin daughter and a 6 yr old son.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Dr. Miguel Cardona - Cousin in-law

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
I'm seeking this particular position not only because I work here, but I reside here. My children are raised here and we all want a better, safer Meriden for all of us to enjoy like our neighboring towns.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issues we are facing is the need to lower taxes while revitalizing our downtown area. High taxes place a heavy burden on residents like you and I, small businesses, driving opportunity elsewhere. My plan is to help make Meriden a place where businesses want to grow and families can thrive. By attracting new employers, supporting small business development, and cutting unnecessary spending, we can broaden our tax base allowing us to reduce property taxes without sacrificing essential service. Revitalizing downtown with new shops, restaurants, and community spaces will bring jobs, increase foot traffic.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
One of the major differences is that I am not only living in the heart of our downtown, but I own two business here that require me to be downtown everyday. While others may talk about change, I’m focused on action, being present, revitalizing our economy, supporting working families, and making Meriden a more affordable and vibrant place to live. My approach is transparent, hands-on, and accountable to the people I will serve.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
I would like to address many issues, but to name a few I would like to start with creating more incentives for local entrepreneurs and minority-owned startups.

Address blight and promote homeownership opportunities for local families.

Improve roads, sidewalks, and public transit connections, while promoting clean and safer parks and green spaces. All in addition to what was previously mentioned.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In my previous and current roles, I’ve demonstrated the leadership, accountability, and commitment needed to effectively serve Meriden. I’ve worked on community initiatives that improved neighborhood safety, supported small business growth, and helped connect residents with job and training opportunities. I also have experience managing budgets and collaborating with local organizations to deliver results without increasing costs to taxpayers.

These accomplishments show my ability to listen to residents, solve problems efficiently, and follow through on commitments which is exactly what’s needs to keep Meriden moving forward.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I’ve received is to listen more than you speak and stay true to my values, even when it’s hard. It’s easy to get distracted by outside opinions, but staying grounded in who I am and what I believe has guided every major decision in my life.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
What I’d like voters to know is that I’m just like them. I live here, work here, and care deeply about making Meriden a better place to raise our family and build a future. I’m not a career politician. I’m someone who’s ready to listen, learn, and lead with integrity, hard work and dedication. I believe that when we work together, there’s no challenge we can’t overcome regardless of political party affiliation. We can work together for a better Meriden.