CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jennifer Federico For Milford Board Of Aldermen

MILFORD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

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

Jennifer Federico, a Democrat, is a Milford resident running for Board of Aldermen.

Occupation:

Controller in corporate finance with 30 years of experience managing budgets and making sure resources are used responsibly and transparently.

Family:
My husband, Joe Federico, and I have two sons: Joey (24), a Jonathan Law and Drexel University graduate, and Anthony (17), a senior at Foran High School.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Board of Aldermen 2023- present, Board of Education - Majority Leader 2017-2019, Member 2014-2019, and Permanent School Building Committee Member 2014-2019

Why are you seeking this office?
I am deeply committed to serving my community and passionate about promoting fairness for all Milford residents. With experience on both the Board of Education and the Board of Aldermen, I want to continue contributing in a role where I can make fair, thoughtful, and responsible decisions that benefit our city, including transparent and responsible management of the city’s budget.

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 affordability. I will work to encourage economic development and smart growth by reusing empty retail spaces, such as the mall. Converting some of these properties to housing where appropriate and attracting new businesses will help broaden our tax base, lower the tax burden for residents, and strengthen our community while preserving Milford’s charm.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My background in corporate finance, along with my experience on the Board of Education and the Board of Aldermen, gives me a broad understanding of the city’s needs and the financial challenges we face. I also bring an open-minded, thoughtful approach to problem-solving, asking questions, and fully exploring each issue so that all perspectives are considered before decisions are made.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Investment in Education: Milford’s public schools are an essential part of our future and have attracted many new families to Milford in recent years. During my current term on the Board of Aldermen, I have advocated strongly for investments in education and will continue to do so. I also look forward to seeing the strategic recommendations from the Board of Education based on their long-range planning work. We must continue investing strategically in our schools to maintain high standards, give every child the chance to succeed, and keep Milford a community where families want to live and grow.

Tax Relief for Seniors and Veterans: I was proud to support the expanded tax exemption for veterans passed by the Board on October 6, 2025. In the next term, I’d like to work towards solutions to expand relief for seniors with limited incomes.

Savings Through Efficiencies: Throughout my corporate career, I’ve focused on standardizing and streamlining processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and save labor hours, approaches that could bring real benefits to city government as well.

By improving efficiency and expanding our grand list through smart economic development, we can generate funds to invest in our future through education, honor the service of our veterans, and support the seniors who helped build our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Over the past two years on the Board of Aldermen, I’ve asked thoughtful, probing questions to clarify complex issues and promoted transparency in the budget process so residents can see how their tax dollars are being spent.

Previously, on the Board of Education, I carefully considered the needs of the community when making budget and policy decisions, including voting to return our elementary schools to a K–5 structure, giving students a stronger and more consistent learning environment.

I also have 30 years of experience managing budgets and capital spending in the corporate world, which I apply to understanding city budgets and investments, and ensuring the city’s resources are used effectively.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I ever received was from my Uncle Ray: “Share, share that’s fair.” I try to carry this lesson into my work on the board by making decisions that are fair, balanced, and in the best interest of the entire community. And from my dad: never bet on the Giants, they win when you expect them to lose and lose when you expect them to win.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I love living in Milford and am grateful for our beautiful shoreline and our downtown green, which serves as the heart of our community. If re-elected, I will keep working to protect the features that make Milford a great place to live and support smart economic growth. I will make fair, thoughtful decisions and take action where improvements are needed, always listening to the people of Milford.